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

Chapter 5. You Don’t Have to Have a Job to Get a Job

It wasn’t that long ago when the general assumption was that already having a job was your strongest position for shopping for a new one. In fact, your friends would discourage you from quitting a nightmare job because being unemployed presumably weakened you in the marketplace. In other words, “What are you? Some kind of a loser? Can’t keep a job?”

Maybe it’s human nature, but if you are already employed elsewhere, potential employers might think you are a catch to steal from someone else (ideally, their competition). You are “in demand,” you are “valued” by someone else. So that must mean you are a talent that must be snatched up—preferably yesterday, if not sooner.

Also, when you’re already ...