Not all job opportunities make it to online job boards. In fact, up to 70 percent of jobs are never publicly advertised. Many companies fill vacancies through internal referrals, recruitment agencies, and networking before they even post a job opening.
If you are relying only on job boards and online applications, you may be missing out on some of the best career opportunities. The hidden job market exists because businesses often prefer trusted recommendations and pre-vetted candidates rather than sorting through hundreds of applications.
So, how can you find and land these unadvertised roles? Here is how you can tap into the hidden job market and find roles that are not publicly listed.
1. Leverage Your Professional Network
One of the most effective ways to find unadvertised jobs is through networking. Many employers prefer hiring through recommendations and internal referrals rather than going through a long hiring process. The more people you connect with, the greater your chances of hearing about new roles before they are posted.
How to Use Networking to Find Hidden Jobs
Let your connections know you are open to new opportunities and actively looking
Attend industry events, seminars, and business meetups to expand your network
Engage with professionals on LinkedIn by commenting on relevant posts and joining discussions
Reach out to past colleagues, mentors, and former employers who might know of job openings
Many job seekers underestimate the power of their existing network. A quick conversation with a former colleague could lead to an opportunity that never gets posted online.
2. Connect with Recruitment Agencies
Many companies work exclusively with recruitment agencies to fill positions before making them public. Employers trust agencies to source and screen top candidates, making this an essential route to explore.
Why Use a Recruitment Agency?
Gain access to exclusive job opportunities not listed elsewhere
Receive personalised career guidance and CV feedback
Get direct connections to hiring managers and decision-makers
Save time by being matched with roles that suit your skills and experience
Recruitment agencies specialise in matching candidates with the right roles, often working on behalf of companies to fill vacancies discreetly.
If you are looking for unadvertised job opportunities, consider registering with Total Solutions recruitment agency to get matched with employers hiring now.
3. Approach Companies Directly
Many businesses are open to hiring the right candidate, even if they are not actively advertising a position. Reaching out directly to companies you would like to work for can help you land a job before it is publicly listed.
How to Approach Companies Effectively
Research the company and identify key decision-makers or hiring managers
Send a tailored email expressing your interest in working with them
Highlight your skills and how you can add value to their team
Attach your updated CV and offer to have a quick discussion
Follow up after one to two weeks if you do not receive a response
This approach works particularly well for fast growing companies that are always on the lookout for great talent but may not have had time to advertise a role yet.
4. Use LinkedIn to Find Unlisted Jobs
LinkedIn is one of the best platforms for finding unadvertised jobs. Many recruiters and hiring managers post job updates, company expansions, or hiring needs without listing them on job boards.
Ways to Uncover Hidden Jobs on LinkedIn
Follow companies and recruiters who regularly post job opportunities
Join industry specific LinkedIn groups where job leads are shared
Make your LinkedIn profile keyword optimised so recruiters can find you
Connect with hiring managers and company decision makers
Send personalised messages to express your interest in their company
Staying active on LinkedIn increases your chances of hearing about new opportunities before they go public.
5. Work with Employee Referrals
Many companies offer referral bonuses to employees who recommend strong candidates. This means businesses are more likely to hire someone referred by a current employee rather than someone applying through a job portal.
How to Get a Job Through Referrals
Identify companies you want to work for and see if you know anyone who works there
Ask if they can refer you for upcoming job openings
Offer to buy them coffee or have a quick chat to discuss potential opportunities
Build genuine professional relationships so people are more likely to recommend you
A referral from a current employee can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview.
6. Explore Industry Events and Career Fairs
Many job opportunities come from in person interactions rather than online applications. Attending industry events, job fairs, and networking meetups can put you in direct contact with hiring managers.
How to Make the Most of Industry Events
Bring an updated CV and be ready to talk about your skills
Have a short and clear elevator pitch about your experience and career goals
Introduce yourself to recruiters and company representatives
Follow up with contacts after the event to keep the conversation going
Building relationships in person can give you exclusive access to job openings before they are widely announced.
7. Look at Company Websites for Unlisted Jobs
Not all companies advertise their job openings on third party job boards. Some post exclusive job listings only on their company career pages.
How to Find These Hidden Opportunities
Identify companies you want to work for and regularly check their career pages
Sign up for company newsletters to get hiring updates
Follow businesses on social media where they might post about upcoming roles
Regularly visiting company websites can help you find jobs before they appear on mainstream job boards.
Final Thoughts
Finding jobs that are not publicly listed requires a proactive approach. If you rely only on job boards, you could be missing out on some of the best career opportunities.
By using networking, recruitment agencies, direct outreach, LinkedIn, referrals, and industry events, you can tap into the hidden job market and access roles that most job seekers never see.
If you are ready to uncover exclusive job openings, register with Total Solutions today and connect with top employers hiring now.