Job leads and the hidden job market

In fact, there are likely a number of jobs that might interest them, but it’s up to the job-seekers to find them. This is what is called the hidden job market and it makes up the bulk of available jobs - more than 80 %.

How to find them ? Consult the yellow pages, company directories, lists of community organizations or service clubs, the Internet, etc. All these tools are now at the disposal of job-seekers. They can find then in the multi-purpose rooms in their local employment centre, in libraries, in job-search clubs, in Carrefour jeunesse-emploi and some community organizations. It’s a questions of identifying firms or organizations in the field you’re interested in and contacting the most promising ones.

Reading the newspapers can be a good way of finding leads to follow in your job search. "If you read about such and such company expanding, or there’s a new store opening near your neighbourhood, you can try your luck and offer your services," says Marylène de Pauw, who works at Marquette Carrefour jeunesse-emploi. "You have to be able to read between the lines."

News reports can also help us identify new or challenging needs, says Matte. "If you read that people have become fearful for their safety and are buying more alarm systems, you can look to see who is filling this need for alarms. Look to see who produces, sells and installs alarm systems, with what kind of technology. The idea is to figure out what will eventually produce jobs. A number of organizations analyze various markets and identify possible openings. Check for instance, the Internet sites ( ( and (

You have to be constantly on the lookout so that eventually you’ll knock at the right door.

Source : BONNEAU, Danielle, Modes d’emploi No. 3, La Presse, 2 octobre, 1999, p. 8.

For more information, you can reach an employment counsellor at (819) 648-5065 or toll free at 1-877-648-506.