This document provides guidance on finding hidden job opportunities beyond traditional job postings. It discusses targeting companies, networking, informational interviewing, and speculative applications to access the hidden job market. The hidden job market, which makes up around 75% of opportunities, can be accessed through direct outreach, networking, and temporary work. The document emphasizes researching industries, developing networks of contacts, and gaining information on companies and roles through informational interviews to learn about opportunities beyond job listings. It also provides tips on creating an action plan and resources for job seeking assistance.

1. Job Seeking
and the hidden job market
John McMenamin
Careers Consultant
Career Development Centre

2. Objectives
This session will help you to:
• Identify and find potential employers
• Explore different ways of making contact with
those employers in order to access the hidden
jobs they may have
• Assess and focus your job search strategy

3. Getting started
• What job do I want?
• What have I got to offer?
• What jobs are out there?

4. Targeting companies
• Business activity
• Size
• Training
• Prospects
• Culture
• Travel
• Location
• Salary
• Benefits
• Security

5. Iceberg principle
75%
The open
job market
Advertised
posts
The hidden
Job market
Direct
approaches
Networking
25%

6. Open job market
• Internet
– career development centre
– company websites
– job sites
• Recruitment agencies
• Recruitment fairs
• Local and national press
• Job centre Plus

7. Finding the hidden jobs
• Networking – conventional & social media
• Informational interviewing
• Work (experience), temping and volunteering
• Speculative applications - in writing
• Cold calling - in person, by phone

8. Networking
• Family, friends, fellow students
• Clubs and associations
• Tutors and careers consultants
• Previous employers
• Professional associations
• Alumni Association

9. Social networking
Linkedin, facebook, twitter:
• Establish contact with professionals you have
recently met
• Research or follow specific companies/people
• Identify industry trends
But take care over your online profile.
http://www.careerplayer.com/tips-and-advice/general-
advice/social-media-and-job-hunting/

10. Informational interviewing
• When you find someone who knows about a
field or occupation
• Ask for a short interview / chat – 10 minutes
• This is not JOB SEARCH – it is RESEARCH

11. Making the most of
informational interviews
• Imagine the conversation is with your hero and you want
their opinion on something. Offer an open question
(who, what, why, how) but don’t interrogate them.
– How did you get started in your business?
– What do you enjoy most about your profession?
– What advice would you give to someone just starting
out in the industry?
– What do you see as the coming trends in your
business?
– What’s the best thing about your work?
– Listen to what they are saying and ask follow-up
questions that occur to you. “Interesting… so why…?”

12. Benefits of networking / interviewing
• What employers are looking for?
• Information about specific companies
• Industry trends, challenges and opportunities
• Job hunting advice
• Expand your network
• Possible experience / work opportunities

13. Networking/informational interviewing
exercise
• On the back of your action plan – write
“ME” in the middle of the page
• Pick one of the jobs that you’d like. Who
do you know who might be able to help
you with finding information about the job
and potential vacancies?

14. Networking exercise
• I want to become a writer
Self-published his own book which
did quite wellTony
(Uncle)
Theresa
(Neighbour)
Works for a local
publisher
Jenny
(Zumba)
Part of a local
writer’s group
Matthew
(Brother)
Julie
(Friend)
Published author
Sumi
(Colleague)
Nigel
(ex colleague)
Now works for a
literary agent
Mark
(Her husband)
Plays squash with an
Account manager at
Hodder & Stoughton
As you start chasing leads, you can add to it. The above does not include contact
through groups (alumni association, professional bodies), online (linkedin) or
‘warm’ leads to working as a writer at work / at university.
ME

15. Speculative approaches
• Identify possible companies via:
- word of mouth / networking
- newspapers / online business news
- online communities
- professional bodies
• Identify relevant contact via:
- cold calling (phone or in person)
- linkedin/twitter

16. Speculative applications
• Research the company / roles
• Target named person, with a relevant role in the
organisation
• Develop a persuasive, targeted CV and covering
letter
• Follow up with a phone call
• Ask for further contacts
• Keep a record of all activity - follow-up

17. Your action plan
• What are you aiming for?
(Your career goals)
• What is your current situation?
(Job hunting activities underway)
• What actions will you take?
(Specific action steps with target dates)

18. Useful links
• Career player – networking, job hunting, social
media
• Linkedin – student guides to getting started
And for advertised positions:
www.westminster.ac.uk/careers
• Online vacancy and events system
• Targeted vacancy sources
www.prospects.ac.uk

19. Further information and guidance
Career Development Centre:
• 20-minute quick queries:
CV, covering letter, application form advice
• 45-minute: individual career coaching,
detailed career planning, mock interviews
CDC resources:
• CV Guide
• Videos and DVDs
• Free sector-specific and general careers publications
All services available up to 3 years after graduation)

20. Contact us
Harrow
Harrow Campus
Room EG.16
Maria Hewlett Building
Nearest tube: Northwick Park
Central London
Cavendish House
1st Floor
101 New Cavendish Street
Nearest tube: Warren St/
Goodge St/Gt Portland St
Tel: 020 7911 5184
E-mail: careers@wmin.ac.uk
www.westminster.ac.uk/careers

21. In summary
• Know what you have to offer and what you want
• Know what’s out there
• Develop your network
• Plan your campaign
• Review it regularly
....and, if you need help, seek advice and
guidance