It may be easy to get into a loop during your job search of applying to new jobs on sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, but what about the employment opportunities that lie outside of common websites? While traditional methods of job postings such as online job boards contain some opportunities, a significant portion of job openings never make the cut, a Forbes article states, “…career experts have estimated that the hidden job market accounts for 70-80% of all open positions.” By knowing how to navigate a job market outside of the traditional sense, jobseekers can gain the advantage above those who may not even realize a hidden job market exists.
So What Does this Mean for Your Job Search?
It is very important to know just why companies may choose to “hide” their hiring initiatives. There are several reasons that may contribute to a company’s choice in going offline with their job postings.
Confidentiality and Privacy Concerns: Companies often have positions requiring upmost security, especially in executive roles, strategic initiatives, or projects related to mergers and acquisitions. In order to safeguard sensitive information and remain competitive, these companies may rely on targeted recruitment efforts through passive recruitment or leveraging their existing networks.
Internal Talent Pools: These companies understand the value of retaining and promoting existing employees, thus they may look within before seeking outside candidates. This may be through internal job circulation, which promotes a sense of career growth and development within the organization.
Demanding Specialized Skills or Expertise: Certain roles may require skills not easily found on common job boards and may instead look within alternative recruitment channels such as industry-specific events, professional networks, or collaborating with recruiting firms to find talent specializing in their field.
Overwhelmed with Applications: Another reason for companies seeking other hiring means may be as simple as just being overwhelmed with job applications. With the application process becoming easier by the day, some being just one click away, employers often find themselves flooded with applications of various qualification levels, making it almost impossible to sift through each application in their entirety. By exploring alternative recruitment methods, employers can narrow their hiring efforts to candidates who are genuinely interested in the role, lowering turnover and ensuring the talent is the right fit for the organization.
Understanding these reasons helps job seekers grasp the significance of the hidden job market and adapt their strategies accordingly. By recognizing the motivations behind companies’ decision to keep job opportunities hidden, individuals can navigate this elusive landscape more effectively, increasing their chances of discovering exciting, new, unadvertised job opportunities.
Strategies for Success in the Hidden Job Market
Now that we understand what the “hidden” job market is and why it may occur, lets look at some navigation strategies. Successfully assessing the hidden job market requires a proactive approach and a willingness to explore unconventional avenues, heres how you can come out on top.
Networking and Building Connections: While traditional application efforts may rely on a simple resume submission, cover letter, and follow-up, the hidden job market requires real action. By networking with others in your desired field, you are actively expanding your career potential, sometimes without even realizing it. Seek to connect with those who work for companies you may be interested in, that company’s competitors, and even your own competition as a job seeker. You can easily focus on building relationships with individuals in the field you are actively pursuing, and connect with professionals through industry events and associations.
Attending Industry Events: Events which bring in professionals, experts, and potential employers are conducive environments for networking. By engaging with those in industries you’re passionate about, you will not only be able to sell your brand and learn more about such industries, but also show your interest in the company goes far beyond clicking apply on LinkedIn.
Working With Recruitment Agencies: By partnering with recruiting agencies such as ISGF, you can gain a roadmap to navigating the avenue of hidden job postings. A recruiting firm can provide insights towards companies you’re passionate about, as our knowledge spans far wider than postings on traditional hiring platforms. Through our vast network of professionals and our over 20,000 placements to date, you can ensure a sense of ease into your job search, all while risking nothing on your end.
By actively engaging with professionals, attending industry events, building meaningful connections, and working with a recruiting firm, you can position yourself at the forefront of the hidden job market. All of these sections rely on your ability to present your personal brand to industry peers and employers, so it is important to consider whether your brand is going to push you ahead in the job search.
The Power of Personal Branding and Online Presence
Though the job postings may not be online, your networking abilities will only go so far in person. This is why it is ever important to build and maintain your personal brand both in person and online. Your personal brand is far more than just how you present yourself to potential employers, it’s how you present yourself to everyone around you in every setting. As covered in a previous blog, “In high-performing organizations, at certain levels, everyone is exceptional. To clearly differentiate your value and what you bring to the table, you need to do more than have a good reputation. You need to have an outstanding personal brand.”
In the vast landscape of job searching, the hidden job market represents a realm of untapped potential. By understanding the reasons why companies choose not to post their opportunities online and recognizing the significance of this hidden market, job seekers can adopt effective strategies to navigate its elusive terrain. We have explored the secrets of the hidden job market, including the importance of networking, having proactive approaches, attending industry events, working with recruiting firms like ISGF, and personal branding. Embracing these strategies allows individuals to tap into unadvertised positions, gain insights, and set themselves apart from the competition.
As you embark on your job search journey, remember that the hidden job market is not a separate entity but an extension of the broader job market, which holds excellent opportunities to propel your career forward.
Written by
Wesley Stevenson
Marketing Contributor
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