Job hunters prefer the Hidden Job Market as their key job search tool

An online survey conducted by JobWeb Australia of job hunters revealed that an overwhelming majority see the Hidden Job Market as an important knowledge base required for job hunting success.

An online survey of job hunters by JobWeb Australia sought to establish the greatest area of need or support required by those looking for a job.

Of the 5 key job hunting skills listed in the survey, The Hidden Job Market, received an overwhelming 47% of the vote. This compared to 19% for Interview Skills and 19% for Resume Preparation coming in equal second. Surprisingly, Changing Careers, only received 4% of the vote.

So what does this message tell us? It is clear that job hunters are looking for new techniques and ideas to apply to job search that goes well beyond traditional job search methods. And whilst interview skills and resume preparation are important, there is a view that new techniques are needed to get that extra edge in a difficult and congested job market place.

In what can only be described as a difficult and time consuming activity, Changing Careers, appears to be a luxury that many of us can not afford. It could be that faced with the prospects of requiring a new job now, time is not on their side. Career evaluation is a process that can take a great deal of time and energy. What is being signalled is that job seekers want to find work withtin a reasonable time frame and obtain the best skills possible to give them the edge on other applicants.