Why Relying Only on Job Portals Could Hurt Your Job Hunt

Did you know that most jobs aren’t even advertised on job portals? Yet, many job seekers limit themselves to these platforms, unknowingly narrowing their chances. The unlisted jobs—roles filled through referrals or direct outreach—are where the real opportunities lie.

Take Rahul (name changed for confidentiality), a seasoned finance professional, as an example. Despite applying to countless positions through job portals, his efforts yielded little success. Frustrated by the lack of results, he sought my advice. As we discussed his approach, it became evident that Rahul was spending 90% of his time on job portals, without tapping into the vast opportunities that unlisted jobs offer.

Rahul’s experience is a common one. Here’s why relying solely on job portals can limit your chances:

• ATS Filters: Many resumes never even reach human recruiters because they don’t pass automated tracking systems (ATS).
• Fierce Competition: Thousands apply for the same role, making it incredibly hard to stand out.
• Limited Visibility: Job portals only show a fraction of available roles, leaving out a significant portion of opportunities filled through referrals and networking.

To shift his strategy, Rahul and I worked on a targeted approach that leveraged the unlisted jobs:

1. Identify Target Employers: Rahul created a list of companies he admired and wanted to work for.
2. Start Conversations: He reached out to professionals within those organizations, building rapport by asking thoughtful questions and sharing relevant insights.
3. Expand Connections: Rahul broadened his network, connecting with decision-makers and HR professionals on LinkedIn.
4. Stay Active: To enhance visibility, Rahul regularly engaged with industry-specific content and kept his LinkedIn profile up to date.

Within weeks of shifting his focus, Rahul started receiving responses—not through job portals, but from meaningful connections he had built. One of these conversations eventually led to a referral and a job offer.

The lesson here is clear: while job portals can play a role, they should only be a small part of your job search strategy. Networking is your secret weapon. With the right connections, you can bypass the crowd and access opportunities others don’t even know exist.

Remember, unlisted jobs aren’t as hidden as they seem—they’re just waiting for you to take the initiative.

Feeling uncertain about your next steps in the job search? Let’s work together to create a plan that works for you. Book a 1:1 consultation to get personalized advice and actionable strategies. Learn more and schedule here

Looking for inspiration? Check out the stories of clients who’ve successfully landed their ideal roles using the strategies we discuss. Their testimonials are here to inspire you. Watch them here.

Wishing you a purposeful and fulfilling year ahead.

Sarabjeet Sachar

Founder & CEO, Aspiration

Career Development and Leadership Coach