Ruqayyah Snyder
In Australia, it is believed that between 60 and 80% of jobs are secured via the 'hidden job market'. This market comprises positions that are not advertised in traditional print or online sources and are instead filled through word-of-mouth, signs in shop windows, or by employers approaching job seekers directly. To tap into this market, it is important to network and build relationships with people who can help you find new career opportunities. This includes connecting with friends, family, teachers, community organisations, local employers, and others in your community. Additionally, using platforms such as LinkedIn to find and reach out to key decision-makers at target companies can be an effective way to discover hidden job vacancies. It is also recommended to approach employers directly, even when they are not advertising a vacancy, and to focus on how your skills and experience can add value to their team.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of jobs secured via hidden job market | 60-80% |
| How to find hidden jobs | Networking, word-of-mouth, referrals, direct contact with employers |
| Online tools | LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, job search websites |
| Approach | Be proactive, sell yourself, be open to advice, adapt your approach, be patient |
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What You'll Learn
Network, network, network
Networking is critical to finding a job in Australia's hidden job market. It is believed that between 60 and 80% of jobs are secured via this route, so it's important to be proactive and dedicated in your approach to networking.
A great way to network and source hidden job opportunities is through LinkedIn. You can use LinkedIn to find companies and key decision-makers within those companies who may be hiring. Ensure your profile is up to date with your latest achievements, skills and work history, then start reaching out. You can signal that you're open to work and even send a note to a contact at an organisation you'd like to work for. You could also use LinkedIn to find out the name of your potential manager and contact them directly.
In-person networking
In-person networking is still valuable. You can attend meet-ups, workshops, hackathons, career fairs and employer information sessions to meet people and find out about job opportunities. You can also approach employers directly, in person, to ask about current or future opportunities.
Existing contacts
Don't forget your existing network of friends, family, teachers, community organisations and local employers. Let them know you're looking for work and ask them to let you know if they hear of any opportunities.
You can use email to reach out to people working in HR or People and Culture departments. Keep your email concise and focus on what you can offer them, rather than asking for a job. Attach your resume and highlight your unique skills and how they align with the company's values.
Speculative applications
You can also send speculative applications to companies you'd like to work for, even if they aren't advertising a vacancy. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each organisation, demonstrating your awareness of the company and how you could add value.
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Contact employers directly
It is important to be proactive when approaching employers directly. Employers, particularly small businesses, are often busy and may prefer a job seeker to approach them directly about work instead of spending time, effort and money on advertising.
Firstly, research the employer and their business before approaching them. Ensure you have a tailored resume ready to give them.
One way to approach employers directly is through LinkedIn. You can use LinkedIn to find companies and key decision-makers within those companies who may be hiring. You can then contact them and suggest a coffee catch-up to build a relationship.
When contacting employers, focus on what you can do for them and how your skills and experience can add value to their team. Avoid asking for a job in your email and keep it concise. Instead, state that you are available for current or upcoming positions.
If you are unsure of who to contact, you can research the company's careers page to find vacancies in your field or the names of people working in their HR department. You can then email them directly with your resume and a short pitch about why you are interested in working for them.
Another way to approach employers directly is through networking. This could be through word-of-mouth, by letting your friends, family and colleagues know that you are looking for work, or by attending professional events, meet-ups and workshops.
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Ask for advice, not jobs
Networking is the key to finding hidden jobs in Australia. It is believed that between 60 and 80 per cent of jobs are secured via the hidden job market in Australia. These roles are filled through word-of-mouth or by employers approaching job seekers directly.
Networking can help you access these hidden jobs. Start by letting people know that you are looking for work. Talk about the types of roles that interest you and ask for advice. Ask them to let you know if they hear about any job opportunities. People are usually happy to help by passing on your contact details or making an introduction.
You can also use LinkedIn to find companies and the key decision-makers within those companies who may be hiring. If you contact them at the right time, you can initiate a coffee catch-up to continue building the relationship.
When approaching employers, don't ask for a job. Instead, ask for advice on how to find a role within the organisation. This can often open doors faster than asking for consideration for a particular position. Focus on what you can do for them and how your skills and experience can add value to their team.
Remember to adapt your approach to tap into the hidden job market in Australia. Don't just rely on job search websites. Instead, take the initiative and reach out to your network and make connections with key decision-makers.
