Looking for a job can feel like throwing applications into a black hole, waiting for a response that never comes. But what if I told you that some of the best job opportunities are never even posted online? Welcome to the hidden job market.
What is the Hidden Job Market?
The hidden job market consists of open positions that companies haven’t publicly advertised yet. These jobs get filled through word of mouth, internal promotions, or recruiter and employee referrals before they ever hit company websites, LinkedIn, Indeed, or other job boards.
So, how do job seekers find these hidden jobs? I’ve had the greatest success with 1:1 personal networking.
What is Networking (or Informational Interviews)?
Networking isn’t about asking for a job. It’s about building relationships, learning about industries, and positioning yourself so that when an opportunity arises, you’re the first person they think of.
An informational interview is a one-on-one conversation with someone in your field, the field you want to be in, or with a seasoned professional. These chats help you gain insights, ask for advice, and most importantly, get introduced to new people who can connect you to hidden opportunities with potential employers.
My Experience with the Hidden Job Market
During my recent layoff and job search, I scheduled two to three networking meetings per day and uncovered at least one hidden job opportunity each week. I focused my job search on St. Louis and worked hard to expand my network.
Here are a few real-life examples of how networking has worked for me throughout my career:
A friend in HR tipped me off about a job a month before it was posted.
A company was hiring solely through word of mouth, and a contact connected me to the hiring manager.
A close friend was leaving her position and recommended me for the role before it hit the job boards.
I was volunteering with a non-profit and on an auction committee with someone who was hiring a role that was perfect for me.
A recruiter reached out via LinkedIn about a job that wasn’t publicly listed.
Networking works. It's how I landed my current job plus I met so many cool people! Here’s how to do it.
How to Uncover the Hidden Job Market Through Networking
1. Define What You Want
Before reaching out to anyone, get crystal clear on what you’re looking for. This will be the first question people ask you so ask yourself:
What type of work do I enjoy?
Do I want to manage a team?
What industries interest me?
What size company would I thrive in?
What is the best culture fit for me?
What kind of boss and coworkers help you to thrive?
What’s my ideal work environment (remote, hybrid, in-office)?
What’s my target salary and benefits?
What are my career goals?
The more specific you are, the easier it will be for people to help you.
2. Start with Your “Friendlies”
Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues. Start with people you know. Focus on people who are well-connected and enjoy networking.
Make a list of contacts in a spreadsheet.
Prioritize who to contact first.
Track who you’ve met and who they introduce you to.
This may push you out of your comfort zone. So, starting with people you already know will make this process much easier. These are just conversations between two adults.
3. Ask for Help
Start with people you know well to ease into the process. Reach out via text, email, or social media channels like Facebook or LinkedIn:
Example Message:
"Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well! I'm exploring new job opportunities in [industry/job type] and would love to get your insights. Would you be open to a quick 30-minute coffee or Zoom chat? No pressure at all—I’d just love to catch up and hear your thoughts. Let me know if that works!"
Give them a few date options to choose from, and be flexible with meeting in person or via Zoom.
I tried to do more in-person meetings because it was easier to connect in real life. But those are also more time-consuming. Video meetings can save valuable time driving to and from the meetings. So, find a balance.
4. Research Before the Meeting
Even if you already know the person, check out their LinkedIn profile.
Learn about their career path.
See if they’ve posted any industry insights.
Prepare questions about their work and company.
If you’re transitioning into a new field, ask for advice on how to break in. It’s okay to have a list of questions written down! I actually recommend it.
5. Leverage Their LinkedIn Connections
A goal for every networking meeting? Get introduced to at least two more people. You need to come to the meeting prepared.
Go to their LinkedIn profile and click on “Connections.”
Filter to see 2nd-degree connections.
Identify 3-5 people in companies, industries, or roles of interest.
Ask your contact if they’d be comfortable introducing you.
Most people want to help—you just need to make it easy for them.
