I Tried The ‘Hidden Job Market’ On LinkedIn, Here’s What I Did

In the highly competitive job market today, securing the right position often requires a more strategic approach. While many job seekers focus on the advertised position, they may overlook the many hidden opportunities that lie behind the scenes.

I read about the hidden job market while searching for a job previously. It sounds mysterious and unknown, but the term refers to job openings that are not publicly advertised or promoted by employers.

What exactly is the hidden job market?

What is this hidden job market?

Companies often choose not to advertise openings for various reasons and recruit candidates through referrals or internally, saving on advertising costs, or they may want to reduce the number of applications they receive.

While it is easier to find a job in the visible market, exploring these unseen areas often opens doors to opportunities that could be even better.

Usually, these positions are only known by people within a certain network or those who take the initiative to look for them. Being aware of this hidden job market can give you a competitive advantage, as many job seekers are unaware of this opportunity.

The following are some methods I took to tap into the hidden job market on LinkedIn.

#1 Keep your profile updated

First things first, you’ll have to make sure your LinkedIn profile and other professional platforms are updated.

Hiring managers and recruiters often browse LinkedIn to find potential candidates, even for roles that are not advertised.

Make sure your profile highlights your skills, experience and career achievements. Use a professional photo, update your summary with key achievements, and make your profile keyword-rich to increase your visibility in search results.

#2 Build connections through networking and industry events

The second step is to build relationships with professionals in your industry, as well as recruiters who specialise in your field. I connected with multiple professionals and recruiters within my industry and followed their updates.

I then contacted them for advice or job leads with hopes to open new opportunities. Recruiters often have access to unlisted positions and can match you with positions that suit your skills and experience.

Additionally, there are also other methods to reach out to your network, via attending industry events, both in-person and virtual, such as conferences, workshops or meet-ups.

These interactions provide an opportunity to learn about unadvertised job openings and demonstrate how you can add value to their organisation. By being proactive in your networking efforts, you will increase your chances of finding hidden job opportunities that are not posted online.

#3 Volunteer your services or offer help

Another great way to get noticed is by volunteering your time and skills, especially to organisations or causes that are in your field.

This allows you to build a reputation, gain experience, and connect with professionals who can help you find job opportunities later on.

Even offering to help others in your network-whether it’s by sharing knowledge, offering references, or collaborating on projects can make you more memorable to those who can recommend you for a job.

#4 Join career clubs, communities and reach out to your Alumni

Another method was to join a job club or professional community. Through those communities on LinkedIn, I was able to exchange information, share job search tips, and find peer support.

These communities can often provide valuable insights into job openings or companies looking to hire. Whether it’s an online group, local association or alumni network, being active in these circles will keep you informed and connected.

I also leverage on my college or university’s alumni network on the social platform. Alumni often enjoy helping fellow graduates, and many can offer insights or referrals for hidden job opportunities.

You can also ask your network to refer you to others within their circle. This will create a chain of connections that can eventually lead you to job opportunities that aren’t publicly posted.

People are more likely to trust recommendations from someone within their network, so don’t hesitate to ask for introduction.

#5 Cold outreach and informational interviews

Sometimes, the most direct approach is the best. I tried to reach to companies or professionals directly, even if they don’t have any job openings.

Express your interest in their company, explain your skills and how you can add value, and inquire about any upcoming opportunities.

Similarly, informational interviews can help you build connections within your target companies. Request a casual conversation with someone in your industry to learn more about their role, company, or career path. This will give you valuable insights and can lead to potential job openings, even if the company isn’t hiring at the moment.

Tips for exploring the hidden job market

Accessing the hidden job market is not always easy and requires extra effort. But even if you do not find a job immediately, it enlarges your work community and provides you insights on your career through the platform.

Don’t give up if you don’t get an immediate response. It takes time to network and approach companies. Stay consistent and communicate professionally.

Always make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimised and catches the attention of recruiters, as this is the main tool they will look at when searching for potential candidates in the hidden job market.