Finding a full-time job is not easy. You're competing with a lot of other people who are also looking to get ahead financially , and what complicates matters even more is the so-called “hidden job market.”
The phrase typically refers to job openings that are not publicly advertised on job boards or other online platforms. These jobs increase your chance of getting the job because they aren't flooded with applications.
And while securing a job often can take hours and hours of scouring the web, finding an unadvertised job requires a different kind of skillset. Here are 15 ways to discover jobs that aren't posted elsewhere.
Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially 1. Nail down a quick elevator pitch
Crafting a good elevator pitch — in this case, a brief way of introducing yourself and your skills — is crucial for networking and uncovering unlisted jobs.
The ability to quickly pitch yourself can prompt someone to recognize your qualifications for a job opening in their organization.
This, in turn, can lead to valuable connections and potential referrals to hiring managers so that you can get introduced to an opportunity that will help you build wealth .
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2. Attend networking events
There are always networking events and volunteer opportunities hosted by nearby businesses and organizations, and social media sites like LinkedIn are a good way to find them.
Attending these events can help you to expand your professional network and learn about unlisted job openings. Events can connect you with people seeking someone who has your skills while attending these events yourself demonstrates your interest in a potential new role.
Pro tip: Make sure you avoid making mistakes , like not being prepared. Be sure to have that elevator pitch ready so you can highlight your abilities and value if the opportunity presents itself.
3. Attend job fairs for face-to-face time
Job fairs can seem like a bit of a cattle call, but they offer a valuable opportunity to engage with multiple employers face-to-face.
And since they are organized by companies, professional organizations, and educational institutions, everyone knows why they are there.
Attending job fairs enables you to interact with a diverse range of employers in a concentrated timeframe, maximizing your chances to find hidden opportunities.
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4. Create a list of ‘dream jobs’ or companies
The fundamental concept behind the hidden job market is that opportunities are not limited to what is listed.
Make a list of dream jobs and companies you want to work with. After you have a list of target employers, reach out and network directly.
Social media is a great way to start these conversations. Stay proactive to boost your chances of landing the ideal job.
5. Go after companies directly
Once you have your list of dream companies, do not limit yourself to the jobs listed on third-party sites. It costs companies time and money to post on these job boards, so they’ll likely be interested to hear from someone directly.
A good rule of thumb is to open discussions with a mutual contact within the organization or someone who is part of their human resources team.
This could help you get in on the interview process for a job you didn't know existed, which can lower your financial stress as you're able to find a job more quickly.
6. Personalize your LinkedIn experience
LinkedIn is so much more than a job board because of how it can be personalized. From your “about” section to recommendations, there are a ton of ways to make the platform your own.
LinkedIn also hosts industry-specific groups that can allow you to network directly with recruiters, hiring managers, and decision-makers. Join groups relevant to you and do some research before you reach out.
Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt 7. Engage in genuine conversations with your network
People focus on networking for a good reason: It opens all kinds of doors. A key differentiator, though, is to invest in personal connections.
Cultivating genuine connections can be more effective and personally fulfilling than limiting yourself to small talk.
If someone feels like they truly know you, their professional recommendation will come across that much more strongly to a hiring manager.
8. Consider using more social media platforms beyond LinkedIn
LinkedIn isn’t the only social media site professionals use. You should also utilize Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to establish connections with employers, recruiters, and potential contacts.
These platforms also allow you to cultivate your professional reputation and broaden your network of contacts.
Just be sure to maintain a professional online presence so that when the opportunity arises, you come across as a dependable and reliable individual.
9. Send a note of interest
A note of interest is just that. You can send a quick note to anyone unprompted. Use it to showcase your skills, outline your preferred roles, and attach your resume or portfolio.
And in terms of who to send it to, it’s helpful to find someone you can make a personal connection with.
Whether you attended the same college or are familiar with the area they’re from, find something interesting you have in common.
Break the Cycle: 8 moves to escape the paycheck to paycheck grind 10. Take advantage of your alma mater’s alumni network
Getting your degree does not mean the college experience has nothing left to offer. Alumni networks remain a valuable resource for hidden job opportunities.
They often have strong connections with various companies and can help put you in touch with the right people.
Your alma mater also likely wants to see its graduates succeed, so don't hesitate to leverage this option. They likely have a department that can help you network with other alumni.
11. Research is essential
Scoring a dream job with your target company won’t be as likely if you do not stay up to date with what it is doing.
Google News Alerts are free and can provide information on organizations, decision-makers, and industries of interest.
From current social endeavors to new team member announcements, mentioning any of these tidbits shows you have a major interest in a company or industry.
12. Start freelancing the type of work you want to do full-time
Freelancing is a great “try before you buy” tactic when you are job hunting because it lets you explore various job roles and industries before making a long-term commitment.
By taking on freelance projects, you can gain valuable experience, expand your skill set, and discover new career paths.
Freelancing also offers the flexibility to choose projects that align with your interests and goals.
Make Money: Discover 17 legit ways to make extra cash 13. Temp jobs can get your foot in the door
Like freelancing, one reason to go for a temp job is to boost your bank account without a long-term commitment. This also gives you the opportunity to see if you enjoy both the company and the work.
Employers can convert temporary workers into full-time employees after a contract expires if they like how you performed. Think of temp jobs as a pathway to potential long-term employment.
14. Introduce yourself to recruiters
Recruiters, or headhunters, can be valuable allies in your job search. If you can establish a connection with a recruiter, that can open the door to hidden job opportunities.
Since their job is to find the right person for the right company, collaborating with them can significantly enhance your job search and increase your chances of finding the perfect match for your career aspirations.
15. Continue to put yourself out there in unique ways
Networking goes beyond formal events or social networks. Do not be afraid of tactics that might seem less business-centric.
Socialize with new acquaintances, maybe friends of friends; join book clubs or meet-ups. Engaging people “in the wild,” so to speak, tends to lead to discussions about businesses and careers.
By expanding your network socially, you can increase your chances of discovering unadvertised job openings through word-of-mouth.
Bottom line
The hidden job market is a great way to find fulfilling employment that can also help you move beyond living paycheck to paycheck .
While job boards and online platforms are still widely used, there are a lot of untapped job options waiting to be discovered.
By implementing the strategies outlined here, you can dramatically increase your chances of securing a dream job, and at finding those jobs that aren't readily available on the large job search sites.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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