Blog

Seeking out hidden jobs

17 Jul 2023

How do you find a job in 2023? There’s no simple answer, but recruitment has certainly evolved massively in its sophistication and approach, driven by the changing habits and wants of potential new employees.  

At Ingeus, we have a fair and open recruitment policy – encouraging all our staff, and potential new starters, to seek out our opportunities and develop their careers. For other employers, the days of every job being advertised publicly are long gone. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 60% of job vacancies are never officially posted online. 

Welcome to the hidden jobs market.

What is the hidden jobs market?
The hidden jobs market describes all job vacancies not advertised through traditional means.
Advertising a job publicly can be costly, and if there are lots of applications to sift through it can be a time-consuming process. Increasingly, employers are recruiting through other means. There’s nothing sinister about the hidden part of it – it’s not comparable to the black market – but navigating your way through it takes skill and, most significantly, a discreet helping hand.

What can you do to increase your chances of finding a job?
There’s some truth in the old saying ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’. Much of the hidden jobs market relies on networking – making contacts within the industry you want to work in and finding out about vacancies before they’re made public – if indeed they ever are.

Networking top tips

1.    Use social media
Most companies are active on social media and are increasingly advertising jobs through them. Don’t just rely on LinkedIn, canvass their platforms to seek out opportunities. Make sure you connect with companies you’re interested in working for and follow their updates. If you’re active in joining in group chats or sharing and commenting on relevant posts, you’re more likely to get spotted by a recruiter. 

2.    Send  messages
Target businesses you’re interested in working for. Message them through social media, by email, or letter. However you decide to do it, make sure your message is concise, well researched and includes a reason for them to reply. Send it to a named contact - no blanket emails - and ask them to forward it on to the mot relevant colleague if it’s not them. Keep the conversation active and build the connection so you’re at the forefront of their mind should a relevant job come up.

3.    Attend industry events
Sign up to careers fairs or events specific to the industry you’re interested in joining. These are valuable ways to get a foot in the door as you’re meeting people face-to-face. Speak to recruiters about your intentions and showcase your knowledge about their company or a particular job-type. Swap contact details too and follow up with a post-event email to help build the connection further.

4.    Make the most of your existing network
Whether it’s from your former school, college, university, or a previous employer, get in touch with people you know and use your common ground to your advantage. You never know what they’re doing now or how they might be able to open doors for you. Build the relationship well and you will be first on their radar if a vacancy arises. Don’t forget to ask your friends if they can help too. 

5.    Volunteer or carry out work experience
Volunteering or carrying out work experience in the industry you’re trying to break into can be a great way to make useful connections. It also shows dedication to finding work and will help get you noticed by the employer.

Above all, don’t stay hidden. Make yourself and your talents visible – update your online profiles. Be open to opportunities and a temporary role could turn into a permanent one; a lower position could soon become higher; and before you know it, you’ve landed your dream job!

Plus, keep an eye on the recruitment pages. Not all jobs are hidden!
Here are ours: Ingeus | Careers