A recent New York Times front-page article reported that in July job seekers outnumbered available jobs 6-1 and that there were 2.4 million official job openings but 14.5 million people looking for work.
"That's definitely an upside down job market", says Martha Finney, president and CEO of Engagement Journeys, LLC, and co-author -- with Duncan Mathison, a veteran of the outplacement firm, Drake Beam Morin -- of "Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough."
"However," continues Finney, "what really happened was that 4 million people were hired in July! So, where did those 1.6 million jobs come from? The hidden job market!"
What have I been telling you over and over again? "Bad news sells!" The press sells more newspapers and attracts more viewers with bad news than good. It's not that they are telling you lies -- it's simply that they are telling you part of what's true -- the part that sells, and unfortunately, that part of the truth contributes to the problem, not the solution. It's like stating that some retailers are experiencing lower than usual Halloween sales, so therefore Christmas retail sales will suffer. That's not necessarily the case, but its bad news and bad news sells.
So, what is the "hidden job market" that Fnney talks about? It's the jobs that are available but are not posted or advertised anywhere. In fact, many of these hidden jobs are not even known by the employers -- until you come along and convince them that you can contribute to their profitability.
And, my friends, that's why networking is the way to go for your next job. Develop a strong network, starting with your family, friends, and neighbors. Even when employers "right size', the weak workers are eliminated, but the strong can find their place, and freezes will thaw for the right workers with the strong referrals.
Finney and Mathison's book will give you some very practical and doable actions to immensely improve your prospects in this down market. They will help you take the steps to unlock this hidden treasure. Make it your priority to stay focused and positive. Bad news may sell, but the good news is that there are jobs out there.
(Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. Contact him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.)
GETTING HIRED
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