Career Exploration, Career Progression, Job Search Tips

Secrets To Finding Opportunities Most People Miss – Hidden Jobs

Written by mrafeeq · 3 min read >

Photo by David Tyemnyák on Unsplash

There has been a longstanding complaint that the best jobs are ‘hidden from view. ‘It’s who you know is often touted as an explanation for why we are not exposed to the jobs with the most attractive set of responsibilities, resources, and compensation.

This article will explain how job seekers can utilise public sources and learn about hidden job opportunities, placing candidates in a more favourable position for consideration for a full-time job with a company.

What Exactly Is a ‘Hidden’ Job?

A remote job is an open position that has not yet been posted publicly or published as a recruitment advertisement by a company. This could be because the company is not yet sure strategically whether they wish to fill the position at the current time, or perhaps a department is waiting for budgets to open so that hire can be made.

Another reason could be that the company hopes to be filled with an internal candidate.

Some remote jobs are never posted publicly — and companies fill these positions without the standard, normal advertisement-recruiter-interview-selection process. Sometimes, it’s an internal hire or transfer, or a specified outsider — perhaps you — will be assuming the new role.

Joys and Sorrows of Job Searching Online

As most of us have realised, searching for a job online is both a thrilling and a demoralising experience. It is compelling because we are exposed to hundreds of opportunities that explain the position, requirements, responsibilities, and company in depth. Then, applying for the job requires just a few clicks or taps, and less than 20 minutes later, we’re done.

Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash

The wrenching, sad part of applying for jobs online is that we realise that once a job is posted online and we’ve used it, so have hundreds of others. Unfortunately, applicant tracking systems (ATSs), which make the HR or recruiter’s life easier, do not do the same for the applicant. Indeed, nowadays, given the volume of applications, we often do not even receive the courtesy of an automated rejection email.

While it is still advisable to apply for jobs online, job-hunting efforts need to be expanded to find hidden jobs that hundreds of other hopeful applicants do not know about.

Media and Blogs As Trusted Sources

If you aren’t doing so already, you should be reading and sharing all you can about your industry via specific, focused websites and blogs. Besides gaining knowledge and domain expertise, you can read between the lines and learn about these hidden jobs.

For instance, an article about a company that has received venture financing will likely have the funds to hire staff. A company that suddenly is advertising expansively throughout your favourite industry website may now have more budget.

For those more ‘advanced’ job seekers, make friends with the author or blogger. At some point, it would make sense to ask if they knew of any company that is expanding or looking to hire and if they can make an introduction on your behalf. (Professional journalists would never do this, but industry bloggers, many of whom are unpaid, would gladly help or return the favour for an ardent reader.) Introductions can be as casual or formal as the situation requires.

Go Offline

This blog has continued to emphasise, get out, and network live and real-time. While industry conferences may attract the largest audiences, some of the best insider opportunities lurk inside more minor, more intimate gatherings where you can genuinely present yourself directly — and get the inside scoop on who’s hiring what, when, and where.

Meetup.com is a perfect way to bridge public sources for the hidden job market: the website publicly posts its members’ events to the broadest audience possible. Yet, the discussions that occur almost always include information you could never learn about online.

Network — But Don’t Ask for a Job

This is old advice, but it’s worth reviewing again—Shortlist companies in your industry to which you would like to apply for a job. Take the time to cultivate a relationship with an insider — via LinkedIn or someone in your network — and, at some point, ask for assistance.

During the call or email exchange, gather information without expressly looking for a job:

*Explain that you are part of a local Meetup.com group, and the organiser has asked for industry information that would be useful for members.

*Mention that you are often asked to contribute to blogs or media revolving around the industry, and you’re curious to learn more about the products and services that the company delivers.

In this way, you appear more as an influencer than a job-seeker.

These are tricky conversations to have, and they require practice. You want to come off as knowledgeable and helpful but not desperate.

As conversations advance, you can explain that you are between opportunities and working as a consultant. Then, you can gently suggest that you would love to be considered or learn more if they know of any opportunities.

This may be the best road to a remote job with that company. You may begin working as a consultant for the company before being transferred to full-time status. This has become a frequent path these days, as companies can ‘try before they buy — and so can you, of course — and you can demonstrate your expertise and shine like your professional.

In conclusion, finding and applying for non-public jobs can fast-track candidates into a sweet spot with an organisation. Creating an opportunity to serve a job seeker is a much more valuable way than simply applying for one. It requires much more work — but is much more satisfying for both parties.

If you want to find jobs that are not advertised, then it’s time to get creative. You don’t have to wait for an ad to come out to find a job. We’ve got your back! Fill out our form, and we’ll send you alerts about new jobs posted on the website 24/7. Don’t worry. We won’t spam you with emails — just one or two when there’s something new available.

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