A good way to tap into this vast source of unadvertised jobs is by networking. Networking is simply letting friends, relatives, acquaintances, and people in your industry know that you are in the market for a job. It's best to direct your networking efforts toward people in the industry in which you want to work, but it s important not to put your contacts on the spot. Don t ask them for leads on a specific job or try to pin them down. Instead, ask them if they know anyone who may be hiring or who could direct you toward someone who is hiring.
Professional organizations are great places to network.
It may be that you already have a number of contacts in an organization to which you belong, but if you don t belong to an organization, join one. Any opportunity to meet people in your field is not only helpful for your job search, but can be invaluable throughout your career. Thank-you notes go a very long way, yet few people take the time to write them. It's another way to set yourself apart from your competitors. Contact employers directly Directly contacting a potential employer is another effective way to tap into the unadvertised job market, but it takes planning and preparation.