What Is the Hidden Job Market? Here’s How to Access It
Your next role may not be in the most obvious places. It’s estimated that about 60% of the jobs available aren’t advertised, creating what’s called a hidden job market. But if it’s hidden, how do you find it?
Generally, these hidden positions are filled through recommendations and networking. Meaning you might need to get out of your comfort zone, build connections, and reach out to people both online and in person. Here are a few tips on how to do it.
What is the hidden job market?
The hidden job market refers to the open positions companies don’t publish publicly. These positions are often meant to be filled internally, with referrals or candidates contacted by a recruiter. “Many companies prefer to hire people they already know or those recommended by trusted sources, as it reduces the risk of hiring someone who isn’t a good fit,” says Max Shak, founder and CEO of Nerdigital.com with experience in recruiting.
Some positions are hidden due to how strategic they are for the company. “For instance, senior leadership roles or positions involving confidential projects may never make it to job boards,” Shak says. “In some cases, companies may not want to publicize certain roles if they’re restructuring.”
Money and effort are also big factors, with companies choosing not to advertise roles due to a low budget or lack of personnel to handle the applications. “Advertising can be expensive and time-consuming, and sometimes companies prefer to avoid the deluge of applicants that can result from public job postings,” Shak says.
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How to access the hidden job market
While advertised open positions are relatively easy to find in traditional job sites, the ones that aren’t advertised require more effort on your part. Because there isn’t some secret place on the internet where all the jobs are, you’ll have to get the right people’s attention so they can lead you to opportunities.
“Tapping into the hidden job market is all about networking and being proactive,” Shak says. “Building relationships with industry professionals, attending industry events, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn are all effective ways to get in front of decision-makers.”
Here are eight ways to break into the hidden job market:
1. Reach out to your network
As a professional, it’s likely that you have some sort of network with contacts from past work experiences, college, and friends in the same industry. Leverage these connections by reaching out to them and expressing your interest in a specific role or field. People who know you both on a professional and personal level could refer you to a position or connect you with a potential employer.
If you haven’t talked to some of your contacts in a while and don’t know how to approach them, consider an invitation for coffee or an informational interview. After this first contact, keep the communication going in a way that’s appropriate based on your connection level.
“Don’t underestimate the power of letting people in your circle know you’re looking for opportunities,” Shak says. “The more people who are aware, the more likely someone will think of you when a role opens up.”
2. Join network groups or platforms
If you have an account on LinkedIn or Facebook, search for network groups of professionals in the same industry. (If you’re on the platform already, groups on Discord are also an option.) Typically, these groups focus on sharing information, news, and opportunities, so why not engage with other professionals and potential employers?
“Engaging with people in your target companies by sharing insights or asking questions can also get you noticed,” Shak says.
On LinkedIn, type a keyword phrase, such as “Writers and Authors” or “Python Web Developers,” then select “Groups” on the menu and it’ll show all related groups. Join the ones that make sense and become active. Since these groups exist for talking about the industry, asking about opportunities won’t be off-putting.
3. Keep your LinkedIn updated
One thing about the hidden job market: Sometimes you’ll have to let the jobs come to you instead of going after them. How do you do that? By being active on social media, especially LinkedIn, where recruiters and hiring managers often find candidates.
Keep your profile updated with all your recent (and relevant) work experiences and certifications. If you like writing and creating content, share thoughts on industry news or trends and share tips with your community.
“A strong personal brand—whether through social media, a blog, or other platforms—can further draw attention to your expertise,” Shak says. If creating content isn’t your forte, share posts of other creators by adding a few words of your own, or leave a comment in interesting publications.
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4. Connect with potential employers
Speaking of LinkedIn, use the platform to connect with potential employers, hiring managers, and recruiters. This platform was literally created to connect professionals and employers. All of these people are expecting to be contacted.
However, don’t straight out ask for a job or spam people with messages. Instead, build rapport with a friendly message about your interest in the company, its brand, or its mission, for example. See how they respond to match their tone and then bring up your interest in future opportunities.
Always keep an eye on their posts since they can share relevant news about the company or even mention an open position. These aren’t exactly hidden opportunities, but because they’re posted on the timeline instead of LinkedIn’s jobs page, their reach is limited—and you want to be one of the first people to send your resume.
5. Attend conferences and industry events
Conferences, summits, and workshops in your industry are great places to chat and make an impression with potential employers. “It’s an excellent way to meet industry professionals and learn about job opportunities that might not be posted online,” Shak says. “I’ve seen firsthand how attending events can lead to unexpected connections and job offers.”
Find the list of participants and attendees so you can prepare in advance with questions and conversation topics, and even rehearse an “elevator pitch.” If you have business cards, take some with you to distribute. “The key is to approach these opportunities with an open mind, be genuinely curious, and follow up with people afterward to maintain the connection,” he says.
6. Cold call or message employers
Yes, cold calling or cold messaging employers can lead you to opportunities you wouldn’t find otherwise—“but only when done thoughtfully,” Shak says. “Cold messaging can be very effective if you tailor your approach to each employer.”
First, thoroughly research the company, so you know your audience, and identify key decision makers, such as the head of the department or HR. Then, prepare your pitch. “Be concise but also demonstrate an understanding of the company’s needs,” Shak says. “Instead of asking directly for a job, offer a solution or show how your skills align with what they might be looking for.”
In his point of view as a CEO, this approach makes your message sound more like a value proposition and less like a request. “Follow up once, politely, if you don’t hear back—but don’t push too hard,” he says.
7. Volunteer for a company in your industry
Find volunteering opportunities that relate to your professional interests or at companies that you’d like to work for. Besides being rewarding and great to build new skills, volunteering shows your worth as a professional and your alignment with the company’s values and mission.
“Volunteering can be a great way to get your foot in the door, especially if it’s with an organization in your desired industry,” Shak says. “Not only does it give you firsthand experience, but it also allows you to build relationships with key players.”
That said, go prepared to do your best as a volunteer but also chat, network, and build meaningful professional relationships.
8. Search within your current company
In case you’re at a company you really like but aren’t happy in your current role, consider searching for open positions within the organization. Colleagues from other departments, the company’s internal communications, and meetings could be great sources of information about hidden opportunities.
Be discreet about your search, since your manager or supervisor may not be happy to know you’re considering leaving your current role. Then, when an opportunity arises, have a conversation with them about filling a new position. Explain your decision in the most positive way possible, like highlighting your interest in professional development or gaining new experiences, instead of listing things you dislike about your job.
Bottom line
If you came this far, you’ve learned that accessing the hidden job market requires effort. From constantly talking to people to being active on social media, you must do the work so these opportunities are presented to you.
“In the end, it is all about relationships and being proactive,” Shak says. “By showing initiative, building meaningful connections, and positioning yourself as someone who can bring value, you can uncover opportunities that others might miss.”
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