When starting their job search, one of the first things most people do is visit online job boards like Indeed or CareerBuilder. While these sites certainly have a lot of job listings, they are only painting part of the employment landscape picture. That’s because many jobs aren’t listed on these sites. In fact, it’s estimated that at least 70% of available jobs aren’t listed on online job boards. 

Clearly, if you want to see every opportunity out there, you will need to look beyond online job boards. Here are some ways you can tap into the hidden job market:

Use Your Professional Network 

Networking is one of the most powerful tools you have when looking for a job. According to CNBC, anywhere from 50% to 80% of job openings are filled through networking.

Networking has always been one of the best ways to get a job. Even during the pandemic, many professionals found ways to network virtually. And now that pandemic restrictions are being relaxed across the country, networking is coming back stronger than ever. 

So how can you expand your professional network? Tap into LinkedIn to make connections virtually and attend in-person networking events in your area. You never know what connection could lead to your next career move. 

Search Social Media 

Every company has a presence on social media in this day and age, and many utilize social media to advertise their open positions. Unlike job boards, a company can post their open jobs on social media for free, so it’s a feasible alternative for companies that don’t want to spend a lot on advertising. 

To utilize social media for your job search, visit the social media pages of companies you’re interested in working for to see if they’ve recently posted any available opportunities.

Use a Recruiting Agency

When employers work with a staffing or recruiting firm, many do it on an exclusive basis, meaning they don’t post the job online or let other recruiting firms try to fill the job. If you forgo working with a recruiting firm as a job seeker, you miss out on this “hidden job market.”

Many job seekers still think you have to pay a staffing firm for their services. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Working with a recruiter is completely free for job seekers. 

What do you get for this free service? Not only can recruiters help you find a job, they can also give you invaluable resume and interview tips. They’ve helped countless job seekers through the hiring process, so they know what works and what doesn’t. 

Apply Directly

Some employers may not have the budget to spend what it takes to advertise their positions on online job boards. Many of these employers will instead utilize their website to advertise their available jobs. 

If you have companies you are interested in working for, visit their websites and navigate to their careers pages to see if they have any open positions you might be interested in.

Get Help With Your Job Search

Ready to tap into the hidden job market and find unadvertised positions? Contact the recruiters at Burchard & Associates. 

At Burchard & Associates, we help accounting and finance professionals find the next step in their careers. We work with many employers in the St. Louis area and beyond to help them find qualified candidates for their open positions. Check out our available career opportunities, or contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your job search.