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Yes, Virginia, there is a “hidden job market”. Reports estimate that as many as 85% of jobs aren’t advertised. Networking is one way to get at the “hidden job market” , those unadvertised jobs.

First, understand there are all levels of networking.

Level 1.  As Joan Runnheim recommends: Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. They just may know of someone who is hiring. Develop a contact list including: family, friends, friends of friends, acquaintances, co-workers, former co-workers, neighbors, doctors, dentists, and lawyers. If you live in a large city, chances are you can find a job search support/networking group to attend. Remember, more contacts equals more job opportunities.

Level 2. Get involved with organizations and non-profits where you can be helpful and highlight your skills at the same time.  Listen carefully to others’ needs. “Try to understand what others see as your value proposition. Take the initiative and volunteer advice, knowledge or other valuable information first, without being asked to do so. Once you have demonstrated that you can provide value, “says Executive recruiter William Werksman, ears will perk up.  You will begin to be on people’s radar.  You never know who in that group might need someone with your demonstrated skills, either now or sometime in the future. Once you make a contact, nurture it.  Stay in contact. Try to be helpful when called upon.  The more you can demonstrate your ability, the more likely someone will recognize it as a “must have” for their organization.

Level 3. To ratchet the game up a notch, more power comes when you tap into an existing network.  As you know there are all kinds of existing networks, and by now you should have tapped into many of them: your own professional network, all varieties of business networks, leadership networks such as those run by United Way or your Chamber of Commerce or high profile non-profits which call on movers and shakers in a community.

Joan Runnheim, M.S., founder of Pathways Career Success Strategies, a career consultant, gives her views on networking and marketing yourself in Career Success Through Self-Marketing – AdvancingWomen.com

“Marketing shouldn’t be limited to advertising companies. Finding a job or enhancing your current position requires good self-marketing skills. What is self-marketing? Basically, self-marketing is communicating your benefits to potential or current employers. Think of yourself as a “product” and explain to employers what differentiates you from other “products.”

Why is self-marketing important? Landing a job or improving your current position requires effectively selling your skills, abilities, and knowledge to employers.  You can’t sell yourself if you don’t get out there and meet people or tap into much larger networks which will get the word out about your value.

Today is a good time to start.

To read this entire article go to Career Success Through Self-Marketing – AdvancingWomen.com – Careers-Employment.

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