Older Workers - The Age Advantage!

The hidden job market isn't really "hidden." It's just not advertised in traditional ways such as in newspapers.
Networking means talking to people you know and anyone else appropriate who might have information about available jobs.
The job search network is made up of all the people you know who can give you suggestions on where to look for work or who to contact for work.
An information interview is an effective way to learn more about a job from either the employer or people employed in the field.
A networking card is a small card (business card size or slightly larger) that lists your contact information, most important skills, and the type of job you are interested in.

What this means for the Older Worker

Once you understand how to access the hidden job market you have many more places to look for work.
Networking and information interviews are important job search strategies.
It is important for you to become comfortable presenting and selling your skills and experience.

Where are the jobs hiding?

The hidden job market doesn't mean that there is a secret underground network where only a few people can find out about available jobs. What it means is that only a small percentage of the jobs that are available are ever advertised. Advertising is a very expensive and time-consuming process for employers. Once a job is advertised, an employer may receive hundreds of résumés, all of which will need to be read, and dozens of interviews must be arranged and conducted. Employers may prefer the idea of talking to someone who comes highly recommended by a person they trust, especially if they are hiring for a position that needs to be filled quickly or is for a short time period.

Networking for work

It is likely that many jobs you've had were found by talking to people you know and asking if they knew of available jobs, or by talking to employers or supervisors you've heard might be hiring. This is called networking.

Networking is making good use of contacts such as family, friends, and former co-workers by letting them know you are looking for work or interested in new challenges. Be careful not to confuse networking with "hitting up" everyone you know or meet for a job. You can let people know in a simple, straightforward way that you are looking for work and ask if they know of any work available or anyone you could call. Don't put people on the spot; remember you're not asking people to find you a job.

Turning the table: Give potential employers an interview

An information interview is a formal meeting with a business owner, manager, or human resources person to ask for information about a job that may or may not have been advertised. It is important to note that in the information interview you are not asking for a job, you are asking for information. It is a good idea to have a list of questions prepared, since these people are doing you a favour by taking the time to answer your questions. Ask only what you really need to know. Once you are finished the information interview, take a few minutes to make some notes about how it unfolded. If you're happy with how it went, make a note of why you think it went well. If you were not happy with the interview, make notes about what you could improve next time. Be sure to send the employers a thank-you note for their time.

Networking cards

It is important to have copies of your networking card with you at all times. This card represents a mini-résumé and you never know whom you will run into while running errands. Anyone could be a lead to your next job.

Things to think about

The hidden job market is only hidden until you start looking.
Networking is one of the best ways to access the hidden job market.
Networking cards are excellent self-marketing tools, easy to carry around, and can be given to people you meet.
Your personal job search network is larger than you may think-learn to use it to your advantage.
Besides giving you information about a job, the information interview is also good practice for a job interview.

Things to do

Make a list of all the people you know (your personal network).
Talk to all the people on your list and tell them you are looking for work.
Prepare a networking card and always carry some of them with you.
Prepare a list of employers with whom you'd like to conduct information interviews and make appointments with them.
- Prepare a list of questions for each information interview.
- Practise the questions before you get to the information interview.
- Dress and present yourself as though this were a job interview, but remember that you are asking for information, not for a job.

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