The Job Market

I have been watching some videos about the "hidden job market" today and I'm not sure if it makes me feel better or worse about the current job market. Yes, this is good news because it means there are tons of jobs out there that you won't find on-line or on postings on professional websites. But bad news, those big name companies that are impossible to get real person contact with, you will probably have even a harder time getting those jobs.

In the video, she mentions hiring managers. However, for my field, the hiring managers are the fellow graphic designers working at the design agency, or the owners of the agency. Typically in smaller design firms, there isn't someone else doing the leg work. However, I am quite confident that these design firms have already talked to many people and received personal recommendations for the job, and by the time someone like myself finds the posting on-line, at least three people have been interviewed for the job I'm just learning about.

Fairness is not a factor here. Companies have to make a profit, and they have to find someone they are confident can fill the position. So companies are watching their backs, using connections and recommendations over a random person found on-line. So what does it mean for people without connections in the companies they want to work for? Its hard to say.

First of all, applicants now a days have to be extremely pro-active, outgoing and willing to work hard. They have to network and make connections any way they can. Some ways to do this are through contacting firms and companies you like or respect their work and get some informational interviews. This way there isn't pressure on either side, but your getting face time with someone. Another way, professional organizations. Start getting involved in the community of the career your working towards. Then your face and name will start to be familiar around people who may already being doing what you hope to do. Another big way, when you meet someone, talk to them, ask them questions about what they do, who they know, and their background. This can be a huge help, because maybe they know someone who can help you, or maybe they themselves can be of help.

Basically get out there! The job market today is rough, and its not easy. But if you start to tap in to the hidden job market, you may find opportunities that never would have been available to you before.