Need to find a new job quickly? In this economy, many people need to find work fast, yet they unwittingly prolong their unemployment. One study found that 95 percent of job seekers make mistakes in their job search that hinder them from securing their next job. The tips in this article will help make sure you are not one of them!

Most job-hunting mistakes fall into two categories: (1) unproductive methods of finding job openings, and (2) ineffective interviewing skills. In today’s insecure job market, it makes sense to learn how to use the very best job search strategies. Knowing how to reduce the time it takes to find a new job is one way you can have “employment security” in an unstable economy.

Find “Hidden” Job Openings

There are two different job markets: the advertised (or organized) job market and the hidden (or disorganized) job market. Most job hunters spend all of their time in the advertised job market, which is the most familiar one. It includes jobs that are found on the Internet, in classified ads, and through employment agencies. The jobs are organized and readily accessible. It is the most popular job market because it is the easiest to access.

While approximately 95 percent of job hunters rely on the advertised job market to find employment, it is estimated that only 15-25 percent of the available jobs are represented here. As you can imagine, if you are only using the advertised job market your job search process is likely to be slower and more frustrating. Not only is there only a small percentage of actual job openings listed, but you will find more intense competition because of the large number of job hunters who use the classified ads on the Internet and other sources. Some job hunters even give up their search for a particular job because they either see no openings in the classified ads for that type of work, or they get no response to the resumes they have sent.

The majority of jobs that are available at any given time are found in the so-called “hidden job market.” The jobs are hidden because they are filled without employers advertising them on the Internet or in newspapers. Finding these jobs requires a more proactive and strategic approach.

Job seekers find out about “hidden” job openings through developing personal contacts and contacting employers directly. This job market is more difficult to access, but tends to yield much more fulfilling and rewarding work. Also, when you get into the hidden job market, you may find you are the only applicant for a great job!

Does this mean you should avoid using the advertised job market? Of course not! The advertised job market does contain about 15-25 percent of available job openings, and they are organized so that it is easier to find positions for which you qualify. What it does mean, however, is that you should organize your job search work so that you are investing no more than 25-30 percent of your job search time in pursuing possibilities in the advertised job market, and 70-75 percent of your time using strategies to tap into the hidden job market. By dividing your job search time in this way, you will greatly increase your chances of finding employment quickly.

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