Wait. There’s a hidden job market??

If you’re looking for a new job, it’s important to understand that there is a hiring market beyond what you find on LinkedIn postings and job boards. The hidden job market refers to roles that companies never post, but fill through word-of-mouth, referrals and other quiet efforts.  

Even though these roles can be hard to find, here are a few tips to uncover them. 

Leverage your network.

Your network is the best way to find roles— hidden or not. In a recent Communications Collaborative survey, 67% of respondents attributed their most successful job search efforts to networking. Stay connected with former classmates, coworkers, managers, friends, etc. All it takes is a simple message saying you’re actively looking for a role in a specific industry. This will help you stay top of mind when roles at their companies arise.

Curate and connect with a targeted list of companies.

We recommend creating a list of specific companies that you’ve researched and know align with your job search priorities: career path, industry, values, etc. Even if they don’t have jobs posted, reach out and express why you’re interested in their company and why you’d be a good fit, so when they’re hiring, you’re on their radar.

Don’t underestimate in-person events.

Great opportunities often arise from casual conversations. Attending in-person industry events gives you the opportunity to meet and connect with new people who may have a job for you. And don’t overlook your informal network—friends you walk with, a dinner you might attend—these are all opportunities where you could hear about hidden jobs.

Practice polite persistence.  

Building initial connections is the first step, but it’s vital to follow up and keep the connections strong. Stay top of mind with a thoughtful message or check-in. This could be a comment on their LinkedIn post or a note that you’re still exploring opportunities.

Partner with us! 

Some companies prefer to use staffing companies like ours to fill their roles, so talk to us! We often get jobs that aren’t posted. To start pulling back the curtain on the hidden job market, reach out. We could be a great partner in your job search journey.