The Hidden Job Market: where the best roles are (and how to access them)

If this is your first time reading our newsletter, welcome! Why Job search advice for people that know a lot? Because so much advice is tailored to young professionals and entry level positions. Tips like putting keywords into your resume to get past the online job search aren’t so helpful when the job you want was never posted online to begin with. Most mid-senior level opportunities aren’t posted on job boards, most openings are filled through networking, and often, who you know matters more than what you know. Let us be who you know. Get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox with exclusive subscriber-only content. Sign up here: https://newsletters.meytier.com/job-search-advice-newsletter

Companies prefer quiet searches for leadership roles for many different reasons. For starters, online applications generate thousands of applications, most of them random and not potential hires. There might also be confidential leadership changes happening or other reasons they don’t want to advertise the opening. A huge piece of it, however, is that the opportunity cost of a bad hire is massive. This is precisely why companies often prefer referrals or trusted introductions, they simply have more faith that they will work out. The good news is that you can gain access to these opportunities by becoming a trusted connection. 

Get proactive

The first step is always to get proactive- the best kind of job search is one that happens before you need it. Get strategic in your networking efforts and stay on top of your network- check in regularly with former colleagues, peers, industry connections, and others. Find an engagement method that works for you, setting a schedule or checking in with people after a certain amount of time. When you make an effort to stay in touch with others, they’ll be happy to help whenever you need it. Networking doesn’t have to be cringey or stressful, just reach out for a conversation, coffee, or ask people how they’re doing. The more you do it, the easier it’ll be. 

Stay aware

Your ex-colleagues are the best sources of potential job opportunities. Even if you’re happy in your current role, you should always keep your finger on the pulse of who is hiring people like you in your industry. Anytime a colleague, former colleague, friend, or other relevant acquaintance moves to a new job, ask them how they found the opportunity. You might find out about a networking group, a recruitment agency, a group, a job board, or something else you didn’t know about!

Similarly, stay aware of potential employers. Who is hiring people with your skill set? Follow companies you’d like to work at on social media so you know what they’re up to. Look for growth. If you have LinkedIn premium, you can see headcount growth in the “insights” tab of a LinkedIn company page. Aside from just headcount, look for other signs of potential growth like recent funding, increasing revenue, large clients, new products, new offices, etc. Companies who are growing are always a better bet to go after in a job search.

Get connected to executive search firms

Executive search firms and specialized recruitment agencies are a great source of opportunities. Write down the names of any search firms or agencies your ex colleagues are finding jobs through. When you’re actively searching, ask your acquaintance to connect you with them. 

On LinkedIn, you can often see which recruiter is listed on a job. You should always send someone a nice message if you’re applying for their job. Personal connections are best, but if you find someone and don’t have a mutual connection, just reach out! Recruiters are always happy to connect, if they don’t have any openings for you at the moment they may in the future. The best recruiters are always thinking in advance. They also have insights on opportunities that you might not. Whenever you enter a job search, reach out to any recruiters you’ve met in the past. They may have insights on where to look or know someone with an opportunity you’d be good for.

Visibility = Opportunity

Visibility is key for accessing the hidden job market. If you are seen as a thought leader in your industry, people will think of you when they're hiring. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated with details and a nice new photo. If it’s been a while- go check out some of our LinkedIn advice (our April newsletter covered LinkedIn strategy for mid-senior level professionals, here. If it’s been a long time, you may want to start with our LinkedIn checklist, here.) Aside from that, start sharing! Write your own blogs, repost articles you see, share posts, your thoughts on industry trends or news, and like, comment and share the work of others’ in your industry. If you can, start speaking at events or panels- get yourself out there! The more you position yourself as a thinker and expert in your space, the more people will think of you when an opportunity arises.

Some quick wins

If reading this overwhelmed you, we get it. The most effective job search strategy is one that is always happening in the background. That said, this isn’t much help if you need a job now. Here are a few quick wins you can try this week to get proactive and tap into the hidden job market:

1. Reconnect with three people- former colleagues, alumni from your college/ university, a previous manager or mentor. Send them a nice message, ask how they’ve been, and bonus: ask to meet for a coffee (over zoom or in person). 
2. Engage on LinkedIn- write a blog, repost an article, or comment your thoughts on some industry news or trends. Get used to engaging on LinkedIn.
3. Research and save three companies in your industry who are growing.
4. Send a connection request and a nice message to a recruiter who specializes in your skillset or your industry.

In conclusion, this is a marathon and not a sprint. As you get more senior, your job search becomes less reactionary and more proactive. Instead of applying for jobs, you’re building opportunities for yourself.