Unlocking the hidden job market to get employed faster

As a cruel joke to job seekers and position hunters out there, most jobs (up to 80% according to Forbes Magazine) aren't even advertised. This is what is known as the hidden job market.

What is this hidden job market ? How does it work and how do I get to tap into and mine this market to get employed faster ? And how do I discover these hidden job openings, without having the skills and experience of a Boolean (Internet Research) recruitment expert ?

The hidden job market refers to the job vacancies out there that are never advertised. These unadvertised jobs are called "the hidden job market". If you're only using online job searches or job boards or LinkedIn job ads or the newspaper to look for new employment opportunities, you're missing out on a lot of the jobs that are out there. 

Let's face it, Recruitment spend and advertising spend are a grudge purchase. Given the choice, most employers, hirers and decision makers, would rather eat their ties than shell out more money for advertising and recruitment, as this would save them time and money. Moreover, as this cost cutting exercise becomes more and more prevalent, the proportion of hidden job opportunities continues to become larger and larger.

How do I mine the hidden job market and get employed faster ?

Rifle, not shotgun: Reach out directly to the companies you wish to work with, instead of waiting for them to advertise your ideal, you're perfect for it, got your name on it like a rapper's personalised BMW, position. Because (a) that advert might never materialise and (b) If it ever does, gazillions (that's a million x ga = gazillion) of people will be applying for it anyway and your stellar CV is going to be in someone's pile of paper on their desk or languishing in an over stuffed inbox, forever until actioned or deleted. 

Instead, aim your proactive email or LinkedIn invite directly to the person at your level or 1 reporting level higher. This is with the aim of introducing yourself, networking and adding value (for example coffee, lunch or a discussion that would add value to that leader or manager). Smart, talented decision makers, managers and leaders are always on the lookout for professionals that can help the organisation save money, make money or save time. And if you can display this in an approach that shows the value you can add up-front, they will want to meet with you.

As a professional recruiter that has successfully represented hundreds of candidates proactively into companies for over 15 years, please allow me to share a secret....

Companies, especially if they like you... and you can solve a problem(s) they are having, will create a job for you.

If you have any feedback, comments or questions, please let me know below or reach me via Professional CV Partners (PCVPartners) on (call or whatsapp) +27820665189 or [email protected]

Tinashe Hove is a 3 times AIRS (Advanced Internet Research Skills) certified Boolean search and researcher that can help you with your next job search on Linkedin and other social media. If you need a Boolean Ninja to help you with the search and research for your next job opportunity in the hidden job market, please contact Tinashe Hove. He can be reached via Professional CV Partners (PCVPartners) on (call or whatsapp) +27820665189 or [email protected]