Learn to Find Jobs Not Posted

Learn how to find positions that aren’t listed on job boards

When looking for work, it’s easy to get caught up in job boards and search engines and overlook other options for finding open positions. This type of tunnel vision can lead to a missed opportunity in the hidden job market—unadvertised job openings that are only available to those who look beyond what is available online.

You won’t find every open job during an internet search for a variety of reasons. Companies may choose to fill open positions by advertising them internally before advertising them publicly, or by relying on employee referrals. It’s possible that your ideal job is still developing. If you wait for it to appear on a job search site, you might miss out on the opportunity to help create something new.

When it comes to job hunting, casting a wide net and developing a proactive job search strategy are your best bets. Here are a few strategies for locating unadvertised job openings.

Key Takeaways

The hidden job market includes unadvertised job openings that employers fill by referrals, internal hires, or recruiting firms.
The best way to access unadvertised jobs is to create a multipronged job search strategy based on networking, social media, recruiting and employment firms, and other forms of outreach.
Develop and maintain a professional brand to maximize your chances of hearing from hiring managers and recruiters.

Where To Find Unadvertised Jobs

According to Jobvite’s 2021 Job Seeker Nation Report, nearly 60% of job seekers learn about open positions through social media, recommendations from friends or former coworkers, or employer websites. Meanwhile, just over a quarter of candidates use online job boards to look for or learn about job openings.

Even though job sites make it simple to search for and apply for jobs, it’s worth broadening your search to include other sources. Not only will you broaden your job options, but you may also be able to obtain a referral that will help you gain access to the company.

Apply Directly on Company Career Sites

It costs employers money to advertise open positions on many job sites. Advertising on their own company site, on the other hand, is free—so don’t forget to check company job pages.

Job aggregators such as Monster and Indeed index many company sites, so you may be able to use these tools to find open jobs.

Tap Your Network

According to recent surveys, up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking. So if you’re looking for work, the best thing you can do is let people know. Invest in your career network, which includes acquaintances, teachers, and people in your community, as well as current and former coworkers, clients, and managers. Let your contacts connect you with job openings, opportunities to schedule informational interviews, and other leads.

Use Social Media

Use LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites to connect with employers, recruiters, and potential contacts. Maintain a professional online presence and remember that networking is about more than just finding open positions. It’s also a chance to improve your professional reputation and expand your network of contacts.

Use a Recruiter

While some businesses use in-house recruiters to fill positions, others outsource the task to outside firms. Their job is to find qualified candidates for open positions, and they go by many names, including “recruiter” and “headhunter.” Connecting with a recruiter can help you find job openings that aren’t advertised and get the inside scoop on those that are a good fit for your skill set.

Ask your network for referrals, use an online directory like Recruiterly.com or Online Recruiters Directory, or do a Google search for recruiters in your area to find one.

Target Employers

Do you have a wish list of companies where you’d like to work? If you don’t have one, consider making one. It’s simple to use social media to connect with hiring managers and find job opportunities at your dream companies once you’ve identified your target employers.

Look for Temp-to-Hire Positions

A temporary job can be more than just a means of earning money. After temporary workers have completed their contracts and proven themselves on the job, many employers hire them full-time. Temp-to-hire jobs also give you the opportunity to try out new roles and see if they’re a good fit for you.

Freelance

Freelancing is another option for trying out jobs before committing. Working as a freelancer can also help you advance your career by allowing you to expand your skill set, gain work experience, and explore new opportunities.

Attend Job Fairs

Job fairs can help you connect with many employers in a short amount of time. Companies, professional organizations, and colleges and universities are the most common organizers of these events. They happen in convention centers, on college campuses, and even on the internet.

Volunteer

Volunteering is an excellent way to improve your resume, network, and even find work at organizations that are important to you. To get the most out of your volunteer work, approach it as if it were a job—be professional, responsible, and dedicated.

Build an Online Presence

It’s no longer enough to avoid social media gaffes in today’s job market. You must also establish an online presence that demonstrates your abilities, experience, and professional standing. Consider it to grow your brand. Your online presence should, in theory, reflect consistency, professionalism, and knowledge. It should also demonstrate that you can network with others in your field, stay current on industry trends, and work well with others.

Learn to Find Jobs Not Posted