MiddletownJournal.com

Arguably some of the more spectacular job opportunities in today's economy appear in your daily newspaper — but not exclusively in the classified ad section. Newspapers represent a valuable source of information when scavenging for hidden opportunities in the employment market, and savvy job hunters who can spot a hot lead may position themselves for a vacancy before it's advertised.

Frequently, job opportunity signals can be found in the business pages as well as other sections of the newspaper. They won't specify "help wanted" but do suggest an organization in or entering a hiring mode. Look for 11 types of articles that announce:

— Companies establishing operations in the community for the first time.

— Existing businesses with expansion plans.

— Firms introducing new products.

— Organizations exploring new market niches. A perfect example is a company providing computerized patient account/billing systems to professional medical offices seeking to enter the long-term care and nursing home industry.

— Companies expanding operations from domestic to global.

— Entrepreneurs chartering new businesses.

— Groups undertaking new projects such as seeking ISO 9000 quality certification.

— Firms engaged in mergers or acquisitions.

— Businesses applying for or receiving additional financing.

And then there's the move obvious:

— Employers reporting hiring plans.

— Organizations awarded contracts or grants.

When a potential job lead enters your radar screen, avoid direct inquiries because the firm may not be in an exact hiring mode at the time. Develop a more subtle approach, networking your way and getting before the decision maker. Consider writing the decision maker and mention you have would appreciate meeting for insight and ideas.

If you use the newspaper as a job source, read inside and outside the classifieds.

Steve Stromp is a professional career consultant, lecturer and writer. Contact him: sstromp@sbcglobal.net.