By Colleen Rothe

This is part two of a four-part series on job-hunting…

Previously, I told you that only 10 percent of jobs are even advertised, and only a fraction of them are posted online, although that number is growing and it is the easiest place to find advertised jobs.

I’m not saying to forget looking there, but it’s not the only way to find out who is hiring and who needs a new problem-solver to work for them.

But when you have more than 90 percent of the ranks of unemployed trying for only 10 percent of the jobs, it makes competition hard. So move yourself into the universe that others are not exploring and get the odds in your favor.

The best way to get a job is to get a direct referral (remember the friend I talked about in the first part of this series?). It can get you past the resume reading phase and interview phase and right into the hiring phase.

So you have to put your best smile on and concentrate on networking. Just when you think you have networked enough, network some more. Talk to your friends, extended family. At the ball field with your son? Talk to the other parents and coaches. Send emails or call former employers and colleagues. Let them know you’re on the hunt. So many people are really willing to help folks out. Everyone realizes that the only way out of this New Depression is to get people working again.

Talk. It’s going to be the name of the game. Talk to the clerk at the grocery store, your butcher, the dude that cuts your hair, your drycleaner (who desperately wants you to work again so his business is good too) and the barista at your espresso stand (who again, is missing the good tips you used to give her). Connect with everyone, be sincere in your conversations and uncover those 90 percent of hidden opportunities.

Next you need to research companies that you always wanted to work for and start cold-calling them. Because of the internet you can likely find the name of the Human Resources person and ask for them directly. Do your homework before you call. See if they are advertising for particular jobs. Learn everything there is to learn about the company. Ask the HR person about the positions they’re hiring and turn on the charm, but shift gears easily. Don’t go into overdrive too fast.

Remember that volunteer opportunity we talked about earlier? If you haven’t committed to volunteering somewhere (your local community center, food bank, animal shelter or even the nursing home in town), commit to one now. Many volunteer positions provide training and more networking opportunities. Coach your daughter’s soccer team. Maybe the father of one of her teammates will have a job opportunity just waiting for you.

Go job-hunting where others are not. Polish up your smile, press your clothes, and eat light and walk lots. Put on your go-get-em attitude. Chances are that you’ll discover a new career in this uncharted universe of job-hunting.