How to tap the hidden job market: 5 tips to get in

The job hunt is exhausting

We’ve all been there. Cold applying. Taking recruiter calls during our “lunch breaks.” Scouring LinkedIn for a job posting. Finding the position that sounds absolutely perfect for you, that you apply for, only to discover that they rejected you within minutes.

It’s exhausting to job hunt. The constant rollercoaster of getting excited about an opportunity (but not too excited for fear of rejection!) We get our hopes up, and it’s frustrating to hear, “they went with an internal candidate,” or, “the position has already been filled,” or, “we loved you, but just don’t think you’re the exact right fit.” It’s a grind to look for a new job.

You’re hitting refresh on job boards, and seeing nothing. You’re reading role descriptions that you’re nervous you only fulfill 50% of the requirements but think you’d crush it - if they’d give you a chance. You’re asking for feedback from the meeting you thought went well and are hearing crickets.

The “hidden job hunt” sounds like a fairy tale quest

That’s because it sort of, well, is. All the roles you’re applying for online? They’ve been months in the making. Hiring managers had to negotiate that they needed someone for their team. They’ve been working with recruitment to craft a job posting (that lifts lots of details from other job postings.) They’re discussing salary options and years of experience.

By the time the job posting is up on a board - it’s practically spoken for. It doesn’t mean that they had someone in mind already (although they might have!)

What it means is that it’s fixed. The job posting has these “specific” responsibilities, clear definition of years of experience, examples of ideal candidates attached, and salary, too.

What that does is it closes the job. The job is now only available to someone who fits this exact thing. Had a slightly different title? No. Worked in a different industry? Nah. Have 2 less years of experience? Nope.

They’re not doing it to be unkind. It’s because hiring (just like job hunting) is exhausting. By the time they’ve worked through all the mental and political gymnastics to post a role, they want the person (who looks most like their imagination says they should be) to fulfill it.

So how do you get in?

You get into the hidden job market. Yes, more fairy tale mumbojumbo. But it’s true. You want to find the moment when the job doesn’t exist yet. Before it has a title, a salary, a clear set of responsibilities attached to it.

Let’s do this!

How to tap into the hidden job market

Here are 5 practical ways to get into the jobs that don’t exist yet. (This also works for the ones that do, too!)

First, you need to get buttoned up. Make sure that your resume is up-to-date, that you have listed out your strengths, and that you know what you bring to the table. This will help you have your elevator pitch ready for any situation.

1. Go company-first

If you have specific companies you’d like to work for, but are discouraged by lack of open jobs - go directly to the source. Either find someone who works there and ask for an informational interview, or, email the org directly.

Pro-tip? Find out the pattern they use for their email addresses and send an email directly to the person who manages the team you’d want to work for, or the HR team. It’ll demonstrate tenacity, and get you in front of folks that matter first.

You’ll want to be clear about why this organization - is there something particularly special about them? What do you think you could help them with? Rather than oh oh pick me! I can do anything! Tell them why you think you would deliver value to the organization, if given the chance.

2. Hit up the alumni network

No need to go back for the 20th college reunion. However, your alumni network is bigger than you think it is. Think about it. If someone who graduated 8 years after you reached out for a chat, you’d say yes. Why not, they know the old [insert university / school related jokes about some part of campus that people caused trouble at].

This can also work for past organizations. If there’s someone in your network that at one point, worked somewhere you did too, there’s a connection there.

People want to help. And they especially want to help those that they have a kinship with - whether it’s a college, workplace, or mutual friend.

Struggling to take this route because you’ve changed since the visit to the old quad? Guess what?! EVERYONE has changed. That person you’re reaching out to has also experienced transformation - they’re different too. So, approach with grace. We’re all different now.

3. Stay close to home

If you love your current company, just not the career path you’re on, connect with folks in other departments.

At larger organizations, this is often even encouraged. They want you to find your place - so go for it. Ask someone who manages a team that has your interest to connect.

Pro-tip? Smaller organizations in a more political climate might not take to this tactic. In those instances, you’re going to want to make sure you’re leaning on your internal network. If you have a strong relationship with your manager, they’d likely be happy to introduce you. If you’re super nervous about ruffling feathers until you have more clarity, think about if there’s a way to have these conversations in a less formal environment. Test out a quick coffee chat to catch up, while asking more about what they do.

4. Find your people

In order to stay up to date and in the know, find out where the folks that are in your field are. That could be a conference, a private slack channel, or a LinkedIn group. Whatever it is, get in there. Start to keep apprised of what’s being shared in the community, and look to the folks that might be of interest. Once you’re in the network, it can be easier to cold message someone - you already have a connection!

5. Tell everyone - including your mom

If you did the initial work of having an updated resume and a clear desire for what’s next... send the email blast. A new job can come from the weirdest place if you’re open to it. Sometimes it might come from the random chat at the grocery store that leads to a phone call that leads to an interview...who knows.

The best part of getting involved before a role is signed, sealed, delivered... (not yours!)... is that you have a chance to help craft it. This kind of relationship building often allows you to work with the hiring manager to discuss title, role details and even salary before you sign on the dotted line.

Still struggling to take action? Reach out!

Wait…. what about the jobs that are currently posted? You can learn more about that here.

Dive deeper into more thoughts on the hidden job network in this article I contributed to: What Are Hidden Job Networks and How Can They Help You Find Your Dream Gig?