Understanding the Hidden Job Market

The following post takes a closer look at Understanding the Hidden Job Market.

In the modern hiring environment, many jobs are never published online. Instead, these roles are filled through headhunting and/or word-of-mouth. This phenomenon is known as the ‘hidden job market’.

Read: Reasons for Using Glassdoor as a Job Seeker

Related: List of Employment Agencies (by Industry)

It’s true. Not every job gets advertised. Especially high-level or specialized positions. Many companies simply prefer the ‘hidden job market’ to save time, cut hiring costs, and/or find candidates who are already vetted.

The goal of this article is to introduce you to the idea of the hidden job market. Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

What is the hidden job market?

Simply put, the hidden job market refers to vacancies that are not formally advertised.

For instance, a company might be actively hiring for a VP of Technology – but you didn’t know because they never advertised it. As a result, this job is hidden from plain sight and can’t be applied to.

Pictured: Screenshot definition of the hidden job market

Direct Recruitment

Direct recruitment involves companies proactively reaching out to potential candidates (rather than waiting for candidates to apply). This approach is most common for senior-level positions, niche roles, or highly specialized jobs when the company seeks to keep their vacancy out of the public eye.

Referrals / Word-of-Mouth

Many companies use referral programs that incentivize employees to recommend candidates from their networks for open positions. Since these positions are filled through personal networks, they may never be posted on public job boards.

Internal Promotions

Sometimes companies prefer to fill vacancies by promoting from within rather than searching externally. If you aren’t a current employee, there’s no way to know the company is hiring for that role.

Tips for Tapping Into the Hidden Job Market

Tapping into the hidden job market isn’t particularly easy because, well – it’s hidden. Having said that, there are some things you can do to improve your visibility and increase your odds of being considered.

• Build a Strong Network: Attend industry events, participate in online forums, and maintain connections with former colleagues.
• Conduct Informational Interviews: Proactively connect with industry professionals to gain insights about companies and potential job opportunities.
• Engage with Recruiters: Connect with specialized recruiters who may have access to unadvertised roles that align with your background.
• Reach Out Directly: Proactively contact companies of interest to express your enthusiasm and inquire about potential job openings.

Sending Your Resume to Recruiters

Looking for a simple and convenient way to send your resume to loads of recruiters? Resume Distribution is our signature service for emailing your resume to 500 to 2,000+ recipients.

Getting your resume into recruiters’ hands is a great way to tap into jobs that are not publicly advertised.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope this article gives you a better understanding of what the hidden job market is and how it works. Just because a company isn’t advertising a job opening, doesn’t mean the opportunity isn’t there.