Take Advantage of the Hidden Job Market in 5 Steps
If you're in the middle of a job change journey, you might have noticed how challenging it is to land an interview. 🙄 If you're applying online, especially if you're using the "easy apply" button, you are one of thousands of applicants. With those numbers, the likelihood of a recruiter or hiring manager ever seeing your resume is very slim.
It's time to evolve your job search strategy and tap into the hidden job market!
The hidden job market refers to job opportunities that are not advertised publicly. Internal recruitment, referrals and networking connections are how roles are being filled these days. There's no need to post them online because candidates are coming through connections.
Here's how you position yourself to take advantage of the hidden job market.
1. Optimize your profile starting with the header under your name. Choose and use keywords that qualify you, not just a job title and current/recent company. LinkedIn is a powerful personal branding tool, but it's also a search engine used by recruiters and hiring managers to identify top talent.
2. Expand your network to increase the visibility of your profile. The more people you're connected to, the greater chance you'll be seen by their connections when you like, comment on, or share content.
PRO TIP: The more connections you have on LinkedIn, the more likely you are to see opportunities when they become available. Hiring managers often mention their openings via a post asking their network for referrals.
TRY THIS: 👉 In the LinkedIn search bar, type "hiring", click "posts", click "date posted" and select the last 24 hours. Then click "all filters" and choose "1st connections" and "people you follow".
3. Build relationships through networking. Networking doesn't have to be scary, salesy, or feel like a bother to others.
Target people who are peers in your industry.
Reach out to connect based on your shared interests or people in common.
Invite them to meet and make the chat all about them.
Ask about their career path, their experience at certain companies, and what they like about their current role. Overall, just be curious about them.
Think about how you can bring them value: a book/podcast they would enjoy, a networking event they would find interesting, or a connection to someone you know...
Offer help directly. Ask, "Is there anything I can do to help you right now?"
Ask for advice. "Is there anyone in your network you'd recommend I talk to?"
4. Keep in touch. If you enjoyed the conversation and think you could bring each other value at some point, make a note on your calendar to check in periodically. No need to be formal or touch base every week. Just be yourself and keep up with their career. If they post content, like or comment on it. If they change jobs, shoot them a note of congrats. Even a "Happy Birthday!" once a year is a good way to stay in their circle.
PRO TIP: If you make it through several rounds of a job interview, people liked you enough to pursue further conversations. Don't waste those connections! Even if you aren't selected, make sure to connect with the interviewers on LinkedIn and keep in touch occasionally. You could be a fit for a future role, or someone you met might want to bring you with them when they leave that organization. You never know, so keep lines of communication open. 🤝
5. Get referred by asking your network. If you see a new job posting, apply quickly then reach out to your network and ask if anyone has connections at the company. See if you can find the name of the hiring manager and email them directly. Or, go to the company LinkedIn page, click "employees" then "connections" and "1st" to see if you know someone there yourself.
So there you have it! In 5 simple (but not easy) steps you can tap into the hidden job market and take a swing at roles that you'd never otherwise hear about.
Have questions on how to actually implement this strategy yourself? Raven Road Partners can help.
