How to Find Job Openings that Aren’t Publicized

While the exact numbers aren’t known, a significant portion of job openings are never publicly advertised. Experts disagree on just how many jobs fall into this category, but some report the number is as high as 70% or even 80%.

This is because employers often prefer to hire known candidates or those who come highly recommended by their own associates over fielding previously unknown applicants. Learning to access this hidden job market can provide a huge boost to your chances of getting hired. Below are four ways to help make it happen.

Network, Network, Network

LinkedIn reported that a whopping 85% of jobs are filled through this method. If your professional qualifications are in order and you're looking for work, networking is the single most important thing you can be doing.

Every person you know who knows and respects you and your skills as a professional multiplies your chances of finding the inside track to a job.

Do everything you can to associate with others in a personal and professional capacity. Be friendly, ask questions, and look for ways to be of genuine help to others. When appropriate, share your need for new employment and ask if they're aware of anyone who might be hiring in your field, or who might know of someone who is. Follow up with anyone they point you toward and ask them the same questions.

Networking not only means more eyes and ears helping you find what you need, but also more minds set to the task of finding appropriate opportunities. Others might suggest employment options you not only didn't know were available but may have never even realized existed at all.

Contact Companies Directly

If there's a company you'd like to work at, there's nothing wrong with contacting them directly even if they're not currently advertising an opening. It's possible that they plan to hire someone in that capacity in the future, or even that they're looking to fill such a position currently but aren't advertising.

The worst case scenario is that you get a chance to share your availability and enthusiasm for a company with a hiring manager who may remember you when they need a candidate like you in the future.

Advertise Yourself

You’re doing things to approach companies about work, but don’t forget that the application door can swing both ways. Advertise your professional abilities and your availability, and employers or recruiters may come to you.

Depending on your area of expertise and industry, this might be done in a variety of ways. Consider building or updating a personal website, online portfolio, business card, or social media presence, or think about becoming a little more vocal about your availability in your professional and personal communities, whether they’re in person or online.

Try a Recruiter or Temp Agency

Don’t overlook temp and recruiting agencies. While some still believe the stigma that they only have low-quality or short-term jobs available, they frequently have much more to offer. It’s not uncommon for large companies to go through them exclusively to fill certain openings, many of which are never advertised publicly, and which could develop into opportunities for long-term employment.

Looking for a job? See who’s hiring at CyberCoders.com.