Introduction.
Job searching can be frustrating when you’re constantly applying for roles, tailoring your CV, and waiting for a response—only to hear nothing back. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many highly skilled professionals experience the same struggle, often because they’re relying solely on job boards, where competition is fierce and opportunities are limited.
Many of the best roles never even make it to a job board. Instead, they’re filled through networking, referrals, internal promotions, and direct outreach. This is what’s known as the hidden job market—a space where opportunities exist, but only for those who know how to access them.
In this blog, I’ll break down exactly why so many jobs remain hidden and, more importantly, how you can strategically position yourself to find these roles before they’re advertised.
Why Do Companies Keep Jobs Hidden?
To understand how to access the hidden job market, we first need to understand why companies choose not to advertise roles publicly.
Cost-Effective Hiring.
Recruiting is expensive and time-consuming. According to a British Chamber of Commerce report (2023), UK businesses spend an average of £3,000 to £5,000 per hire on advertising, screening, and recruitment processes. Many companies avoid these costs by filling positions through internal promotions, referrals, and direct hiring.
If an employer can find the right candidate without paying for job board listings or recruiter fees, they will—which is why so many roles are never made public.
Internal Promotions and Role Adjustments.
Many vacancies are filled before they even become official. Companies prefer to promote internally to reward loyalty, maintain company culture, and reduce training costs.
What does this mean for job seekers? You need to be visible before a role opens up—because by the time it’s advertised, an internal candidate may have already taken it.
Employee Referrals Are a Preferred Hiring Method.
According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends Report (2023), 70% of UK employees hired through referrals stay longer in their roles compared to those who apply through job boards.
Companies prefer referrals because:
They reduce hiring risk—recommended candidates are more likely to fit the company culture.
They streamline the hiring process, saving employers time.
Employees tend to refer high-quality candidates, as their reputation is on the line.
Avoiding Application Overload.
When companies post a job publicly, they can receive hundreds or even thousands of applications. In smaller UK businesses, HR teams simply don’t have the capacity to sift through such a high volume. Instead, many recruit quietly through their professional networks, industry contacts, and employee recommendations.
This is why networking is essential—you need to be part of the conversations happening before jobs are posted.
Time To Take Action in the Hidden Job Market.
1. Strengthen Your Professional Network.
Networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about building meaningful relationships that lead to opportunities. Many job seekers make the mistake of only reaching out when they need something, but the real power of networking comes from consistent, genuine engagement over time.
Instead of asking, "Do you know of any jobs?" focus on learning, sharing insights, and adding value to your network. People are far more likely to help you if they see you as an engaged professional rather than just a job seeker.
Coaching step: Reconnect with three past colleagues or industry peers this week—send them a message, comment on their LinkedIn updates, or share something relevant to your field to reopen the conversation naturally
2. Start Meaningful Conversations, Not Just ‘Cold Networking’.
One of the biggest mistakes professionals make is sending generic, impersonal messages that get ignored. True networking isn’t about asking for favours—it’s about starting valuable conversations that lead to opportunities over time. A well-placed question or insight can be far more powerful than a direct job inquiry.
Focus on engaging with people who are relevant to your field—former colleagues, industry leaders, or even mutual connections who work at companies you’re interested in. Build rapport first, and when the time is right, naturally introduce the idea of exploring opportunities.
Coaching step: Identify one industry discussion happening this week and contribute something thoughtful. This small action can put you on the radar of professionals in your field.
Example Message:
"Hi [Name], I saw your recent post on [industry topic], and it really resonated with me. I’ve been following trends in [specific area] and would love to hear your thoughts on where you see the industry heading. Would you be open to a quick chat?"
3. Position Yourself as an Industry Expert.
Hiring managers and recruiters look for professionals who are visible in their field. You naturally become a stronger candidate for unadvertised roles when they see your name associated with industry insights, discussions, and expertise. Employers want to hire people who demonstrate knowledge, engagement, and leadership—even before they apply.
The key is consistent presence. Share your thoughts on industry trends, engage with posts from thought leaders, and position yourself as someone who understands the challenges and opportunities in your sector. Coaching step: Start small—post one LinkedIn update this week on an insight, trend, or lesson learned in your field. The more you share, the more visible you become.
