The more competitive the job environment, the more conventional avenues of application through job boards or responses to online job listings appear to be saturated. There is another way, and that is one which a good deal of job hunters miss out completely: the hidden job market. These are unpublicized opportunities, but they compose a very large percentage of all the open jobs out there. And it is there, if one learns to navigate it well, can prove a great facilitator to your job prospects.
What is the Hidden Job Market?
The hidden job market is composed of filled but unadvertised job positions. These jobs are usually internalized via networking or through word of mouth. Sometimes, employers go this way to save on time and expenses in recruitment or try to get the right candidate they have dealt with or got introduced to through network connections.
While tapping into the hidden job market requires a proactive approach, the benefits are huge. You face less competition, get a better opportunity to present your value directly to decision-makers, and often find roles that better fit your unique skills and expertise.
Why Jobs Go “Hidden”
Knowing why positions remain hidden will help you better target these opportunities.
1. Cost Efficiency: Advertising a job is an expensive affair. Most companies would go by referrals or recommendations since this way, the charges for recruitment and too many applicants coming in may be avoided.
2. Pressing for Time: They may not have the time to go through hundreds of applications; therefore, they always look to connections for fast facilitation of requirements.
3. Company restructuring or sensitive leadership hires: A company may not want to advertise the opening publicly to avoid organizational disruption.
4. Employers prefer candidates referred through people they trust because it reduces perceived risk when hiring.
How to Access the Hidden Job Market
Accessing hidden job opportunities takes strategy, networking, and perseverance. Here are specific steps to begin:
1. Leverage Your Network
The secret doorway into this unlisted job market is networking. You can activate the network by letters and telephone calls to your friends, family, old colleagues, and mentors. Tell them that you’re looking and the nature of the position desired. Oftentimes, a person within your circle of contacts knows someone who either knows a job that is or will soon be available or may know somebody in the same line of work and may be willing to introduce you.
2. Professional Associations and Conferences
Professional associations, conferences, and meetups in the industry result in connections. Events build up your relationship with peers and your future employer. Many times being more visible and active within the industry will mean better chances of finding unadvertised opportunities.
3. Using Social Media Right
Linkedin is a great avenue to find unpublished jobs. Your profile should highlight your skill and experience; then, be active with your network through updates, articles, and other interesting comments. Join industry-specific groups and actively participate in discussions, where possible, with professionals who might know of opportunities.
4. Cold Outreach to Companies
Sometimes, the best route is a straightforward one. Find out their hiring managers or department heads and send them a direct email or connect via LinkedIn, personalizing how your skills would work for their company. Sure, they may not have job openings, but this proactive outreach could stay in their minds.
5. Work with Recruiters
Many recruiters know about unadvertised jobs. Developing a relationship with several good recruiters in your industry can often lead you to an opportunity that fits both your experience and aspirations.
6. Be Active in Alumni Associations
Another source of unseen opportunities is university and college alumni associations. Many alumni are eager to help other graduates and often have inside information about job vacancies within their organization.
Advantages of the Hidden Job Market
- Less Competition: Unlike publicly advertised jobs, there are few applicants for a hidden job, and your case comes into prominence.
- Better Connection: A job attained by using networking usually enjoys a better rapport with the employer since the relationship is based on trust and recommendations.
- Tailor-Made Opportunities: Most organizations within the hidden job market might be willing to tailor-make the role that best fits the right candidate; thus, the jobs are usually very personalized.
Challenges of the Hidden Job Market
While rewarding, the hidden job market is not without challenges:
- Time-Consuming: It takes time and nurturing to develop professional relationships.
- Uncertainty: Unlike traditional job boards, there is no guarantee that such opportunities will show up in a certain timeframe.
- Confidence Barrier: This is developing the confidence to reach out to new contacts or cold email companies.
Indeed, the hidden job market has an actual treasure in store for any person who will approach it proactively. Networking applied properly through professional and social networks, along with the direct addressing of companies, will give access to positions invisible to everybody. It is somewhat time-consuming and effort-sucking, but again, it’s well worth the time spent: less competition, more targeted positions, and an opportunity to reveal your unique value.
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Writer
Sarah Akter
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE