Get Hired in 2024

Is there a hidden job market?

Is there a hidden job market? Maybe.

Stefanie Lujan recently shared her experience getting in the through the back door of the hidden job market in this post: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/activity-7240444243238907906-st4S

I'm seeing the same as Stefanie Lujan, PMP in today's market.

The "hidden job market" is where most of the job pipeline originates.

Jobs are not posted out of thin air. There's a process of days or weeks where the position is hidden, before it gets posted. This is the key time for the right applicant to get their name out there.

The job pipeline originates much the same as it has for many years. Managers need to:

1. Identify a need (and write up the job description, value message)
2. Prove the need is worth the cost to justify a new position (job opening)
3. Get budget approved for the job
4. Post the position

However, in a high supply hiring environment, the hiring manager has many candidates to choose from.

The Hiring Manager is going to seek the best person available for the position.

I want to focus on the word available in the above quote... but first, lets setup the situation...

In the job market of 2020 - 2022 tech job seekers had the upper hand. Everyone was funding large digital projects to offset their lost revenue from brick and mortar. They needed excellent digital and they wanted it now. Many tech folk leveled up, found raises of 20% or more, and did exciting and critical work.

That job market reversed a full 180 in 2023 and continues where job hiring managers have the upper hand. The employees are losing jobs that were extra for the companies they have served. Companies have shifted back to cut digital costs and let these digital assets depreciate.

Who's available right now? Everyone is available for the right price and many are in need of a position today.

This is why we're seeing 1,000+ applicants to a position at Microsoft within the first 8 hours of a job posting. Or 500+ applicants to a SMB company for a unicorn position within the first day.

If you're #opentowork, you need to get your name out there and make sure people know (1) what makes you special, (2) where you can deliver Day1 value, and (3) what you are looking for.

Get out there and make connections.

Get on people's calendars.

Share your resume.

Establish and promote your personal brand.

Get started today

Here's my simple step process:

1. Why and what inspires you? Why and what motivates you?
2. Who would be helpful to connect with to better hone those answers? Connect with them. Invite them to a virtual coffee meeting. (Pro-tip: www.calend.ly )
3. What can you offer them in return? (Think about this as a win-win reciprocal relationship.)
4. Repeat steps 1-3.

Start with WHY.

In 2009, Simon Sinek shared his secret formula with all of us. I find it a daily reminder to be centered on this with everything I do.

https://youtu.be/u4ZoJKF_VuA?si=KbA8za5o0vvpS-BM

https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/

Simon has built a great company around optimism and focus. The book is a great second step if you want to dig deeper. I recommend his work to everyone seeking to grow. Special thanks and shout-out to Sandra Farrell for showing me in 2018.