Hunting for Hidden Jobs in a Tough Market

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been searching for a job for a while. You’re a skilled professional, proudly displaying your “Open to Work” banner on LinkedIn, and yet, despite your best efforts, the right opportunity just hasn’t come along. The job market is tough right now - companies are tightening their budgets, reducing headcount, and cutting back on recruitment marketing. As a result, the usual flood of job postings on LinkedIn might feel more like a trickle. It’s frustrating, I know. But don’t lose hope - there are still opportunities out there.

The key is knowing where to look and how to approach your job search differently

In my role as an executive search partner, I’ve seen how challenging this market can be for talented individuals like you. But I’ve also seen what works. I want to share some of the insights and strategies that can help you uncover those hidden roles and give your job search the boost it needs.

The Changing Landscape of Job Hunting

Let’s start by acknowledging the reality: many companies are scaling back their recruitment efforts. Instead of paying for widespread job ads on platforms like LinkedIn, they’re opting for more cost-effective methods, such as posting openings only on their own websites. This shift means that many roles might not be as visible, making them harder to find through traditional job search methods.

But here’s the good news - just because these jobs aren’t visible doesn’t mean they’re not there. You just need to know where to look.

Step 1: Leverage Your Network for Insider Leads

Your network is more crucial than ever in finding jobs that aren’t posted online. Many companies fill positions internally or through referrals before they ever hit a job board. This is where your connections can be a game-changer.

Example: I’ve seen skilled professionals who were struggling to find roles finally succeed by tapping into their network. LinkedIn makes this easier by showing if you’re connected to someone who works at the company advertising the job. If you are connected, there’s a good chance they have a referral scheme and can put you in touch with the recruiter or hiring manager. This not only gets your CV in front of the right people but can also significantly increase your chances of landing the role.

Tip: Don’t just wait for opportunities to appear online—be proactive. Reach out to your network, be specific about what you’re looking for, and ask if they know of any roles that might not be public yet. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from who you know.

Step 2: Explore Company Websites Directly

With budget cuts, many companies are posting job openings only on their own websites to save on recruitment marketing costs. I’ve noticed this trend particularly with smaller companies or those experiencing financial constraints. If there’s a company you’re interested in, make it a habit to check their careers page regularly.

Example: I know someone who was in the same boat as you - searching endlessly on job boards with little success. Then they started checking the careers pages of their target companies directly. One day, they found a job that hadn’t been listed anywhere else. They applied immediately and ended up landing the role.

Tip: Create a list of companies you admire and bookmark their careers pages. Check these regularly - sometimes, being the first to apply can give you a significant advantage.

Step 3: Master the Art of Boolean Searching

Sometimes, finding hidden jobs is all about knowing how to search. Boolean search techniques can help you uncover job postings that aren’t easily found with standard search methods.

Example: By using Boolean operators on Google like “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT” in combination with specific job titles and locations, you can narrow down your search results to find more relevant openings. For instance, searching “Marketing Manager AND ‘careers page’ AND ‘remote’” can help you find marketing manager roles directly on company websites that aren’t widely advertised.

Tip: Learn the basics of Boolean search to enhance your job-hunting efforts. There are plenty of online resources and tutorials that can teach you how to craft effective search queries, making it easier to find those hard-to-spot opportunities.

Step 4: Stay Flexible and Create a Job Search Routine

One of the biggest challenges I see is job seekers becoming too rigid in their search criteria. Flexibility is essential, especially in a tough economy. It’s about staying open to roles that might not be exactly what you envisioned but can still offer valuable experience, connections, and a path to your next big career move.

Example: I’ve worked with professionals who were initially set on finding very specific roles. But after months of no luck, they widened their search to include mid-level roles in smaller companies or different industries. Not only did they find positions that fit their skills, but these roles also offered growth opportunities that they hadn’t expected.

Tip: Be open to roles that are slightly outside your initial criteria. Consider positions in related fields or at smaller companies where you can make a big impact. Sometimes, these roles can lead to unexpected career growth and satisfaction.

Create a Consistent Job Search Routine

Searching for a job can feel like a full-time job itself, and without structure, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Creating a daily or weekly routine can help you stay organised, focused, and proactive.

Routine Tips:

1. Set Specific Hours: Dedicate specific hours each day to your job search. Treat it like a workday, with set start and end times. This will help you stay disciplined and avoid burnout.
2. Prioritise Tasks: Start your day with high-impact activities, like networking, applying for jobs, or reaching out to connections. Save tasks like tweaking your CV or researching companies for later in the day.
3. Regularly Update Your CV: Keep your CV fresh and tailored to each job you apply for. Make sure it’s optimised for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), using relevant keywords and phrases from job descriptions.

Optimise Your CV for ATS

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems like Workday to filter job applications. If your CV isn’t optimised for these systems, it might never reach human eyes. This is a common issue I see with candidates, and it’s an area that can make a big difference.

Example: I’ve had candidates who weren’t getting any responses despite having strong CVs. After we adjusted their CVs to be more ATS-friendly by including the right keywords and simplifying the format they started seeing better results almost immediately.

ATS Optimisation Tips:

• Use Standard Fonts and Formats: Avoid fancy fonts, graphics, and unusual formats that ATS can’t read. Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and use clear headings.
• Incorporate Keywords: Carefully read job descriptions and include relevant keywords in your CV. ATS often scans for these to determine if you’re a match for the role.
• Avoid Overcomplicating: Some ATS platforms, like Workday, have issues with complex formatting like tables, columns, and headers. Keeping it simple ensures your CV is processed correctly.

Issue with ATS: One frustrating aspect of ATS is that they can sometimes filter out good candidates due to minor technicalities, like missing a specific keyword. That’s why it’s important to regularly review and tailor your CV for each application, ensuring it aligns closely with the job description.

Keep a Job Application Tracker

Keeping track of where you’ve applied, who you’ve spoken to, and what follow-ups are needed can help keep your search organised. Use a simple spreadsheet or a dedicated app to manage your job applications and networking efforts.

Example: Many successful job seekers I’ve worked with use trackers to stay organised. This helps them follow up appropriately, avoid duplicating efforts, and see patterns in what’s working and what isn’t.

Tip: Include columns for job titles, company names, application dates, and next steps. Regularly review and update your tracker to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Last but not Least: Stay Persistent and Positive

Job searching in a tough economy isn’t easy, and I know how disheartening it can be when the right opportunity seems just out of reach. But by staying flexible, optimising your approach, and maintaining a routine, you can increase your chances of finding the right opportunity. The perfect job might not come wrapped in the exact package you envisioned, but with persistence and an open mind, you can find a role that helps you grow and succeed.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. If you’ve found success in uncovering hidden opportunities or have tips to share, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s help each other navigate these challenging times.