Employment solutions expert explains how Americans are missing out on employment opportunities
Millions of Americans made a resolution to find a new job in 2018. And, with the job market on the upswing, now is a great time to begin a job search in earnest. However, many Americans could be going about their hunt the wrong way…by looking online for positions. In fact, it is estimated that 80 percent of jobs are not posted on jobs boards like Monster and CareerBuilder.
“Known as the ‘hidden jobs’ market, these positions are often more lucrative, and they often involve less competition,” says Rob Wilson, employment expert and President of Employco USA, a nationwide employment solutions firm. “If you want access to these job opportunities, you have to have connections. You can’t just hop onto Craigslist and see the job posting.”
So how does Wilson suggest that job-seekers find these desirable jobs in 2018?
“There is no replacement for in-person connections,” says Wilson. “Yet networking events can often be a bust, as most people at these events will be job-seekers such as yourself. This doesn’t mean that this won’t be valuable and a good way for you to brush up on your speaking skills, but really, the people who hire folks aren’t going to be at a networking event on a Thursday night.”
To that end, Wilson believes that the real power of networking lies in temp agencies and part-time positions. “You need to get in the door. You need to get out of the hotel lobby networking over a plastic cup of red wine, and into the office where you can prove your mettle and earn those relationships day-in, day-out. Not to mention, employment solutions firms can help to ensure that you aren’t left with large gaps in your resume or your skill-set.”
Wilson also believes that temp agencies and employment firms are a boon for employers as well. “It gives you a chance to take a risk on people you wouldn’t normally go for,” he explains. “Maybe you meet someone who has very little experience, but you just have a strong feeling about their potential and work ethic. A temp position gives you the chance to test them out and to see how they respond to your company culture.”
For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.