Jobs & Money Detail
The hidden overseas jobs market
You need to look beyond the obvious when searching for overseas jobs, even in the booming Alberta labour market, writes Thelma O’ Connor
When seeking overseas jobs, there are two job markets for you to access – the 'Visible Job Market' and the 'Hidden Job Market'. It is generally accepted in Canada that the visible job market represents about 15 per cent to 20 per cent of all available jobs, yet this is the market that most newcomers access.
A good metaphor for the Canadian job market would be to describe it as an iceberg. The visible job market represents the tip, which is above the water. However, most of the jobs – like most of the iceberg – are hidden from view. For every 100 jobs available, at least 80 will be hidden. Only 20 will be advertised but for every 100 job seekers, only ten people will look in the hidden job market. The other 90 will rely on the visible job market! These hidden jobs come about in several ways. The most common way is as a result of an upcoming change in a company – for example and expansion, new technology, reorganisation, promotions, relocations, transfers, retirements etcetera. A new position will be created. It hasn't been advertised yet and it may not be clearly defined but it is coming, and there is someone in the company who knows it's coming.
Advertising these jobs in newspapers and on the Internet is both time consuming and expensive for companies and the results are often slow in coming. So, many companies opt for cheaper and faster methods first. For example, many post their job openings in-house. To spread the word about these jobs, employers will sometimes offer incentives or cash rewards to their employees, if the people they recommend from the outside are hired. Word of mouth is a major way these hidden jobs get filled, and cash incentives certainly get people talking!
Hidden overseas jobs also arise as a result of problems. Every company, no matter how successful, has problems. If a company has a problem that is costing them money or time or customers, and they became aware of someone who has the know-how to solve their problem, what do they do? Yes, you've guessed it! They create a job for that person and often to hire them immediately. Remember, just because a job isn't advertised it doesn't mean that an employer isn't looking for candidates.
Clearly, as a newcomer to Canada you can improve your job prospects dramatically if you're part of the 10 per cent who look in the hidden job market (where 80 per cent of the jobs are), rather than if you're part of the 90 per cent who look in the visible job market (where just 20 per cent of the jobs are). However, don't ignore the visible job market, but spend more time accessing the hidden job market.
Tapping into the hidden overseas jobs market means identifying companies that would likely be a fit for you. It requires knowledge of companies that are active in your field, are planning projects that could use you, are expanding their product or service lines, licensing new technology, launching new ventures, replacing retired personnel, and so on. All of this, of course, requires a more creative approach to your job search, and some hard work on your part.
There are many facets to learning how to successfully access the hidden overseas jobs market. If you feel uncertain, then seek the help of those who can assist you. Here are a few basic tips to help you get started:
Build a network: Since networking is a huge part of finding unadvertised vacancies you will need to learn how to build a network
Broadcast: Let people know you are looking for a job, what your past experience includes, and what type of work you seek
Be professional: Even if your prior relationship with a contact was personal, when networking, stay professional
Be diplomatic: Do not come right out and ask for a job; this is often considered impolite. Ask contacts for tips or leads that you can follow – ask them to point you in the right direction
Cold-calling: In addition to network-building you will need to learn to do cold calls to employers who are not advertising. This is hard work, and especially difficult for individuals who cannot market themselves
Be confident: Don't be shy. Fake confidence if you need to Get out there: Attend conferences, seminars or trade shows that relate to your line of work. Keep on learning.
Good luck with your job search!
Thelma O' Connor, a Canadian Employee Relocation Council and Relocation Specialist, emigrated to Canada in 1995 and operates Canada Wise, a relocation, orientation and settlement service for corporate transferees and individuals/families relocating to Canada.
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