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Be open about your job search
Being open about your job search is a great way to find hidden job opportunities in Australia. It is estimated that between 60 and 80 percent of jobs are secured via the hidden job market in Australia. These roles are often filled through word-of-mouth, networking, or by employers directly approaching candidates. As such, it is beneficial to let others know that you are looking for work.
Start by talking to your friends, family, teachers, community organisations, local employers, and other members of your community. Ask them to let you know if they hear about any job opportunities that might be a good fit for you. People are usually happy to help, whether it's by finding out more information, passing on your contact details, or making an introduction.
You can also utilise LinkedIn to expand your network and access the hidden job market. Use LinkedIn to find companies you're interested in, as well as the key decision-makers within those companies. Reach out and initiate conversations, and work on building relationships. Remember to focus on what you can offer the company and how your skills and experience can add value to their team.
In addition to networking, be proactive and approach employers directly. Research the companies and roles you're interested in, and tailor your resume accordingly. Contact them to inquire about current or future opportunities. Small businesses, in particular, may prefer this direct approach as it saves them time and effort in formal advertising and recruitment processes.
Remember, finding jobs in the hidden job market is often about who you know and making genuine connections. Be open about your job search, network with the right people, and don't be afraid to reach out and showcase your value.
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Use LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for tapping into the hidden job market in Australia. Here are some strategies to uncover these hidden opportunities:
Optimize Your Profile
Understand how the LinkedIn system works to increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters. The platform uses a complex algorithm to rank profiles based on relevance when recruiters conduct keyword searches. Ensure your profile is optimized with relevant keywords related to your skills, experiences, and the type of role you seek. The more relevant LinkedIn deems your profile, the higher it will appear in search results, increasing the likelihood of attracting recruiters.
Leverage Connections
Download your LinkedIn connections into a spreadsheet and analyze them. Identify individuals who can potentially assist in your job search and reach out to them. Consider creating a breakfast circle discussion group with peers in your industry to build connections and discuss common challenges. This can enhance your reputation as a subject matter expert and collaborator.
Utilize the Search Feature
Avoid the job boards, as they tend to be highly competitive. Instead, use LinkedIn's search feature to find hidden job postings. People often post job openings within their network, seeking referrals. These are typically published as standard LinkedIn posts rather than official job board postings, reducing the competition. Search for phrases or keywords related to the type of role you're seeking. For example, if you're a graphic designer, search for phrases like "We're hiring a graphic designer" or "Job opening: Graphic designer."
Connect with Recruiters
Be proactive and reach out to recruiters instead of waiting for them to find you. Create a list of companies where you would like to work, follow them on LinkedIn, and identify their HR professionals and talent acquisition team members. If you have mutual connections with any of their recruiters or HR pros, send them a personalized invitation to connect. Express your interest in their company and your motivation to join their network.
Engage with Target Companies
Research and identify companies that require your talent, from top-tier enterprises to SMEs. Don't limit yourself to HR contacts; instead, search for individuals with authority within the organization. Utilize location, connection, and current company search filters to find first- and second-degree connections who work for your target companies. Reach out to shared connections for introductions or send well-crafted messages directly to the relevant individuals.
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Frequently asked questions
The hidden job market refers to jobs that are filled through word of mouth, signs in shop windows, or employers approaching job seekers directly, rather than through formal advertising. It is estimated that between 60 and 80% of jobs are secured via the hidden job market in Australia.
Networking is critical to finding jobs in the hidden job market. Make connections with friends, family, colleagues, and other professionals in your industry. You can also use LinkedIn to find and connect with key decision-makers at companies you're interested in. Attend industry events, workshops, and hackathons, and follow organisations on social media to stay informed about any openings.
When approaching employers in the hidden job market, it's important to be proactive and clear about your interests and skills. Research the company and the role you're interested in, and tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly. Instead of asking for a job, express your availability for current or upcoming positions and focus on how you can add value to their team.
Be open about your job search and let people know you are looking for work. Stay up-to-date with industry news and trends to pick up on potential hiring signals. Consider contract or freelance roles as a way to get your foot in the door and build relationships. Maintain regular contact with your network and continue to develop your skills and personal brand.
