There is a lot of talk about the availability of jobs, apprenticeships and other schemes for graduates. However, research suggests that 70% of vacancies are never advertised.
With high numbers of graduates out of work for months after leaving university, the so-called hidden jobs market could open up an array of opportunities.
While traditional job portals are incredibly useful in the graduate job search, they are not the only way to find credible employment. Despite vacancies on the hidden jobs market, not being openly advertised, graduates are still able to apply for them – once they find them.
There are two main reasons that employers don’t advertise their graduate roles: because they can’t afford to compete with the big recruiters or because they simply don’t need to.
A staggering 99% of businesses in the UK are SMEs, but they often end up being invisible to graduates searching for a way onto the jobs market. Finding a way to tap into this sector could provide a wealth of new opportunities.
Finding employment through the hidden jobs market requires a little more creativity. Networking is essential for any graduate jobseeker, whether it be at events, such as recruitment fairs or conferences or online.
Doing research into the company will also help graduate’s chances. It gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your passion and determination, persuading employers that you are the right person for the job.
Employers are also utilising social media to help them find the cream of the crop. Facebook and Twitter are used by millions of graduates, but employers use these platforms to recruit the next generation of company executives.
LinkedIn, the professional network, is also a great way to show off education, skills and experience. Employers are often scouring profiles looking for potential employees and also advertising some ‘hidden’ jobs.
However, the use of social media by graduates should also be done with employers in mind, as employers are no longer restricted to viewing just a CV, a few keystrokes into any social media platform and they could find out more than applicants expected.
