The power of being open: Why letting people know you're job hunting is a great idea

Job hunting can be tough, especially in today's competitive job market. It can make you feel vulnerable, worried a potential hiring manager will pre-judge why you’re looking for a job in the first place.

Want the good news? There's a simple yet powerful strategy that can significantly boost your chances of finding employment: letting people know that you're open to work. By sharing your job-seeking status with others, whether through networking, social media, via that clever little green banner on LinkedIn, or professional connections, you can unlock a world of opportunities and enjoy several benefits along the way. Let’s explore why being open about your job search is such a smart move.

Expanding Your Network

One of the best things about letting people know you're open to work is that it helps you expand your professional network. When you inform your friends, colleagues, and acquaintances that you're on the lookout for new job opportunities, they're more likely to keep you in mind. This means they might refer you to job openings or recommend you to their contacts. By widening your network, you increase the chances of stumbling upon hidden job opportunities that aren't publicly advertised. Networking has always been a valuable tool in job hunting, and being open to work takes it to a whole new level.

Imagine it like this: An ice-cream shop won’t know that you’re interested in finding out what different flavours are available that you might like until you go in and ask to try them. Sure, they can reach out and pro-actively ask (like many recruiters do, despite criticism on that side too). But nobody will really know until you say so.

Tapping into the Hidden Job Market

Not all job openings are plastered on job boards or company websites. In fact, many – if not most – positions are filled through referrals, internal promotions, or by reaching out to specialist professionals directly (again, hi recruiters). When you openly express your job-seeking status, you increase your chances of being considered for these hidden opportunities. By letting people know you're available, they may share information about unadvertised positions or introduce you to hiring managers who are searching for someone just like you. In addition to that, we’ve even seen instances of new roles being created just because the hiring manager like the candidate so much that they wanted to create the right fit.

Getting Targeted Job Leads

Sharing your openness to work ensures that you receive targeted job leads that match your skills and career goals. When people know what you're looking for, they can actively keep an eye out for relevant positions and share them with you. This saves you time and effort in scouring job boards and ensures you receive opportunities tailored to your expertise. Additionally, those who are aware of your job-seeking status may offer valuable insights and advice about potential job leads, giving you a competitive edge in your job search.

Leveraging Social Media

Ever love the sound of working for a company you follow – maybe your favourite activewear brand – when you see them post they’re looking for XY&Z, but would never actually actively monitor their website job board?

In today's digital age, social media platforms are more than just a way to share cat videos and vacation photos. They're powerful tools for connecting professionals and job seekers. By openly sharing your job-seeking status on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or even Instagram and Threads, you can attract the attention of recruiters and potential employers who actively search for talent online. Your network connections might reshare your posts or refer you to relevant opportunities, boosting your visibility within the professional community. Social media provides an excellent platform to showcase your skills, achievements, and enthusiasm for finding employment, helping you stand out from the crowd.

Building Your Personal Brand

Being open to work and actively seeking employment showcases your determination, motivation, and eagerness to contribute to a new organisation. It also helps build your personal brand as a proactive and forward-thinking professional. By sharing your job-seeking status, you project a positive image of yourself as someone actively seeking growth and new challenges. This can make a lasting impression on potential employers and create a favourable perception of your professional qualities.

And if you are a hiring company who sees this as a red flag instead? It’s an opportunity to get curious and ask questions about why that might be, or else risk losing a great potential new hire to the competition.

Letting people know you're open to work is a smart move in today's job market. By expanding your network, tapping into the hidden job market, receiving targeted job leads, leveraging social media, and building your personal brand, you increase your chances of finding a job that aligns with your skills, values and career goals. Embracing openness not only opens doors to new opportunities but also demonstrates your commitment and enthusiasm as a job seeker and someone who cares about building a fulfilling work-life. So, don't hesitate to let the world know that you're ready for the next exciting chapter in your career journey.

Grow Advisors is a part of the Talent United (Global) group of companies.