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 and sectors
• Contact potential employers
• Use your network
• Do a letter-writing campaign
• Join a job-finding club
• Visit job/career fairs
• What is happening in your local labour market?

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.

• Labour Market Information - Who Hires

Contact potential employers. You have a list of potential employers, but you don't know if they have any job openings. 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.

Visit the employers' home page to see if it has a job-posting section.

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 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.
• 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):

• Contact your local municipal offices or YM/YWCA.
• Employment Services and Training Assistance

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 with the sector councils or 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.