When looking for a job, many will start with job boards and Google searches to find open positions, which makes sense.
The problem is, if you rely solely on these tools, you will only find those positions being advertised to thousands of other internet users.
It is only when you look beyond these platforms to the hidden job market that some of the most exciting opportunities present themselves.
What is the hidden job market?
For those who are unaware of this hidden job market, this refers to job openings that may exist but are currently not being advertised online. There are several reasons an organization may choose not to actively advertise a position, perhaps they intend to hire internally, or they rely on employee referrals.
It might also be that a newer role is still evolving and they’re not set on how to define the job title or daily responsibilities. But if you sit back and wait for this position to appear online, you might miss your chance of landing your dream job.
So, by looking beyond the jobs posted online, you’ll open yourself up to a whole host of new opportunities, but how do you find a job if you don’t know the role exists?
Reach out to your network
Over the years, it’s likely that you’ve built up a network of connections in your industry, and you should never stop expanding this network.
When looking for your dream position, it’s a good idea to reach out to relevant connections and let them know that you’re looking for work. You should also give them an idea of your skills and experience, as well as how you believe you can help their business.
This can be done by email, simply asking if they have any positions going. Alternatively, you could set up a business meeting to discuss this with them in person or over the phone.
Sometimes the best jobs are the ones not publicy advertised.
Turn to LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a great way to continue growing your network, but it also presents you with lots of other techniques for finding unadvertised jobs.
Firstly, you could share an update letting your connections know that you’re available for work and your credentials. This might encourage them to reach out and let you know about positions within their company.
Alternatively, you can join industry-related groups where you can share interesting insights and join relevant conversations. Getting your name out there and being part of the conversation increases your chance of being approached with exciting opportunities.
Attend industry events
Trade shows and industry events can be the perfect way to meet others in your industry and open yourself up to unadvertised positions.
Before you go, it’s a good idea to put together a quick elevator pitch and keep this at the forefront of your mind when meeting new people. You should also take with you an up to date copy of your resume, or at the very least, a notepad and pen so you can jot down email addresses and fire over your resume when you get home.
You might even wish to volunteer at these events, showing your passion for your industry and giving you the opportunity to network with lots of like-minded professionals and organizations.
Start with the company
Job hunting doesn’t just have to be about looking for the perfect role; in fact, in many cases, it pays to start with the company instead.
If there is a specific organization you’ve always dreamed of working for, this is the ideal opportunity to reach out to them and find out if they have any positions available. Just because they may not have advertised these online or on their website, it doesn’t mean the position isn’t there.
So get the contact details of the most relevant employee, for example, the in-house recruiter or the manager of your chosen department. Then, you can contact them with your resume, outlining why you think you’d be an asset to the company.
Suggest freelance work
Finally, and this will very much depend on the type of work you do, but if there is a specific company you want to work for, you could consider completing some freelance or contract work with them first.
Reach out to the relevant employees with your pitch, explaining your services, past experience, and how you can add value to their business. Then, if they think your services could be beneficial, you’ll have a chance to work with them, get to know more people in the company, and learn about any open roles.
In fact, if your freelance abilities are as good as you say they are, they might offer you a full-time position before you even enquire.
As you can see, when you’re job hunting, it always pays to be proactive. That way, you’re more likely to uncover unadvertised positions and secure your dream role.
