How to get a job BEFORE it is advertised

​You have probably heard or read somewhere before that the best jobs often aren’t advertised. Just because a company isn’t actively recruiting through the traditional channels, it doesn’t mean that they’re not looking to hire at all.

Given the close attention being paid to productivity in business today, companies are continually looking to add to their talent pool so that when opportunities arise the time to fill is greatly reduced. Referrals can also often carry significant weighting when someone is looking to fill a vacancy because it can often reduce the risk associated with a new hire.

So how can you make sure you are meeting the right people, and having the right conversations, to get one of these jobs?

It is all about stepping outside your comfort zone and proactively meeting new people and making new professional connections. The next person you meet might just be able to direct you to an exciting opportunity waiting around the corner, or know someone else who does.

Here are our tips for finding and applying for a role before it’s advertised for everyone to see:

Networking Events

Getting a job before it’s advertised can often be a case of right place, right time so the more you put yourself out there, the more likely you get that timing right.

The key here is to attend suitable networking events on a regular basis and securing meaningful introductions at these (that is, ones relevant to your career aspirations). While working the room handing out business cards might get your name in front of lots of people, this isn’t going to make you memorable to any of them.

Focus on setting a target for how many people you want to introduce yourself to in a networking session and make your approach friendly and engaging. Explain what you do and what you have to offer as well as genuine interest in their job or business. Be sure to ask if they wouldn’t mind you getting in touch in the future or to connect with them on a professional social network like LinkedIn.

Expand and leverage your social media network

Your social media networks like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can prove valuable for reaching connections with career potential so they should form part of your proactive job search strategy.

These are incredibly efficient resources that allow you to quickly reach far and wide with professional audiences. Actively participate in industry group discussions to share your knowledge in the field you wish to work in. If you are not currently employer, leverage your network and communicate the type of opportunity you are looking for. Your contacts may be able to direct you to opportunities within their companies.

A top tip for using social media is to ensure you’re networking with the right people, not just many people. Quality of connections trumps quantity of connections any day.

Contact a company directly

A traditional yet effective approach is cold contacting. This approach can take a lot of guts and a good ability to sell yourself so before emailing or picking up the phone, think about your next ideal job or employer, and how best to approach them without coming off as a nuisance.

Start by finding out who may be the right person to speak with (a particular manager or the head of the relevant department). Rather than intrude on their likely busy day with a call out of the blue, think about how to structure a proposition that presents you as an employee that would deliver value to their business. Email is probably the less intrusive means to make initial contact so you can opt to email them your resume with a well written, short and succinct message about your interest in their company, and what kind of role you might be suitable for.

At best you might snag a face to face meeting, at worst you make a new connection and develop confidence in proactive job sourcing. Even if nothing is available at the current point in time, it may put you on the radar for when something does come up. But be careful not to be too pushy – you need to make an introduction and sell your skills without being forceful.

So when looking for a job, make sure you’re not missing out on a whole host of job opportunities by not casting your net a bit wider than traditional job advertisements or postings. Putting yourself out there and making new connections through proactive approaches, could open new doors for your career advancement.