I’m sure you’ve heard the stats that 80% of jobs are never advertised.
And yet the vast majority of job seekers compete, day in and day out for the same 20% of jobs that have the most ruthless competition and the lowest likelihood of resulting in a job offer.
It makes no sense and job seekers know this.
But, very few people actually invest their job seeking time into the underground market. At first this confused me, but after talking with hundreds of job seekers, I now understand why:
- I don’t know where to start. Jobs are clearly listed on websites and job boards. The requirements are clear and my actions are predictable. I don’t even know where to start searching for the other 80% of jobs!
- I don’t know if I am making progress. Applying for jobs is quantifiable, easy and an accepted practice. I can apply to X jobs each week and feel like I am being successful — and everyone around me agrees with me! I have no idea what progress looks like for the other 80% of jobs.
- I hate networking! Networking events full of other job-seekers are a waste of my time. I get so nervous before I have to talk with people and staring out at a room full of people I don’t know is a personal nightmare.
- The job search is stressful enough! I already feel overwhelmed and worried. I know I am supposed to be talking to people and reaching out to people I know… but, I don’t want to appear desperate or get rejected. I’m intimidated by the whole process.
Do any of those ring true to you?
Well, I’d like to introduce you to a back-door to the other 80% of jobs out there. This is one of the secret power-plays used by A-players for decades.
How Informational Interviewing Will Land Your Dream Offer
Yes, it’s called Informational Interviewing. (Rebecca-Style)
It’s easy.
It’s quantifiable.
It requires no “working the crowd.”
It works.
I’ve seen it time and again: job seekers tap their immediate networks, maybe they reach out to old acquaintances and maybe they go to networking events. But…
Job seekers have no idea how to strategically expand their network based on their goals.
When you strategically expand your network you get to meet the people in charge of hiring, but you get the inside scoop. You’ll know which companies you want to work for — and which ones you don’t. You’ll know how to present yourself in the interview, because you’ll know what their main points are and what type of boss you have. You’ll know what the big challenges are for the company right now.
In other words, not only do you get the benefits of exposure to the 80% jobs that are never advertised, but you also get the kinds of insider information that enables you to stand out and get hired.
The Rules of Informational Interviewing Are the Same for Everyone — from Entry-Level to CEO
I often heard from executives that they were too old or too accomplished to do informational interviews.
Malarky.
Informational Interviews are job search gold-mines of information and relationships at all career stages. And, while, yes, Informational Interviews are key to helping young people figure out what they want to do, they are just as effective for executives trying to assess new industries, companies or career paths.
And, whether you are fresh out of school or a seasoned exec, you play by the same rules (on different playing fields). No one calls it an informational interview (outside of your to-do list!). Everyone’s goal is to build a relationship based on trust and respect with the other person. And follow-up is the most important part of every single informational interview, ever.
We’ll talk about that here next week.
Strategic Networking through Informational Interviews Will Get You Hired
I’ve seen it time and again.
From entry level to executive, job seekers get hired when they start strategically expanding their network and job search with informational interviews.
They are an instant and underutilized access point to the 80% of jobs that are never advertised. They are far more effective than the 20-resumes a day application process or networking events, one after another.
So, do yourself a big favor and get on the Informational Interviewing band-wagon, right now.
