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It's WHO you get to talk to...

The hunt for a new job, whether it's your first ever or a mid-career change, can be a frustrating experience. Looking for a job in classified newspaper ads or online is a daunting task and job seekers may actually be missing the cream-of-the-crop jobs by relying on these methods.

Many companies promote from within or rely on referrals from current employees. "Most of the best jobs are never advertised," says Michael Lebeau, M.Ed., assistant director of UAB Career Services. "Only about 30 percent are publicized through traditional channels."

So how do you get an interview for a job that's not made public?

Penetrating the hidden job market requires the applicant to be aggressive and to take the initiative by cold calling, prospecting and networking. Researching the companies where you'd like to work and finding out who runs the department that's the best fit for you is a good start.

Relying on the telephone for making a contact may end your quest at an administartive assistant's desk. Try targeting your resume to the company and sending it with a cover letter that explains why you'd be someone to interview the next time a job opening comes up.

Be creative and persistant. Your goal is to impress a future employer with your ability to get a job done without making a pest out of yourself.

If you know anyone who works at your target company, let them know you are looking for a position there. A successful job hunt may depend on personal contacts, information interviews and referrals. "People very often get jobs through someone they know. Getting to know insiders is an effective way of getting good referrals."

So if it seems that the best jobs go to the people who spend a lot of time networking and getting to know people in your organization. It may be true — but not for the reasons you thought. If the people who make hiring decisions know and like you, they may remember you when it comes time to fill that empty position. They may also have you in mind when they switch to another company and need people for their team.

Source for quotations: Newswise

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More about job networking around the Web:

Job Networking Tips

Online Social Networking from Monster Career Advice

Tips on Networking, Resumes and Interviewing