Hidden Job Market Assignment

PART 1:

A variety of sources estimate that perhaps 85% of all job openings are not advertised online or in the newspapers. This helps lend credibility to the statement "It is not what you know but who you know". With this in mind it is necessary for job seekers to develop a plan to penetrate the hidden job market and open themselves up to a wider array of opportunities.

Directions: 
1. Click here to go to the JobHunt.org website and read about ways you can penetrate the Hidden Job Market. (site is broken)
2. Submit the following:

a. Utilizing the ideas presented of "Push", "Pull", and "Maintain" and integrating internet/library research develop your own personal strategy to find unadvertised opportunities. You must present at least two solid ideas in each area. 500-750 words.

PART 2:

Spending productive time with someone already in the field, company or position you are interested in can yield a wide variety of benefits. By conducting structured "informational interviews" you can ask hosts of questions that can provide a wealth of specific answers that that can use to help evaluate jobs, careers and employers. Questions related to job qualifications, typical workdays, compensation, benefits, opportunities for advancement, etc., are typical for informational interviews. Another benefit of conducting an informational interview is penetrating the hidden job market. While you are asking your questions, you have an opportunity to sell yourself in a subtle way.

1. Read the section on Informational Interviewing in Chapter 8 of your text.
2. Utilizing one of your contacts identified in Part 1-2b (above) arrange an informational interview and follow the suggested guidelines offered in Chapter 8.
3. Submit the following information:

1. The name, title and company of the person you are interviewing
2. Responses to the suggested Informational Interview Questions in Chapter 8..