Only 10-20 percent of all jobs are advertised in print media or on-line. It is crucial to your job search to find the hidden job market.

• Identify your skills and what you have to offer. Start by asking, “Why should this employer hire me?” Be creative, detailed, and specific and list all relevant experience, train- ing, and skills.
• Network for information. Make a list of every- one you know, from old friends and former col- leagues to parents of your child’s classmates. Talk to anyone who can give you insight into where your skill sets might fit, what industries are hiring, and possible job titles that match your qualifications. People will be reluctant to talk if you ask for a job lead, but people love to offer advice and will give you 15 minutes to pick their brain.
• Research potential employers. Libraries hold the key to your future. It’s important to research companies to learn as much as you can about the tasks, skills, and experiences they are looking for. Think about what company may desire your unique skills or background and then use an expert researcher to find them. Focus on a specific industry or position — starting too broadly can be overwhelming — then widen your circle, either geo-graphically or by industry.
• Request an information interview. Once you find the name of a per- son responsible for a particular area of interest, call the company and verify that person’s name and contact information. If you don’t have a contact at the company, ask for someone by title. You might say, “I need to write a letter to your head of accounting. May I know his or her name?” If all else fails, ask for the president. It’s unlikely you’ll get through, but secretaries can often point you in the right direction. Once you have a name, send a per- sonalized cover letter and resume. In the let- ter, state exactly what information you’re seeking. Saying you’re looking for any avail- able position will result in a dead end. Ask- ing for an informational interview will more likely get you in the door. End your letter by indicating you’ll be calling within thenext few days.
• Follow-up is key. Otherwise your let- ter will end up in a pile with all the other unsolicited letters. Be “professionally persist- ent” or a “nice nudge,” and make sure you are not for- gotten.
• Create a support group. Surround yourself with “job search buddies” — friends, relatives, or networking colleagues — who will keep you motivated and on target.
• Know what you have to offer, do your homework, find your buyers, and then sell, sell, sell!