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t is estimated that 80% of jobs are not advertised. Instead, these jobs are filled by people the employer already knows, who are referred to them, or by job seekers who happen to contact them.
When employers are not advertising job openings, very few job seekers contact those employers to inquire about openings. Although nine times out of ten, the employers contacted will not have openings, they can still be a networking source, and one time out of ten or one time out of fifteen, they will have an opening or anticipate an opening. Remember, every “no” you hear gets you closer to a “yes.”
Because very few job hunters use this strategy, you can stand out to employers who have a need to hire someone like you. While you can find jobs in the “unadvertised” job market using this technique, the letter and follow-up phone call also provide powerful networking opportunities. Below is an example of a cover letter you can use as a template. Don’t forget that your Strengths Summary can be used for one of your paragraphs.
Here is a template example to help you develop a direct employer contact letter.
Congratulations! You have created your “big six” marketing tools and are now ready to learn how to find jobs in the “hidden” job market.
Career experts estimate that 80% of jobs are not found on job boards. Instead, these jobs are filled by people the employer already knows, who are referred to them, or by job seekers who happen to contact them.
When employers are not advertising job openings, very few job seekers contact those employers to inquire about openings. Although nine times out of ten, the employers contacted will not have openings, they can still be a networking source, and one time out of ten or one time out of fifteen, they will have an opening or anticipate an opening. Remember, every “no” you hear gets you closer to a “yes.”
Because few job hunters use this strategy, you have a unique opportunity to stand out to employers looking to hire someone like you. While you can find jobs in the “unadvertised” job market using this technique, the letter and follow-up phone call also provide powerful networking opportunities. Below is an example of a cover letter you can use as a template. Don’t forget that your Strengths Summary can be used for one of your paragraphs. This is your chance to try something different and potentially more effective in your job search.
Here is a template example to help you develop a direct employer contact letter.
Congratulations! You have created your “big six” marketing tools and are now ready to learn how to find jobs in the “unadvertised” job market. This strategy has proven effective for many job seekers, and with your determination and these tools, you’re well on your way to finding rewarding, fulfilling work.
Next Steps
Your LinkedIn profile is the final of the “big six” marketing steps. Also known as Resume 2.0, LinkedIn.com is your online resume and a vital tool in your job search process, which we will look at later. According to top recruiting research company Jobvite, 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find qualified candidates. Learn how to develop and maximize the impact of your profile.