If your job search has stalled and online applications keep going unanswered, you’re not alone. Many job seekers in the Thunder Bay region feel stuck in a frustrating cycle of applying through job banks and receiving absolutely no response. What many job seekers don’t realize is that a significant portion of jobs aren’t advertised at all. These positions make up what is often called the “hidden job market.”
So why wouldn’t businesses advertise open roles? There are several reasons. For one, hiring takes time and money. Posting a job, screening hundreds of résumés, and holding interviews can be costly and inefficient. Instead, many employers turn to internal referrals and community networks to find qualified candidates.
There is another important layer to the hidden market. Increasingly, employers are skipping large job banks altogether and posting openings only on the “Careers” page of their company’s websites. In Northwestern Ontario, this is especially true in industries like mining and skilled trades. To access these opportunities, job seekers need to know who all the potential employers are in their field of interest.
Fortunately, uncovering these hidden positions is an area of expertise for local employment service providers like YES Employment Services. The Employer Relations Coordinators, or ERCs, at YES have a deep understanding of the local labour market and long-standing relationships with employers throughout the region. They specialize in identifying local business needs, researching company career pages, and finding opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
“Employers often contact us before they post a job,” says ERC Derland Otu. “They trust us to refer candidates who meet their qualifications and would be a good fit for their team.”
Accessing free personal assistance with your job search and access to the hidden job market is as easy as connecting with YES. Just walk in, call, or request an appointment.
Beyond uncovering hidden jobs, YES offers a NextGen Resume Builder and other job search strategy workshops, training referrals and placement funding through Employment Ontario programs. These free programs provide support for workplace essentials like work boots and safety equipment. Depending on your individual situation and needs, these programs may also offer training incentives in the form of wage reimbursements to employers during your on-the-job training period. This can give YES clients a major advantage when it comes to candidate selection.
Reaching your career goals takes a dedicated strategy. Making YES a part of that strategy has resulted in success for thousands of local clients of all ages and skill levels since YES opened its doors in 1981. Connect with our team to get the power of our Integrated Employment Service working for you.
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