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Hidden Job Market

Photograph of a resume and a computer
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
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This section will help you navigate the “hidden job market”, a term that applies to the 80% of job vacancies which do not get posted and can only be accessed through personal connections.

To learn more about this topic, join us at one of our upcoming sessions on Networking and the Hidden Job Market. We also offer a dedicated workshop on How to Use LinkedIn.

Networking Fundamentals

Suggestions on how to access the hidden job market.

Outlines the step-by-step process of setting up and conducting an information interview in the field or position of interest.

This guide discusses how internships and mentorships can help you find suitable work in Canada.

Find out what networking is and why it is an essential part of your job-search strategy.

Directories and Listings

Business in Vancouver compiles its weekly lists of the largest companies in BC onto a searchable web archive. Access the top 5 online or for the longer list see the the weekly issues in print in the library.

This guide will help you research prospective employers.

The Hunter Domain Search lists all the people working in a company with their name and email address found on the web. With 200+ million email addresses indexed, effective search filters and scoring, it's a powerful email-finding tool.

Job Fairs

Career fair organizer for BC. It holds multiple career fairs for the general public throughout the province in trade show format. Fairs usually take place in the fall and spring.

Eventbrite provides listings of various events, including local job fairs.

 

This guide provides an overview of why you may want to attend job fairs, job fair etiquette and tips for finding job fairs.

Volunteering

Find volunteer opportunities at non-profit organizations.

The City and Park Board of Vancouver have a diverse range of volunteer opportunities to fit your goals, skills and schedule.

Includes volunteer opportunities across Canada. Searchable by keyword, location and organization type.

Virtual Networking Tools

Meetup brings people together to create thriving communities. Side hustles become careers, ideas become movements, and chance encounters become lifelong connections.

Shapr is a personalized networking service based on your interests and experience. Whether you’re seeking friends or employees, each swipe is a new opportunity and a new discovery.

Online networking tool which allows users to find each other by location, organization and industry, and then connect to give and/or receive tips and advice.

The world's largest professional network with nearly 675 million users in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Digital Library Resources
Business and Careers Subject Icon

This resource offers unprecedented access to full-text magazines and resources – from historical info to current trends in business.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
General Reference Subject Icon

CBCA is a Canadian-focused database that offers access to newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals and reference sources. *Also suitable for research at the elementary, high school and undergraduate levels.

Access:
Everywhere for Vancouver residents
Business and Careers Subject Icon

In-depth corporate data on Canadian companies.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
Education Subject Icon

LinkedIn Learning offers video courses in business, computer technology, software, and creative skills, all conducted by experts in their fields.

New to LinkedIn Learning? View a video tutorial or visit the LinkedIn Learning FAQ page for more information.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
Law and Government Subject Icon

Directory of agencies and social services for the Lower Mainland.

Access:
Everywhere for everyone
Home and Consumer Info Subject Icon

Provides information on more than 1 million businesses throughout Canada. Tutorial available.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders

Recommended Titles

Cover Image for Branding Yourself
Deckers, Erik
Call Number
650.13 D29b
Publication Year
2018
The third updated edition of this book provides a practical guide to using LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and more as part of your job search.
Call Number
338.9711 B97b
Ranks the top companies in Greater Vancouver by industry. Includes contact information, number of employees, and revenue.
Cover Image for Cracking the Hidden Job Market
Asher, Donald
Call Number
650.142 A825c
Publication Year
2011
The key to success in the current job market is breaking through to the hidden job market. Over half of all jobs go to someone who did not apply to a posted opening at all. What are they doing and how are they doing it? They’re finding new jobs before the posting hits the Internet.
Cover Image for Friend of A Friend
Burkus, David
Call Number
650.13 B959f
Publication Year
2018
Business professor and popular speaker offers advice based on research on how to build your social network without feeling you are taking advantage of others.
Cover Image for Lose the Resume Land the Job
Burnison, Gary
Call Number
650.142 B96L
Publication Year
2018
Executive recruiter Burnison doesn't really think you don't need a resume, but he believes that it plays a smaller part in finding a job than you may think. He gives you advice on the things that do matter, such as social media presence and networking skills.

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