How to tap into the Hidden Job Market and Get Noticed
If you are currently in the middle of your job search and have been applying through job boards, it’s time to expand your horizons. While job boards can be helpful, using them exclusively will have you missing out on a whole world of opportunities. This world is also known as the hidden job market.
What is the hidden job market?
The hidden job market refers to jobs that aren’t advertised or posted online. Approximately 80% of available jobs are hidden and not advertised to the public. Employers might not post jobs to save money, or some prefer to hire through employee referrals.
Why do employers use the hidden job market?
- More cost-effective than listing jobs online
- Some companies want to keep their hiring decisions under wraps. Advertising jobs might reveal company information that isn’t ready to be shared with the public.
- Companies may hire internally as they are more likely to find top talent from their existing employees. Current employees already understand the needs of the job and the company’s mission and values.
- Due to their vested interest, employees can also make candidate recommendations, and when given incentives, employees are especially motivated to provide good referrals.
While it might seem like an exclusive club, anyone can find these “hidden” jobs. Once you understand how to navigate the hidden job market, you might be more likely to land a job than through the traditional job market.
7 tips for finding unadvertised jobs
- Apply directly on company career sites
- Use a recruiter
- Create a list of target employers
- Utilize your network
- Attend networking events
- Job fairs
- Grow your online presence
- Apply directly on company career sites
Due to potential costs, some companies forgo posting on job boards. Instead, they rely on their own company site to advertise jobs. If there aren’t any current openings, sign up for job alerts and regularly check the company blog and website for announcements that might indicate potential vacant positions.
- Use a recruiter
Some employers have an in-house recruiter for hiring, while others rely on recruiting agencies to perform these tasks. Recruitment agencies take the stress out of hiring by finding qualified candidates to fill open positions. Working with a specialized staffing agency like Live Assets can help connect you to unadvertised roles. Not only will you gain access to the hidden job market, but staffing agencies can provide other services such as resume help and interview preparation.
- Target employers
What companies would you love to work for if you could have your pick? If you haven’t thought about it, consider making a list to help focus your search. Target employers will also make it easier to use social media and search company sites to connect to hiring managers and find opportunities.
- Utilize your network
According to a HubSpot survey, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. Don’t be shy, and let your network know if you’re currently looking for work. Your network can be made up of anyone, friends, family, community members, teachers, former colleagues; the list goes on. Your contacts can give you the scoop on job openings and help you set up informational interviews. Cultivate and invest in these connections and always reciprocate the favour.
- Attend networking events
Build your network by attending networking events or job fairs in your line of work. Meeting people face-to-face is one of the best ways to expand your connections and generate job leads.
Rather than trying to “work the room,” approach individuals or small groups to start conversations. While you can shake hands with everyone in the room, remember that your goal is to make a memorable impression and create genuine connections.
- Attend job fairs
Job fairs are a great way to meet with multiple in a short span. These events are usually hosted by companies, higher education institutions and other professional organizations. Typically occur at convention centers, campuses and even online.
To make the most of your time, you can begin by approaching companies from your list of target employers. You can also create an elevator pitch beforehand to help sell yourself.
- Grow your online presence
With social media being the mainstream, it’s essential to grow an online presence that highlights your skills, experiences, professional brand and establishes yourself as an expert in the field. Your online profiles should be consistent and professional and show how you can connect with others and what makes you an asset to any company. Sharing articles, writing blogs and commenting on market trends are all ways to help build your reputation.
IT Recruitment Agency in Canada | About Live Assets | IT Staffing Solutions
Live Assets is a boutique IT Staffing/Recruiting firm specializing exclusively in building IT teams of excellence for the Information Technology sector.
We are a small, but productive team that works closely together and has had a 96% success rate for the past number of years!
We have a diverse number of clients and industries and focus on both full-time and contract I.T. opportunities.
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