Finding a job can feel like a full time job in itself. Jobs that are advertised might have hundreds of applicants, leading to disillusion. Many jobs are not advertised at all, and this is known as the ‘Hidden Job Market’. It can be tricky to how to find these sorts of roles. Yet identifying jobs like these can open up golden opportunities. Unadvertised roles will often have fewer applicants and less competition. Knowing where to start can be hard. Here are some helpful tips to access possible job opportunities that may not be publicly listed:
- LinkedIn – figures suggest that 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find suitable candidates for jobs that may very well not be advertised. A great many employers are also wising up to the benefits of finding employees for jobs this way. Love or hate social media, this is one platform that you cannot afford to miss. Your LinkedIn profile is your online CV. You can outline your experience, qualifications and tag key skills that you bring as a result of each working experience you have had. That way, when employers or recruiters search, they may find you. You can state that you are looking for work, and some job roles may be advertised but only on this platform.
- Networking – experts believe that many jobs – perhaps as many as 85% - are filled through networking. While there is some disagreement about the absolute number of jobs filled this way, what is certain is that it is a large proportion and that many of these roles are not advertised. Networking is a good use of your time if you are looking for a job but do not see much advertised in your field. You can attend networking events at professional associations, develop relationships and engage with people within the industry to pinpoint opportunities before they are advertised.
- Do your research – taking a proactive approach with companies you are interested in working for is another great way to find unadvertised jobs. Pinpoint organisations in your sector that you have an interest in working for. Then research them – look at their website, their social media profiles and any news about them. This will help you find information about projects that they might be working on where you might add value. You can then contact their hiring team in an informed way to see if there is an opportunity to work together.
- Recruitment agencies – recruitment agencies regularly have job opportunities that they may not advertise at all or might just not have advertised yet. Look for relevant agencies that specialise in your industry and that have a good reputation. Recruitment agents want to place good people in the right roles but if they do not know you are out there looking, they cannot help you. Work to build relationships with suitable agents and communicate your career goals to them, telling them as much as you can about what you are looking for. They can then match you when a suitable role arises before that job gets advertised.
At SureSkills we are always on the lookout for great candidates. We regularly have roles to fill and might just be able to place you in your next career step. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.
