Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough

Chapter 4. The HJM Search Is a Different Kind of Numbers Game

Even when the economy is flourishing, when you are out of work and looking for a new job, it’s hard to keep your spirits up, especially when you’re just going after publicly posted jobs. You’ve got a lot of time on your hands, and you spend that time frittering, clicking “Submit” on online applications, worrying, or most likely, all three. It’s nerve-wracking, to be sure. But at least you can take some comfort in knowing that, in a thriving job economy, some employer will eventually get around to you. It’s not the most efficient way to target a job, but at least you know the numbers are on your side.

Now, when the economy is sloughing off livelihoods, like it’s doing as we’re writing ...