The hidden job market is how you'll probably land your next job

When you find yourself looking for your next gig—the first thing you’re likely going to do is start searching for job postings, but that’s not how you’ll land your next job.

Common estimates are as high as 80% of jobs never actually get advertised. For senior comms and PR work, the number is likely even higher.

Why companies hire in the dark

The HR process can be time consuming and expensive—especially for the vast majority of small and medium sized businesses that make up over 50% of annual hiring positions. So sometimes needing someone quickly, internal referrals programs or the right person presenting themselves before a role is actually posted is how the hiring actually happens.

How to find roles before they're posted

The good news: the hidden market is reachable, and not only by people with big networks. It rewards consistency more than connections.

• Reach out to a few people in your network with a specific ask: "A senior comms role at an NGO" travels further than "open to opportunities." Also getting together for coffee and talking through opportunities is much more effective than just a quick message.
• Follow the teams, not the listings. Build a target list of companies you’d like to work with and follow them on Linkedin or subscribe to their newsletter. You can often tell when a company is on an upswing—communications increases, announcements about funding or product launches. Being proactive and reaching out before a job is posted is advantageous.
• Re-contact dormant relationships. The colleague from two jobs ago is often the strongest lead, precisely because they've seen your work.
• Be specific about value, not availability. Lead with the problem you solve or value you can bring and not the fact that you're looking. Don’t ask for a favour—demonstrate you’re worth investigating.

Let the role find you

Even if you’re not looking yet, it’s a great time to get started. With the average job tenure of 3-4 years, the more prepared you are ahead of the moment you feel it’s time, the easier it will be.

The best time to build your network is before you need it. The second best time is right now.

You don't need to know everyone. It’s helpful to know industry connectors but as a soft start just researching companies, communities and events that align with your interests. Today there are tons of closed or private Slack Channels, Meetups, WhatsApp communities. Find people in positions you aspire to have one day. Meet them without an agenda or specific ask. Be curious about their path and experience. Bill Nye famously said “Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't” so approach networking as a learning experience and the benefits will follow.