There is quite of bit of interest in what is being termed the “invisible” job market. With the economy on a seeming downturn, and a vast majority of employers cutting their work force, there is a glut of talented workers looking for jobs. Job seekers are turning to various online job sites, help wanted classifieds and even employment agencies to find work. The shocking truth is only about one-fifth of job openings are actually advertised! This article gives you 6 amazingly simple steps to access this employment secret.

Step 1 — Take Control of Your Job Search Forget about lowering your standards and applying for the jobs listed in your paper, or on the internet. Decide on the position you want and make a list of your attributes that make you the perfect candidate for that job.

Step 2 — Decide on the companies from which you would accept a job offer

Do some research on the companies that you would like to work for and determine which of them best suit your needs. In doing this research, approach it as if YOU are the one doing the hiring. Find out what industry they service. Determine what problems they are facing and how they could be solved if they hired you.

Step 3 – Get the Contact Information of the Company’s Decision Makers

This is a very simple step, yet most job seekers aren’t willing to take it. Just by doing so, you are vastly eliminating the competition. Simply call each firm’s main number and ask for the name (and spelling), as well as, the title of the manager in charge of your area of interest. Unless you are applying for a Human Resources (HR) position, do not let the operator give you the HR manager. This is critical! You want the contact information of the hiring manager in the department you are interested in.

Step 4 – Write a must-read cover letter

Yes, you will be sending your resume to your select companies, but the secret to tapping into the invisible job market is your attention demanding cover letter. First, address the letter to the hiring manager in the department of your interest. Do not just address it “Dear Hiring Manager”. Use the person’s name. Otherwise it will end up in the circular file. Next, include information about the company that you obtained in your research. Acknowledge the company’s strengths, but also point out one problem that you came across in your research. Finally, explain how your strengths and experiences will help this manager solve the problem you identified.

The cover letter is of the utmost importance in this process. It is also your key to getting the hiring manager to contact you about a position that isn’t even advertised. There are scores of great resources online to help you in writing a great cover letter.

Step 5 – Send your cover letter and resume

This is why step 2 is so critical. A company’s HR manager gets countless resumes every day. This person then sifts through these resumes to determine if it is even worth showing the hiring manager of the appropriate department. By sending your cover letter and resume to the hiring manager directly, you make your case to the person ultimately making the hiring decision. Sell the decision maker on you, and you are on a very short list of candidates!

Step 6 – Follow up Contact the hiring manager directly to confirm he/she received both your resume and cover letter. Pick up the phone and call. You verify they received your information while also conveying your interest in their company and specifically in the hiring manager’s department. If you receive no word within 10 day, make one follow-up call. If you do not hear back from them, they are fired from your list. They do not qualify to have your valuable services in their employ.

If you follow these steps, you will unearth many employment opportunities that the masses don’t know about. You will also set yourself apart from the vast majority of job-seekers by showing your ambition. Don’t settle for just any job, choose the company you want to work for and “hire” them.

Are you Recession-Proof? Find out for FREE at http://www.are-you-recession-proof.com. Scott Swenson leverages his knowledge, skills and experience as a financial corporate trainer to help others become Recession-Proof.

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