How To Discover Hidden Job Opportunities

When searching for a job, one of the first issues that you can run into is what is sometimes called the “hidden” job market. According to some experts, up to 85% of jobs remain unlisted, getting snatched up before the general public even knows they exist. How can you discover hidden job opportunities? There’s no surefire way to find every job available (though, if you’re interested, there are some back-door technical hacks to find jobs if you’re especially good with Google). But here are some important and simple ways to gain access to the hidden job market.

Network, Network, Network

One of the most important things you can do to find a job is to continually network. Make sure you’re making regular check-ins with existing contacts, and always end your conversations by asking them who else you should be reaching out to.

In addition, remember that networking is about relationships, not about people doing you favors. Make sure to offer to help your contacts, not just ask them for advice.

Cold Call

It can be scary, but cold calling is a technique that has been used for as long as there have been phones on which to make the calls. Reach out places you’re interested in working – whether they’re hiring or not – and just ask to speak to the hiring manager. Make sure you have a unique, confident pitch on why you’re a good fit, and offer to meet off-site.

Keep Updated About Potential Employers

A Google News Alert can be your best friend when searching for a job. Set alerts for companies you’re interested in, so you can stay on top of news about them. If it looks like they’re hiring, it could be a great time for you to explore and reach out.

Build Your Brand

One way to find hidden job opportunities is to get companies to reach out to you. An effective means of doing that is increasing your personal profile. Start a blog about a career field you’re interested in. Post essays on LinkedIn. Give speeches at industry association meetings and networking events. Hell, if you’ve got time (you’re unemployed, right?), write a book! Being an author will make people think you’re an authority.

Use Recruiters Wisely

Tapping into recruiters’ already-existing networks can be a great way to jump start your own job search. Make sure you’re regularly updating your resume, so they have all the latest information. Giving them a new version of your resume about every month, provided you have things to add (and you should – volunteering opportunities, speeches, whatever), will make sure they are presenting the best version of you to the world.

Search Company Websites

While a company’s job posting may never make it to giant career websites, it will often be posted internally. Sometimes, “internally” means on a difficult-to-find but publicly accessible website. Check the sites of companies where you’d like to work, and look at all the fine print at the bottom to find their “careers” sections.