Question

4. Consider what you would do to get an interview with a person currently employed in the occupation you are considering. Describe how you would carry out a “Design Interview” to further understand the nature of this occupation and to penetrate the hidden job market (i.e. how you would go about contacting the person, location of interview, purpose of interview, 3 examples of questions you might ask, how would you penetrate the hidden job).

Answer 1

So suppose I am looking for a job of Vice Principal in a school of my choice.

There are various ways to target hidden job market like being active on social media for my work and presence in education sector, being the part of faculty associations, attending seminars and workshops to build more connections, hosting faculty development programs, updating with careers in news column, taking help of any recruitment company, recommendation from other employees, managing LinkedIn profile.

However, the first thing that I would do is to find contacts through my colleagues in that particular school and once I am able to do the same I will confirm whether there is need for a Vice Principal. On confirmation I would try to know as much as possible about the school and influential people there. I will request the person to forward my CV or I will try to get the number of the concerned HR. I will ensure that my CV is attractive enough to highlight my strengths and reaches the concerned person so that I am being called for the interview.

I will go through the website of the school, Facebook page and Instagram profile so that I am fully aware about the vision , mission , faculty and the culture of the school. I will also inquire from the faculty working there to have in depth information before the interview.
If not this then i will try conducting a faculty development program or workshop in that school free of cost so that I get to know the Principal and once I am called for a meeting, I will ask for the job position and showcase my strengths and talent. I will ensure that through my strengths I am able to convince them that I can manage their school well.