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If you limit your job search to applying only for advertised roles or speaking with recruiters, you are missing out on the bulk of employment opportunities. Also, recruiters generally only prioritise candidates with direct relevant experience. If you are looking to change industries and/or role families, you are highly unlikely to do this via a recruiter (internal or external).
How do you access the hidden job market? You need to get in front of your preferred employers of choice before they know they need you. Research the companies to identify who your role would most likely report through to. Connect with them on LinkedIn (most will have a profile) and send them an email asking for a 15-minute introductory meeting.
Try connecting with your preferred employer on LinkedIn rather than wait for a job vacancy.
Don’t reach out to human resources (unless you are an HR professional); instead make sure you target your anticipated direct line manager. HR typically are dealing with existing vacancies plus myriad other tasks. The line manager will have a more strategic view of their business and human capital requirements and will be more likely to want to meet.
As long as your background is relevant, and you have a LinkedIn profile that clearly articulates your key achievements and transferable skills, these hiring managers will want to meet you. If they can hire you without paying a recruitment fee, all the better for them. I have coached more than 1000 executives through their job search, and when people apply this methodology consistently and proactively, they are typically amazed at how quickly they find a new job.
Moving to a portfolio career
Similar to point two, when you are ready to step up into consulting, note that many consulting or short-term project roles are rarely advertised. If you are looking for these opportunities, go directly to the organisations you want to work with.
Following these simple strategies will significantly improve your ability to achieve your dream job and have a rich and fulfilling career. Yes, it does require you to get out of your comfort zone but like most things in life, fortune favours the brave.
Richard Triggs, author of Winning the War for Talent, is founder and CEO of Arete Executive, an executive search and recruitment company.
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