YOU CAN'T HAVE YOUR CAKE

BUT YOU CAN GREATLY INCREASE YOUR CHANCES...

Everybody has heard the saying “You can’t have your cake and eat it, too.” I always wondered, "What good is cake if you don’t eat it, anyway?" Cake is for eating just as jobs are for filling. Why would anyone post a job  that doesn’t need to be filled? Keep reading.

One professional estimates that 65% of all posted jobs are already filled. Another touts that certain jobs in technology are always open—employers are just collecting enough resumes that they will have a pool to  select from when a job need arises.

According to studies, 80% of jobs are filled through the hidden job market. The hidden job market? If it’s hidden, how is it that anybody finds anything?

Good question. The hidden job market refers to jobs that are filled through relationships, rather than externally publicizing them, such as running ads in the newspaper or posting jobs on Facebook or LinkedIn. For example, a receptionist quits her job and the position needs to be filled. But before the ad is ever posted or perhaps before the job description is even written, the boss says “You know my niece is looking for a job right now, and she is a great girl. Why don’t we give her a try?” Voila. The spot is filled.

Why do employers use the hidden job market anyway? There are dozens of reasons. Here’s a few:
• Ad costs, interviews, lost productivity, mistakes, time all cost money. It’s cheaper.
• Prompt resolution to the problem at hand. It’s faster.
• Can be a lot easier and more effective;
• Employees benefit – good will, finder’s fee, enhanced relations with the boss;
• More confidence – people on the inside can vouch for one’s character. It’s better.

Is this always the best approach? It doesn’t matter whether this is the best approach, candidate, or solution—or not. It happens nonetheless. So be sure you establish great connections.

That is where the people at BYU Alumni Career Services come in. That’s their specialty. Bringing people together and providing solutions is what they do.

“I see it every day,” said Scott Greenhalgh, manager of Alumni Career Services. “BYU alumni connect with us, and it makes a world of difference… Our purpose is helping employers and candidates find each other. That’s what we do.”

So remember whether just beginning the job search or strategically making a career move, relationships are key. Alumni Career Services can help.