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The hidden job market consists of all the jobs that never reach the want ads, job listings or employment agencies. These jobs come up for many reasons - someone is fired, retires or dies, a new business hires staff, a company merges or reorganizes, or an employer isn't exactly sure what positions are needed. The hidden job market offers virtually every type of position.

Many employers don't need to advertise jobs, because the grapevine will do it for them.

Many employers prefer not to advertise an opening. They would often rather hire people they know or have met. They find it easier to call on colleagues for advice. An applicant who comes with a recommendation from an employer's friend is half-way to getting the job even before the interview.

How can you unlock the hidden job market? By networking, but it's not just a matter of calling everyone you know. Experts in employment counseling say building the right network and doing it properly can make a big difference in whether your job-hunt will be successful or not.

Networks are about relationships, developing rapport with people so that they become interested in you as a person and genuinely want to give you information and advice. Networking is a process of achieving your personal and professional goals through interaction with other people.

Networks are built slowly, one conversation at a time. The trick to building the right kind of network is not to see how much you can take from it, but to ask yourself what you can contribute. The golden rule to networking is that there has to be mutual respect and interest among all members.

It is important to network throughout your lifetime. You never lose your network, but it needs to be developed and nurtured for all of your life. Even people with jobs today should be actively networking in case they'll be out of work in the future.

Nurturing a network is a combination of careful organization and thoughtfulness. There are several suggestions on ways to make a network grow and develop.

Maintain files of people in your network: Each file contains information on your contact such as name, address, like, dislikes, interests and special qualities.
Listen more than you speak: Listening will teach you about another person's unique qualities. When you learn something interesting about a contact, write it down.
Stay in touch: Relationships need constant work. Remember people's birthdays and holidays. Send congratulations and thank-you notes.
Do volunteer work: Volunteering broadens and diversifies your network. You'll develop new skills and meet many new people.
Be visible: Look for opportunities to be a spokesperson. Public speaking will bring you acceptance and recognition. People will want to get to know you.
Always do your best: Networking can't replace incompetence. Even if you're volunteering, you have to make sure you excel at what you do.
Effective networking shouldn't be time-consuming. You should spend 30 minutes a week nurturing a network. You can't accomplish goals by yourself. You need other people. Networking is never purely selfless, but your genuine interest in others will have results.