How to find unadvertised job vacancies
Published
When looking for a job, it's easy to focus on job boards and search engines and forget about other ways to find open positions. This type of tunnel vision can lead to missing out on the hidden job market - unadvertised job openings that are only accessible to those looking beyond what they can find online.
For a variety of reasons, you won't find all open positions when you search online. Companies advertise some positions internally before announcing them publicly, or they rely on employee recommendations to fill open positions. Your dream job may also be something that is still developing. If you sit back and wait for it to appear on a job search site, you may be missing out on the chance to help build something new.
It's best to cast a wide net when looking for a job and develop a proactive job search strategy. Here are some ways to find unadvertised positions.
the essentials in brief
- The hidden job market includes unadvertised vacancies that employers fill through referrals, internal hiring or staffing firms.
- The best way to get unadvertised positions is to develop a multi-pronged job search strategy that relies on networking, social media, staffing and placement firms, and other forms of outreach.
- Develop and maintain a professional brand to increase your chances of being heard by hiring managers and recruiters.
Where you can find unadvertised positions
Sea Jobvite's 2021 Job Seeker Nation Report Almost 60% of job seekers find out about job openings through social media, from friends or former colleagues, or on employer websites. Only a little more than a quarter of applicants search for or find out about vacancies on online job boards.
Even though it's quick and easy to search and apply through job boards, it's worth expanding your search to other sources. Not only will you expand the pool of available positions, but you may also receive a recommendation that will help you "get started" with the company.
Check the company’s career pages
It is costly for employers to advertise vacancies on many job boards. However, advertising on your own company website is free. So don't forget to check the company's career pages in addition to job boards like RemoteScout.
Use your network
surveys According to this, up to 85% of positions are filled via networks.
So if you're looking for work, it's best if you let people know. Invest in your career network, which includes acquaintances, teachers and people around you as well as current and former employees, customers and managers. Let your contacts connect you with open positions, appointments for informational interviews and other leads.
Use social media
Connect with employers, hiring managers, and potential contacts on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites. Keep your online presence professional and remember that networking is about more than just finding open positions. It's also an opportunity to improve your professional reputation and expand your contact list.
Use a recruiter
While some employers use internal recruiters to fill positions, others hire external companies to provide this service. These specialists go by many names, including "recruiters" and "headhunters," and their job is to find qualified candidates for open positions. Working with a recruiter can help you find unadvertised positions and gain insight into roles that are a good fit for your skills.
To find a recruiter, ask your network for recommendations, use LinkedIn, or do a Google search for recruiters in your geographic area.
Target your dream employers
Do you have a list of employers you would like to work for? If not, you should create one. Once you have your target employers in mind, it's easy to connect with recruiters on social media and then immediately be at the forefront of the company of your choice when a position opens up.
Search for temporary employment positions
A temp job can be more than just a way to make some money. Many employers hire temporary workers on a full-time basis once they have fulfilled their contract and proven themselves on the job. Temporary work also gives you the opportunity to try out new tasks and find out if the situation is right for you.
Freelance work
Freelancing is another way to try out jobs before committing. Working as a freelancer can also help you develop your skills, gain work experience, and find new career paths.
Visit job boards
At job fairs you can get in touch with several employers in a short period of time. These events are usually organized by companies, professional associations, colleges and universities. They take place in convention centers, on campus, and even online.
Volunteer work
Volunteering is a great way to boost your resume, make connections, and even find jobs with organizations that are meaningful to you. To get the most out of this experience, treat your volunteer work like a job - professional, responsible and dedicated.
Build an online presence
In today's job market, avoiding social media mistakes isn't enough. You also need to cultivate an online presence that showcases your skills, experience, and professional reputation. Think of this as developing your brand. Ideally, your online presence should reflect consistency, professionalism and expertise. It should also show that you can connect with others in your industry, stay up to date on trends, and are a good colleague.
