Feeling frustrated by the lack of responses after sending out dozens (or even hundreds) of resumes? Don't take it personally! The reality is many job listings you're applying for might not exist, receive overwhelming responses, are already filled, or are part of the hidden job market that isn't advertised publicly.
Unveiling the Hidden Job Market
Did you know that up to 50-80% of all available positions are filled through the hidden job market? These golden opportunities are secured through referrals, networking, direct outreach, and internal promotions rather than traditional job boards. By tapping into this hidden market, you significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Why Do Employers Opt for the Hidden Job Market?
Employers often prefer filling vacant positions through the hidden job market to avoid the deluge of applications from public job postings. By relying on referrals and networking, companies can save valuable time and ensure higher-quality candidates. If a current employee recommends someone, it’s often a safer bet than sifting through piles of resumes.
The Benefits of Exploring the Hidden Job Market
Less Competition: Since these jobs aren’t advertised publicly, fewer applicants mean better odds for you.
More Opportunities: Many roles are filled through internal hires and referrals.
Better Matches: Jobs obtained through networking or referrals often align better with both company needs and your career goals.
Strategies for Uncovering Hidden Opportunities
1. Network, network, network.
Building a robust professional network is your gateway to hidden opportunities. Connect with industry professionals, attend events, and engage on social media. Remember, 67% of businesses rely on employee referrals.
Think your professional network is too small? Think again. Bob Berg, author of "Endless Referrals," points out that your network likely includes around 250 people when you consider neighbors, community center members, relatives, friends, and others who share common bonds.
You can help people help you by creating a job search handbill that neatly summarizes who you are, what you do, and the kinds of introductions you're seeking.
Related: What’s a Handbill, And Who Needs One?
Communicate with your network regularly. Engage in conversations, both online and off. Congratulate them on new jobs and work anniversaries, and comment on their social media posts.
Attending industry events, seminars, and conferences can connect you with professionals who might be aware of unadvertised job openings.
Pro Tip: Ask for advice, not a job. Rather than asking directly for job openings, ask for advice, insights, and referrals. This approach can open doors more effectively. Your goal is to nurture and build your professional relationships. Once you've made a personal connection, keep the network alive by offering to help them and staying in regular contact.
2. Create a target list of companies
What companies intrigue you? Where would you love to work? Identify specific companies and industries and research recent developments, challenges, and prospects to align your skills and experience with their needs. This focused approach demonstrates your commitment and dedication, increasing your chances of uncovering hidden job opportunities.
Reach out to current or former employees to ask questions and assess if the company culture is a good fit for you.
Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn's advanced search to find and connect with employees with similar educational backgrounds or career paths. Based on their shared experiences, these individuals may be more willing to help by providing guidance or referrals.
Related: Cracking the Code on Company Culture
One of our clients, a recent college graduate, had been applying to 10 jobs a day online. Her parent insisted that she keep at it until she found a job. Every day, she applied to 10 jobs. Every day, she was disappointed by the lack of response.
When she came to us for coaching, she was frustrated and upset. We recommended that she add depth to her job search by spending only 30% of her time applying online and employing other strategies to build her professional network. She created a list of target companies and began reaching out to people at those companies. Within months, she landed the job of her dreams.
3. Join professional organizations
Participate in events and webinars hosted by organizations in your field. Through these interactions, you can engage with thought leaders and expand your professional network.
Sometimes, a simple "I learned so much from your presentation; thank you" message is all it takes to establish a connection.
When a client we recently worked with decided to make a career shift and become a corporate learning and development manager, we suggested he contact the Association for Talent Development (td.org) to speak with the local chapter president or membership chairperson.
He learned what it’s like to be a talent performance manager from people with firsthand experience. Most of the people he spoke with were willing to provide him with names of other professionals to contact.
One by one, these conversations helped him expand his professional network and, ultimately, find a job as a corporate trainer through the hidden job market. It was a win-win situation; once he got a job in the field, the association gained an engaged member!
Pro Tip: Reach out to alumni associations or professional groups to connect with like-minded individuals and potential employers.
4. Leverage social media
More than 90% of recruiters use social media to identify candidates.
Maintain an updated LinkedIn profile and actively engage with industry-related content. Join relevant groups and contribute to discussions. This can lead to people contacting you about openings and job opportunities.
Twitter and LinkedIn can help you stay current with news and developments in your industry and your target companies. Many companies tweet or post job openings to their followers before listing them on an online job board.
Engage with people by liking and commenting on their posts. This can plant the seeds for professional relationships and increase your visibility to others.
Join LinkedIn groups, and you'll gain access to more people in your industry. (A little-known tip: You can email people in your LinkedIn groups for free even if you aren't personally connected.)
These strategies help you stay engaged in your professional community and expand your network. Your online activity and expertise will make an impression that could get you noticed.
5. Volunteer
Volunteering helps you gain experience and expand your network.
It can be an excellent way to meet people who share a commitment to a common cause. Many volunteers meet professionals they wouldn’t otherwise encounter.
Pro Tip: Use volunteering to showcase your skills, knowledge, and work ethic and share your career aspirations.
6. Take the “no-for-now” approach if you don’t get the job
If you interview for a position but don’t get the job, there could be any number of reasons you weren't chosen. An internal candidate could be a better fit. Maybe the owner's brother-in-law applied for the job. The company may have enacted a hiring freeze.
Respond positively to rejection letters, letting the hiring managers know how much you appreciated their time and enjoyed meeting them and others in the company. Ask that they keep you in mind for future openings.
7. Be Resume Ready
Whether actively job hunting or considering a career move, always keep your resume current. A current resume allows you to quickly take advantage of opportunities in the hidden job market.
A sound strategy is the foundation of a successful job search. At Life Working®, we offer career coaching, personalized resume and writing services, and a free consultation to help you tap into a meaningful career.
We're here to support you in cracking the hidden job market code and on your journey to a new and fulfilling career!
The Life Working® Writing Services and Career Coaching Team