In this time of data analytics and statistics, just what do the numbers say about how people find jobs? In this age of social media, channels overlap – Twitter might lead you to a person who over coffee tells you about a job not yet advertised on his organization’s website.
Generally, the rule of thumb is that on average one-third of jobs are filled through word of mouth. It’s an overview of all levels and sectors, of course.
When you move beyond entry-level jobs or look at specialized sectors, or explore new or small organizations, the proportion of jobs filled by conversations and connections is easily 80%.
What’s going on?
In any market, no matter how transparent on its surface, a large proportion of jobs are either not advertised or already have someone’s name on them before the first interview. This under advertised market has long been described as hidden, and there are consultants, websites, and apps promising access. A bit crazy when you think about it, because hidden jobs are by their nature, not documented! It’s not unusual for an employer to seem to be operating openly and transparently, but behind the scenes be trying to get the right people quickly, at minimum risk. For this reason, employers often gravitate toward people they know something about!
It’s easier to work with people who have no preconceptions about how to look for a job. They tend to have a much more direct buyer/seller approach. They instinctively look for opportunities to meet decision-makers, because that significantly boosts their chances.
There are always those who poo-poo the idea that you might talk your way onto a shortlist, citing ethics. This cynicism can be echoed in the popular phrase, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” It’s a good phrase to hide behind; an excuse not to find anyone to help you. The sentence should end, “who you get to know”. The process is about making an active choice to get to know more people. You’re most likely to get any job through somebody you talk to in the next three months – people you already know, people you have yet to meet. Yes, some jobs are still given out by family, friends, people who went to your school or were former work colleagues. But far more often the job goes to someone who is just plain visible. No matter your age or background, the best tool for finding things out is talking to people and building long-term relationships with the people you meet is often the igniter of a successful job or career.
Is it fair?
So, is the hidden job market fair? Yes, it is. It is, in the sense that in any competition, some players understand the rules better than others. Applying only for advertised jobs because that’s somehow “fairer” is a great way of extending your job search time, and a firm strategy for avoiding some of the most interesting opportunities. They won’t be in the Help Wanted section, because right now they’re steeping in the mind of someone you might just meet soon, if you quite simply, start asking the best career question ever: “Who else should I be talking to?”
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