4. Be Proactive with Speculative Outreach.
If you wait for job openings to appear online, you’re already behind. Many successful job seekers reach out to employers directly, long before a role is posted. This approach works best when you target companies aligned with your skills and values, rather than sending mass applications to organisations you know little about.
To stand out, your outreach needs to be personalised and well-researched. Employers are far more likely to engage if they can see that you understand their business and have a specific reason for reaching out.
Coaching step: Make a list of five companies you’d love to work for. Research their latest projects, team structures, and hiring managers. Draft a short, tailored message explaining how your experience aligns with their work.
Example Outreach Message:
"Dear [Hiring Manager], I recently came across [Company Name]’s work on [specific project or initiative], and I was really impressed. My background in [relevant experience] aligns closely with the work your team is doing. If you are expanding in this area, I’d love to explore how I could contribute."
5. Attend Industry Events and Conferences.
Despite the rise of online networking, in-person events remain one of the most effective ways to build meaningful connections. According to a UK Business Networking Report (2023), 70% of professionals secured career opportunities through face-to-face interactions. These events provide a chance to meet hiring managers, industry leaders, and peers in a setting where conversations happen naturally.
Attending an event isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about building real relationships and following up effectively. Even if you only meet a handful of people, a well-placed conversation can open doors. Coaching step: Research upcoming events in your industry and commit to attending at least one in the next three months. Prepare a 30-second introduction about your expertise and career interests so you can introduce yourself confidently.
6. Keep an Eye on Industry Trends.
The professionals who tap into the hidden job market successfully stay ahead of hiring trends. Being informed about company expansions, leadership changes, and new projects allows you to anticipate where opportunities may arise before jobs are even listed.
Many companies begin hiring after funding rounds, acquisitions, or restructures. Keeping track of these trends helps you position yourself early for new roles. Coaching step: Set up Google alerts for five target companies and follow relevant industry publications. If you see a company expanding or launching a new initiative, reach out before they even start hiring.
How to Ask for a Referral Without Feeling Awkward.
Many professionals hesitate to ask for referrals, fearing they’ll seem pushy. But referrals are a natural part of hiring—many employers prefer trusted recommendations over sorting through endless applications.
The key is to make it a professional conversation, not a favour. Identify people in your network—former colleagues, managers, or industry peers—who work in companies you’re interested in. Before making the ask, engage first by commenting on their LinkedIn posts, sharing insights, or checking in. This builds rapport, so your request feels natural, not sudden.
When asking, be clear, specific, and professional. Instead of a vague “Are there any jobs?” message, explain why you’re reaching out, what interests you about the company, and how you’d be a good fit. You can ask for insights on the company, advice on a role, or, if they’re comfortable, a referral. Make it easy for them—offer a short email they can forward or a tailored CV.
Always follow up with gratitude, regardless of the outcome. A simple thank-you keeps the connection strong and may lead to future opportunities. Referrals are one of the best ways to access the hidden job market, but they work best when built on genuine relationships, thoughtful requests, and appreciation.
Case Study: How a Retail Manager Landed a Better-Paying Role Through Networking.
A retail manager I worked with had spent years with the same company but became increasingly unhappy after internal changes affected his role. He knew he needed a fresh start but felt stuck in his job search.
We conducted a strategic coaching session to:
Map out his circle of influence—identifying contacts who could help.
Develop outreach scripts that felt natural and professional.
Refine his CV to highlight transferable skills.
After one month of proactive networking, he sent his updated CV to two former colleagues who recommended him for roles. Within weeks, he secured a better-paying job in a company that aligned with his career goals.
Final Thoughts: You're Not Alone in This Process.
If job searching feels frustrating, you’re not alone. Many of the best opportunities never make it to job boards—but that doesn’t mean they’re out of reach. With the right strategy, connections, and confidence, you can access the hidden job market and position yourself where hiring decisions happen.
Start today by taking one small step—reach out to a professional contact, engage in an industry conversation, or identify companies that align with your goals. These actions, done consistently, open doors to new opportunities.
If you're unsure where to start, I’m here to help. Whether it’s refining your networking approach, strengthening your LinkedIn presence, or crafting a targeted outreach strategy, we’ll create a plan that works for you. Let’s chat and take that next step together.
Book a free consultation, and let’s map out your next career step together.
P.S. Got a career query - email at info@donnancoachingservices.com
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