Unadvertised job sources
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Unadvertised jobs — or finding advertised jobs in sources you don't know about!
Job hunters actively seeking employers
A large percentage of jobs are not advertised.
In any research you do on the job search, you will encounter information about "the hidden job market," that is the job market that is not directly advertised.
Much of job growth is accounted for by small businesses, and those are the types of organizations that are sometimes less likely to directly advertise openings.
If an employer can find a sufficient supply of job candidates, the employer may be able to forgo the time and expense of advertising a job. Additionally, advertising a job can lead to an employer being overwhelmed by applications, many inappropriate for the position, so advertising doesn't always help an employer find strong candidates.
Employers, just like job-seekers, network. Networking is the most effective way to find jobs that may not be advertised, or perhaps to stand out from the crowd when applying for an advertised job.
There may be jobs that are advertised, but are not advertised in a place you've found; perhaps on the specific employer's web site, for example; and if you don't know that employer exists (such as a small, new business), you may not find the advertised job. Networking and research can help you discover these potential opportunities.
If you don't have success with advertised job sources, you should search for potential employers who might give an internship, co-op or full-time job to you if you take initiative to do some research on the organization, make contact and make a good pitch. A good pitch means that you offer something (skills, problem solving, etc.) to an employer, not tell the employer what the organization can do for you.
Many employers post jobs on their own web sites, but you need a way to find out that those companies and organizations exist.
Sources:
Past employers or volunteer supervisors (your internship, summer job, field study, or co-op employer perhaps)
You know them, they know you. A job opening emerges. Perhaps you're a fit. Stay in touch and stay connected. This is an excellent source for networking.More about networking
What it is and isn't. With whom to network and how to do it professionally.Hokie Nation Network through the Virginia Tech Alumni Association
Professional and social networking resource.
(And there are also advertised jobs posted in Hokie Nation Network.)
Online professional networking resource used extensively by professionals, recruiters and human resources personnel. Help for students on using LinkedIn in networking and your online presence.
FAQ:
Q: If I want to work for an organization, and I don't know if they have openings, can I write and just ask to be considered for any job they might have?
A: Well, maybe.
First, it won't help to write and say "please consider me for any job you might have." And you don't want to say you're qualified for a job when you don't know if the job exists or what it might be.
You can take the approach of doing research and making an inquiry. It's essential to show that you are truly interested in the organization and that you've done your homework. Otherwise your letter will sound like a shot-gunned generic form letter (which employers vigorously dislike).
Example: You love building bikes. You ride a certain brand of bike. You write to the company who builds your favorite bike, tell them you're a fan and about the skills you have to offer. Then follow up with a phone call. That may be time well-spent. You could even ask for an informational interview: you don't ask for a job; you do ask for advice about the field.