Most job openings are not advertised, creating what seems like a Hidden job market.
Information about available work is circulated through manager's network of co-workers, business
associates, friends and acquaintances.
How can you find out about these jobs?
Research potential employers.
The Information Interview can be
a useful way to find out more about the kind of industry or company you would like to work for.
While this technique is not designed for finding a job, the contacts you make may lead you to job openings.
For more information
Contact potential employers.
You have a list of potential employers, but you don't know if they have any job openings.
Visit the employers' home page to see if it has a job-posting section. If not,
it's time to phone Personnel or a hiring manager.
- Prepare by reviewing your resume and practising what you're going to say.
- Write down your opening words in case you get flustered. Here is a sample "script."
"Hello, my name is ____________. I understand that your company does _____ and that's my area of career interest.
I was wondering if you had any current job openings."
- If the contact says no,
ask if they anticipate any openings in the future or if he/she knows of anyone in the same line of business who does.
- Make sure that you get the full name and title of the person you're speaking to.
- Keep your resume in front of you in case the manager asks you questions.
- If the manager seems interested, ask if you could meet with him/her to discuss possibilities in more detail.
- If the manager can't meet with you, ask if you can send in your resume.
- Whatever happens, thank your contact. Send a thank-you note and re-state your interest in working for his/her organization.
- Keep the information on your contact and his/her organization. You never know when you might need it again.
Use your network. Networking can be your best strategy for finding work.
- Call everyone you know and tell them you're looking for work.
- Ask each person if he/she can recommend someone else you could talk to.
- Contact associations related to your occupation/industry.
Go to Networking Know-How for more information.
Do a letter-writing campaign.
Network through email or personal letters to acquaintances or former co-workers.
- Begin with a friendly reminder so the person can place you.
- Indicate the kind of work you're looking for. Be as specific as you can.
- Briefly state why you're qualified. Your contact may be able to provide more help if he/she knows a little about your background.
- If you are writing a letter, include a note card with spaces for your contact to write the organization's name, address, phone number, and who you should write or speak to in the organization.
- Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
- Thank your contact for his/her help.
Join a job-finding club. These clubs provide employment leads and help with resumes, cover letters and interviews. To find your local job-finding club(s):
Visit job/career fairs. At these public events, organizations send representatives to talk to work searchers, providing you with a great opportunity to network with several employers at once.
- Check professional associations in your areas of career interest. To find the contact information for
associations, look in Job Futures,
or consult your local librarian.
- Call the Career Centre at your local university, community college or Cégep.
- Check with your Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce.
- Search the Internet.
- For tips on how to make such fairs work for you, go to Job/Career Fairs.
Internet Resources
Local Labour Market Information 
Find out what's happening to different industries and companies in your home town.
Access the Hidden Job Market
