How to Land Jobs That Aren’t Even Posted
If you’re stuck in the endless loop of scrolling job boards, firing off applications, and hearing crickets—yeah, we’ve all been there. But here’s the thing: a huge chunk of jobs (some say up to 70%!) never even make it online. So how do people get them? Through networking, referrals, and talking to the right people at the right time. Welcome to the hidden job market.
One of the best ways to break in? Informational Interviews. And trust me, they actually work—I’ve seen it firsthand. In a recent General Manager search I ran, two of the final candidates weren’t even actively applying. They had just taken the time to connect with me months earlier.
What’s an Informational Interview, and Why Should You Care?
An informational interview isn’t a job interview. It’s just a conversation. People reach out to me (sometimes cold, sometimes through a mutual connection) asking for a few minutes to share their background and learn about potential opportunities. And guess what? When the right role pops up, I remember the ones who made a great impression.
For that General Manager role, two of the strongest candidates weren’t even looking at the time. But they had reached out, had a great chat, and left a lasting impression. When the job opened up, they were first on my list.
How to Nail an Informational Interview (Without Making It Weird)
-
- Hit Up the Right People
Look for hiring managers, recruiters, or industry pros on LinkedIn. Don’t just spam every connection you have—be strategic. - Don’t Be Generic
Skip the “Can I pick your brain?” message. Instead, say something like: “I admire your work at [Company] and would love 15 minutes to learn about [Industry/Company] and how I can stand out in the job market.” Simple, to the point, and respectful of their time.
- Have Good Questions Ready
What’s the biggest challenge in your industry right now?
What skills are companies really looking for?
What advice would you give to someone trying to break in?
- Keep It Short & Sweet
If you ask for 15 minutes, don’t take 45. Stay on topic, be professional (but chill), and thank them for their time.
- Follow Up Without Being Annoying
Send a quick thank-you message after. Keep in touch, but don’t spam their inbox every week. A little goes a long way.
- Hit Up the Right People
Meet Career4U: Your Job Search Glow-Up
We get it—job hunting is rough. That’s why HR4U launched Career4U, a new suite of services designed to help you actually stand out:
- Resume Writing: A solid, tailored resume with one-on-one consultation and a revision round.
- Interview Coaching: Mock interviews, feedback, and confidence-boosting tips.
- LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Get found by recruiters with SEO-driven enhancements.
- Outplacement Support: Resume help, interview prep, and LinkedIn makeovers for career transitions.
With flexible packages, Career4U helps you land your next gig with confidence.
Time to Make Your Move
The hidden job market isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing where to look and how to connect. Informational interviews can open doors you didn’t even know existed, and Career4U is here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to level up your job search? Career4U has your back. Let’s get you hired. Reach out today to learn more!
