80% of Jobs Are Never Advertised—Here’s How to Land One Before Anyone Else
80% of Jobs Are Never Advertised—Here’s How to Land One Before Anyone Else
You’re applying to dozens of jobs online, tweaking your CV, writing cover letters, and waiting… but nothing happens. It’s frustrating, right? That’s because up to 80% of jobs are never posted online.
The best roles—the ones with great salaries, career growth, and strong cultures—are often filled before they even make it to job boards. If you’re only applying for advertised positions, you’re missing out on the biggest slice of the job market.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to sit back and hope for the perfect job to appear. Whether you’re a job seeker looking for your next move or a recruiter searching for hidden talent, learning how to tap into this market will give you a serious advantage.
Why Are So Many Jobs Hidden?
Before LinkedIn and job boards, people found jobs through personal connections, and despite all the digital advancements, that hasn’t changed much.
Companies prefer hiring through trusted networks. It’s faster, cheaper, and reduces risk. If a hiring manager already knows or trusts a candidate through a referral, that’s often their first choice.
Some roles are filled internally before they ever go public. Businesses often promote from within or reach out to past applicants before opening the role to a wider audience.
Not every company wants hundreds of applications. Some businesses only advertise a role if they struggle to find the right fit through their own networks.
The takeaway? If you’re only applying for jobs that are posted online, you’re missing out on the majority of available opportunities.
How to Find Hidden Job Opportunities
If jobs aren’t being advertised, how do you find them? It’s all about networking, positioning yourself well, and being proactive.
Build real connections. The best opportunities come from relationships, not just LinkedIn requests. Start meaningful conversations with people in your industry.
Stay visible and engaged. Comment on industry posts, attend networking events, and share insights. The more people see your name, the more they remember you when the right job comes up.
Reach out first. If there’s a company you admire, don’t wait for them to post a job. Introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested, and start a conversation. A well-crafted message can open doors before a position is even listed.
Subtly signal that you’re open to opportunities. Keep your LinkedIn profile polished, highlight your strengths, and make it clear that you’re open to conversations without appearing desperate.
Recruiters: How to Find Hidden Talent
It’s not just job seekers who struggle with the hidden job market—recruiters also need to go beyond job boards to find the best candidates.
Look beyond active applicants. Some of the best candidates aren’t actively searching, but they might be open to the right opportunity.
Build long-term relationships. If you only contact candidates when you need to fill a role, you’re missing out. Check in, offer career advice, and be a trusted partner rather than just another recruiter.
Engage with passive talent. Many professionals aren’t applying for jobs but will move if the right offer comes along. If you stay on their radar, you’ll be the first person they think of when they’re ready.
Finding a great job—or a great candidate—isn’t just about applying to openings or sifting through job boards. It’s about strategy, relationships, and being proactive.
If you’re a job seeker, start networking, engaging, and reaching out to companies you admire. If you’re a recruiter, build real connections and go beyond job boards to find top talent.
The best opportunities aren’t always posted, but they’re out there for those who know where to look.
Are you ready to tap into the hidden job market? Start today.