Mastering Job Search Strategy: CV, Cover Letter & Hidden Market Secrets

Job search techniques have evolved significantly in recent years. Today, it is much more effective to communicate directly with decision-makers. To maximize your chances of success, diversify your approaches and explore all available job sources simultaneously.

Current job sources:

Professionals in the employment sector have adopted a market classification, dividing it into two main categories: the open market and the hidden market.

The open market includes all officially advertised positions, whether in newspapers, internally within a company, or through recruiters and employment agencies. It also includes positions offered by national and provincial employment centers. The open market accounts for only 30% of available positions, meaning that 70% of available jobs are not officially advertised. This is known as the hidden market, which includes jobs secured through personal networks or by sending unsolicited applications to companies.

How can we explain the limited number of publicly advertised positions? The reason is that employers turn to their colleagues and professional contacts to find the candidate they are looking for.

The approach:

            There are three ways to get in touch with employers or recruiters:

By letter, by phone, and in an interview. In the job search, the interview is a pivotal step. Nothing can replace a face-to-face meeting. You then have your interviewer’s full attention.

Whether you’re responding to a job posting, reaching out to recruitment firms, submitting a speculative application, or expanding your network of contacts, your resume should never be sent on its own. It must be accompanied by a cover letter.

 The cover letter:

            The cover letter—also known as an application letter, introductory letter, or accompanying letter—is the first written document the employer will receive from you. Therefore, put as much care into writing and presenting this letter as you did into your resume.

The cover letter serves as a hook, and its impact sets the tone for how the employer will view your resume. You must therefore demonstrate the same level of enthusiasm and attention to detail in preparing both documents.

Recommendations:

 The cover letter should not exceed one page;

1. Do not simply summarize your resume;

2. Do not state your salary expectations;

3. Remain positive and objective; do not make any negative comments;

4. Use a simple and direct style. Adverbs such as “radically,” “completely,” “abundantly,” and “totally” are not recommended;

5. Focus on the employer’s needs. You should address their needs, not your own;

6. Personalize your letter. Most employers will have read a large number of cover letters before getting to yours, so set yourself apart with a personalized approach and tone. Show them that you understand their needs and that you’re a good fit for their company.

 Writing guidelines:

            Your letter should be structured and logical. It consists of four distinct paragraphs. Each has its own purpose and conveys a different message. The information provided in one paragraph should not be repeated in another. The order may vary, but the last paragraph is usually used to request an interview and includes a closing salutation.

Let’s see how to achieve this:

FIRST PARAGRAPH:

This paragraph states the purpose of your letter. You explain the reason for your inquiry. Be precise; cite the source and its publication date.

        In response to the job posting for ----------- published in the newspaper ---------- on ----------- last, I am sending you….. ;

        I am writing to you on the recommendation of Mr. ---------------------------;

        Mr. ------------- has informed me of your very recent project for -------- in which I would be very interested in participating …..;

        I read in the newspaper ----------- that you wish to expand your activities in ----------- and I believe I possess the expertise you will need….

This approach has the drawback of being conventional, as it appears in most cover letters. Therefore, you might opt for a more impactful opening, starting your letter with a brief description of your qualifications and only mentioning the job posting secondarily. Here is an example:

- As a 1991 graduate of the --------------------- Institute with a degree in -------------, I believe I have the necessary qualifications to fill the position of --------------------------- that you advertised in -------------------------------- on --------------.

 THE SECOND PARAGRAPH:

Now you get to the heart of the matter. Present some of your background and explain some of your achievements. Do not simply summarize your resume. Select the elements most relevant to your application. To guide you, follow these steps:

& Review the job postings that match your qualifications.

& For each one, list the job requirements.

& For each criterion, list your achievements that demonstrate you have the necessary skills;

& Choose certain elements from your experience that you have just highlighted and use them to write this second paragraph.

 THIRD PARAGRAPH:

 Express your interest in the job or company in question. Also explain how the position meets your professional expectations. You can also mention other qualifications you haven’t listed yet (educational background, knowledge of foreign languages, proficiency with various software programs, willingness to travel and relocate).

 FOURTH PARAGRAPH:

Provide your contact information so that you can be easily reached.

 CONCLUSION:

End the letter with a closing salutation and reiterate your interest in meeting with the employer in the near future:

-        I am available to provide any additional information, and I remain, Sir, yours sincerely.

Sample Ad:

Ad:

Job Posting Analysis

An analysis of the key job requirements highlights the following points:

Job requirements:        Turnaround plan;

 Strategic planning;

 Acquisitions management;

 Financial operations;

 Contract award;

 Financial and operational operations;

 MBA;

 Over 10 years of international experience;

 Knowledge of Asia.

Sample response letter

City, [Date]

Mr. XXX

1130 Rue de la Gauchère

Country

Subject: Position of Vice President, International Division.

 Dear Sir,

            Your advertisement, which appeared in La Presse on January 20, has sparked my keen interest; for this reason, I am sending you my resume.

I have over 15 years of experience in corporate management, including 13 years spent abroad. My involvement in launching numerous subsidiaries for XYZ Company, as well as my work as a consultant for rapidly growing international companies, has allowed me to develop a strong sense of strategic planning. In addition, I have completed more than 25 asset sales and acquisitions abroad, sometimes in challenging environments. I have led several mergers and acquisitions projects in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.

As an MBA holder, I possess excellent skills in the financial sector. I believe the position of Vice President of the International Division offers an excellent opportunity to build on my expertise in a leadership role.

I am available to meet with you at your convenience to provide further details regarding my experience. You may reach me at the following number: (02) 22.22.22.

I look forward to a positive response. Sincerely,

First and last name

Signature.

A few additional tips:

-        Don’t forget to date your letter and include the recipient’s exact contact information;

-        Avoid grammatical and spelling errors;

-        Don’t forget to sign your letter;

-        Keep a copy of the letter and a photocopy of the ad in case you need to follow up later.

The thank-you letter:

            It’s rarely discussed, but the thank-you letter plays a crucial role in your job search. No matter what approach you take, it’s very important to send one. It should express your gratitude to the employer for the time they spent with you, whether during informational meetings or formal interviews. The thank-you letter is also an excellent way to make a good impression on the employer. Furthermore, if you forgot to provide certain important information during the interview, the thank-you letter allows you to make up for these omissions. It also serves as an excellent reminder for the employer.

A few tips:

-        Don’t wait too long to send the letter: the employer needs to remember you and the details of the meeting;

-        There is no standard format;

-        Even if you weren’t selected, a thank-you letter is a way to express your sincere gratitude for the consideration you received.

Here is what it should include:

First paragraph:

• Recall the context of the interview by mentioning the date, the names of those present, and, if applicable, the purpose of the meeting;

Second paragraph:

• Summarize your impressions. Describe in one or two sentences what you took away from the experience;

Third paragraph:

• Reiterate your interest in the position, the industry, or the company in question;

Fourth paragraph:

• Mention your immediate plans. Conclude with a polite closing.

NB: Visit whole active job search process on my blog: www.decisioncareermap.com, Topic: Communication