The Best Jobs Are Never Posted – Here’s How to Get Them Before Anyone Else

The Best Jobs Are Never Posted – Here’s How to Get Them Before Anyone Else

Having worked as a headhunter in Life Sciences, Automotive, Aerospace, and Pharma, I’ve seen firsthand that over 70% of the best jobs never make it to job boards. The opportunities that truly make a difference—career-defining roles—are usually filled before they’re even advertised.

If you're looking for a job in Switzerland or the DACH region, relying on LinkedIn job alerts and online applications alone isn’t going to cut it. The real game is played behind the scenes, and today, I’m sharing the hidden secrets to getting in before anyone else.

Why Are the Best Jobs Hidden?

1. Companies hire before they post: By the time a job goes live, chances are internal referrals, headhunters, or direct recommendations have already filled most of the shortlist.
2. Exclusive executive searches: The highest-level roles—particularly in R&D, regulatory affairs, and leadership—are almost always filled discreetly through direct headhunting.
3. Urgency over process: When a company needs to fill a position quickly, they don’t wait for job applications. They call people they trust or work with specialized recruiters who already have the right candidates lined up.
4. Language Barriers = Missed Opportunities: Many job listings are only posted in the local language. In Switzerland, you may find different job titles in German, French, and Italian. Searching for positions in all three languages (or even in English) can unlock jobs that you never knew existed.
5. Different Job Titles, Same Role: Companies often post jobs under different names. A "Regulatory Affairs Manager" in one company might be a "Compliance Specialist" in another. Understanding industry jargon and searching for related titles can reveal hidden opportunities.
6. International Candidates Face Additional Hurdles: Many professionals from India, the Americas, and post-Brexit UK are eager to work in Switzerland and the DACH region, but navigating visa and work permit requirements can be a challenge. Companies often prefer candidates who are already authorized to work, making networking and direct outreach even more critical.

Timing Matters: When to Apply and Reach Out

1. Best Days to Apply:

Tuesday and Wednesday are the peak days when new jobs go live. Companies finalize hiring needs on Monday and post openings mid-week.

Avoid applying late on Fridays—many applications get buried over the weekend.

2. Best Time of the Year to Look for Jobs:

January to March: Hiring budgets are fresh, and companies are aggressively filling key roles.

September to October: A second hiring wave happens after summer vacations when companies rush to fill positions before the end of the year.

Avoid August & December: Many decision-makers are on vacation, and hiring slows down.

3. Best and Worst Months to Start a New Job:

Best months: February, March, and September—companies are onboarding new hires after their major hiring waves.

Worst months: July, August, and December—summer and holiday slowdowns mean fewer onboarding resources and delays in getting started.

4. Best Time to Contact Recruiters:

• Saturday morning: If you message recruiters on Saturdays, you land in their inbox at a quiet time when they’re catching up on overlooked candidates.
• Early mornings (7-9 AM) on weekdays: Before meetings pile up, recruiters are more likely to engage.
• Avoid Mondays after 10 AM: It’s the busiest day, and your message may get lost.

How Long Does Hiring Take?

• Standard corporate hiring processes can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the role, industry, and urgency.
• Specialized or high-level roles (like regulatory affairs, engineering, or leadership positions) often take 2-6 months due to internal approvals and extended interview rounds.
• Short-term contract roles (especially in consulting or project-based work) can be filled within days or weeks, sometimes without a formal posting.

How to Get in Before Everyone Else

If you’re waiting for job postings, you’re already competing with hundreds of applicants. Here’s how to get ahead and be considered before a job even opens:

1. Find the Jobs That Aren’t Posted Publicly

• Search in multiple languages: In Switzerland, try German (Jobsuche), French (Recherche d'emploi), and Italian (Ricerca di lavoro) along with English.
• Look at company career pages, not just LinkedIn or Indeed.
• Use regional job portals—many companies post there before using major platforms.
• Check government and industry association websites—they often list roles before LinkedIn picks them up.

2. Get Insider Information Before the Market Knows

• Join exclusive LinkedIn and industry groups where hiring managers and executives discuss future projects and expansions.
• Attend specialized industry events and conferences—places where decision-makers casually mention upcoming hiring needs.
• Build relationships with headhunters like me—we often hear about roles weeks before they go public.

3. Position Yourself as the Candidate Companies Want

• Post valuable insights in your field. People notice experts, not just job seekers.
• Engage with decision-makers—comment on their content, share industry trends, and start real conversations.
• Get on referral lists: If you have connections in a company you’re interested in, make sure they know about your expertise before a role is announced.

4. Work With Recruiters Who Have Direct Access

• The right recruiters have strong relationships with hiring managers and get direct calls when urgent roles need to be filled.
• Instead of applying cold, let a recruiter position you as the top choice before a vacancy even hits the public.
• Be proactive: Don’t wait for recruiters to reach out—introduce yourself and clearly outline what you’re looking for.

Final Thought: Be Where the Jobs Are Created, Not Where They’re Posted

The best opportunities go to those who are already in the conversation before the hiring process starts. If you’re looking for a job in Life Sciences, Automotive, Aerospace, or Pharma in the DACH region, let’s connect—I might just have insight into the right opportunity for you.

?? Want access to hidden jobs? Drop me a message or comment below. Because of the high volume of requests, I may not be able to respond immediately, but I do read every message and will keep you in mind. ??

Credit: Silke Kathrin Kroh let`s connect ?#Headhunting #Recruitment #DACHjobs #LifeSciences #HiddenJobs #CareerGrowth #JobSearchTips #SwitzerlandJobs #PharmaRecruitment #WorkInGermany #WorkInSwitzerland #AerospaceCareers