You have applied to all relevant online postings – now what?  10 Strategies for Finding Jobs in the Hidden Market

At this time of year, many people are gearing down from other activities as they prepare for the holidays. “I will get back on track in the new year” is a common phrase used by many. Yet the holiday season can provide excellent opportunities for networking as we attend events where we may not have seen people for a very long time. This gives us the opportunity to have a conversation in a more relaxed setting.

Online job search is the norm. Check out our tips for using online resources to help you get noticed by employers in a competitive marketplace.

It has often been quoted that “there is no love stronger than a parent’s love for their child.” With the goal of raising happy, health, successful adults, we do everything in our power to create opportunities that will allow our children to have many doors open to them in the future. Sometimes the intent to be helpful can inhibit a child’s ability to become confident, independent, resourceful and successful. While the process of finding employment can be challenging and discouraging, allowing them to find and maintain the job helps them develop the skills they need for the numerous career changes ahead. We have outlined some tips that will allow you to show your support while also promoting independence during the job search and career planning process.

With LinkedIn being an online networking platform for professionals, it may seem premature for high school students to register. Void of post-secondary education and varied work experience, teens are more limited in the amount of information that can be added to their profile. However, there a wealth of information that can be added to each section and an endless supply of labour market and career planning information that can be accessed. Here is a list of tips outlining how this platform can assist with opening doors to both employment, academic, and scholarship opportunities for high school students.

For years we have been told that the majority of jobs are in the ‘hidden job’ market meaning that only 10-20 percent of positions are advertised. As a result,  a very small portion of your weekly job search should be dedicated to newspaper ads and internet job boards and the majority spent on identifying potential job prospects with targeted employers in your area of skill or training.

There are many options for promoting yourself to potential employers. Whether you are using a CV, chronological resume, functional/skills-based resume, portfolio, promotional video, social media platforms, personal website, or LinkedIn profile, there are many ways to highlight your qualifications and attributes.
In addition to recommending the use of keywords, there is an emerging focus on headlining accomplishment-based examples. This format allows the job seeker to portray their value, innovation, and special skills.

For months we have talked about COVID…the potential impact on our health, months of social isolation from loved ones, restrictions on non-essential travel, and long-term unemployment. While many of us thought in March it would only last a few weeks, here we are 5 months later with still many restrictions in place. With long-term uncertainty and the various stages of businesses reopening, it has been challenging both supporting and advising job seekers on how to cope with the pandemic. Here are the things we know for sure: