You might be surprised to hear that many jobs aren’t advertised or posted on job boards, so how do you find them?
Here’s what you need to know about the hidden job market and how to find more jobs in your job search.
Why are job listings hidden?
There are a number of reasons why jobs can be “invisible”. One reason is that advertising a job takes time and money. Employers are less likely to advertise if they know the job can be filled internally, from a pool of already registered candidates, through headhunting, or by word of mouth.
Some companies don’t advertise jobs because they are inundated with applicants, as it would be impossible to sift through 500+ applicants.
Another reason a position may not be available is if the employer is looking to replace the person currently filling the position.
Should I look for hidden jobs?
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If you don’t take the time to look for hidden jobs, you’ll only be touching the tip of the iceberg. Hidden jobs have fierce competition, which significantly reduces your chances of getting an interview. If an employer has a job opening but hasn’t advertised it yet, it narrows the pool of potential candidates, giving you an advantage.
How can I find hidden jobs?
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The more people who know you are looking for a job, the more likely it is that they have information about jobs that have not yet been advertised or that may be available in the near future. You might even get the names of good contacts or recommendations or introductions. The best strategy for finding hidden jobs is to build a professional network and create an interview list targeted at specific companies.
Other ways to find hidden jobs in your job search include:
Social media
Leverage social media sites to promote your brand. Of course, LinkedIn is the most used professional networking site. In fact, if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, your chances of landing a job are pretty slim. Optimize your LinkedIn profile so recruiters and hiring managers can find you. Also, keep in mind that anything you share on social media is never private and can be accessed by potential employers. So, be smart about social networking.
Informational Interview
Another way to access hidden jobs is to set up informational interviews with companies you’re interested in. Find someone who’s currently doing what you want to do and ask them to set up a time for a quick chat to find out more. This is a common thing to do for people who are just starting to work in a particular field, but it can actually be useful at any stage in your career.
Consider contract work or consulting
If your career has stalled, consider taking on temporary, contract or consultancy work. Many contract roles can lead to full-time employment, or at the very least, provide more opportunities to network.
Career Fair
Job fairs are also great networking opportunities. You might not get a job offer right away, but that’s not the real purpose. The goal is to get your name and brand in front of more employers and find new people to network with.
Go find some hidden jobs
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Now you understand why employers don’t always advertise jobs or post on job boards (especially at the C-level). If you want to discover the hidden job market, follow the tips above and you’ll find the right job for you in no time.
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