6. Confirm the Meeting
The day before, send a quick confirmation message via email or LinkedIn messaging:
"Hi [Name], just confirming our coffee meeting tomorrow at [time] at [location]. My number is [your number] in case anything comes up. Looking forward to it!"
7. Make a Great First Impression
Arrive early.
Buy your coffee in advance.
Bring a notebook or laptop for notes.
Avoid eating during the meeting.
Start the conversation:
Thank them for their time.
Ask if they have a hard stop.
Get your questions ready and take notes.
8. Perfect Your Elevator Speech
Networking meetings are the best place to practice answering, “Tell me about yourself.”
Keep it brief:
Who you are.
What you do (or want to do).
The type of opportunities you’re looking for.
What sets you apart?
I have a great article that focuses on how to prepare your story to answer the question “Tell me about yourself.”
9. Ask for Introductions
People who actively network will probably offer to introduce you to specific people in their network they think will make a good fit for you. People who are more introverted or don’t network on a regular basis will need a nudge. If you have done your research, ask them “Would you be comfortable introducing me to [name]?”
If they hesitate or are uncomfortable with the ask, that is ok. Try to get at least one new introduction. But some people just won’t take the next step. In my experience, most people were very happy to help with additional intros. Personal introductions are much easier to handle than cold calling!
10. Follow Up & Say Thank You
Always send a thank-you email. I am a stickler for this. A text is not enough. If people are generous with their time, they deserve a proper thank you. The email is also a chance to remind them of the promised introductions and for you to reiterate your story.
Example: "Hi [Name], I really appreciate you taking the time to meet today! Your insights were incredibly helpful, and I especially loved your advice on [specific topic].
If you’re able to introduce me to [name(s)], that would be amazing. I’ve included a short intro paragraph you can copy/paste to make it easy. Thanks again!"
Make it simple for them to follow through. Most people need that reminder.
And once you land your new job, take the time to let your new connections know the good news and thank them once again!
11. Follow Up on New Introductions
When someone introduces you via LinkedIn or email, reply promptly. It’s up to you to check your email frequently so you can respond in a timely manner.
Thank both people.
Suggest a quick coffee or Zoom chat.
Let them choose the format.
Offer multiple date options.
“Thank you [name]! I really appreciate it! And nice to e-meet you [new name]! I will send a LinkedIn connection request. And if you are up for it, I would love to schedule a 30-minute 1:1 coffee or Zoom chat. Thank you in advance!"
If they don’t respond, follow up at least once. If they still don’t reply, it's ok to move on. I always tried to be persistent but not a pest.
12. Track Your Networking Efforts
Who introduced you to whom?
Have you sent a thank-you note?
Do you need to follow up?
Have you scheduled the next meeting?
13. Manage Your Time & Energy
Networking is rewarding but draining. Be strategic with your requests and your time:
Schedule 2-3 meetings per day max.
Take breaks when needed.
Stay positive and engaged.
It takes a lot of time to manage all the outgoing requests, the thank you emails, and scheduling back and forth. The conversations also require a lot of your own energy. You have to be “on.” You have to be positive, upbeat, and engaging. Give yourself a break sometimes! You may need to dial back on some days or give yourself a day off from these meetings.
14. Explore Other Networking Channels
Following my tips above will help you strategically focus your efforts on the people or companies that you want to meet, one by one. It’s an efficient way to use your time. You can spread your efforts across other channels and activities:
Join networking groups
Participate in professional associations
Attend industry events
Connect with recruiters
Volunteer with non-profit organizations
Final Thoughts
If you only apply to online job postings, you’re competing with hundreds of applicants. If you are only applying to remote jobs, you are competing with the entire country! Some jobs may have over 1,000 applications! But if you tap into the hidden job market, you’ll have access to opportunities before they go public.
Networking takes effort, but the payoff is huge. You’ll gain valuable industry insights, build meaningful relationships, and increase your chances of landing a role that’s the perfect fit for you. Maybe even your dream job!
Start today. Make a list of people to reach out to, send that first message, and take control of your job search.
You got this!
