Conventional wisdom suggests that job seekers look for “openings or vacancies.” According to this approach, if you connect with people who don’t have or know of openings, you are wasting your (and their) time. However, data reveals that only 10%-20% of good job are advertised.

Consider the following:

→ Mark is looking for a sales job. His friend, Tim, loves his job at a dental supply company in Chicago and suggests that Mark meet with the St. Louis manager for a get-acquainted conversation.