As part of ExecuNet membership, I conduct a weekly teleconference called Six-Figure Hotline where members call in to ask the questions keeping them up at night, and to gain market and trend insight from the career experts who join me in talking about issues that are important to executives today.

In a recent teleconference where HR and executive recruiting expert Jennifer McClure of Unbridled Talent joined me a caller asked: "How does one discover access to the hidden job market, gain access and then become a lead candidate for some of those positions?" This is a topic that ExecuNet members frequently inquire about, one of those timeless job search questions, so I thought I'd share what we had to say.

Cracking the hidden job market comes down to networking and research. It's about meeting people who are working in the industry or similar positions to which you are aspiring, getting to know them and building a relationship with them to the point that they are willing to share knowledge of positions that haven't yet been announced. And if you're lucky, you can maneuver yourself to where a position is created for you.

It's also a good idea to use LinkedIn to follow companies. If you see a VP has been promoted to SVP, or has left the company, you can assume the VP position is open and if you have a contact in that company you can network your way in to an interview. You can also take a look at the company the new hire is coming from; his job may still be vacant and right for you.

Develop a list of target companies that you can share with your network. Telling your network you "want to continue on in consumer packaged goods" doesn't allow your network to help you very much. If you tell your network you "want to be a marketing executive in one of these five companies" you give them clear direction on how to help you. Once you have your target list, make sure you understand the challenges and issues your target companies face and have ideas for how you can help them.

Dave Opton
Dave Opton founded ExecuNet in 1988 to provide a trusted environment where senior-level executives could build career opportunities by facilitating connections to other executives, experts and key market insights. Dave has drawn upon his 35 years of experience in human resources to develop and grow what has become the leading business and career membership network for executives and senior managers. A widely recognized executive career management expert, Dave is regularly quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Business Week, Fortune, Fast Company, and other leading business publications. Mr. Opton received his BA from Indiana University. Dave blogs at Six Figure Learnings

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