How to unlock the hidden job market to find a Job in 2025
The best way to get a job in 2025
Getting a job in 2025 is tough.
Getting a job in 2025 by just cold applying to open vacancies is even tougher.
But what many job seekers don’t know is that there is a ‘hidden’ job market in which many jobs are recruited for without ever being advertised online.
And in 2025, the hidden job market is being used more and more by companies to find talent in what is becoming an increasingly saturated job market.
So, how do you access the hidden job market?
Well, let’s first start off by explaining what the hidden job market is.
The hidden Job Market refers to job opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised or posted on traditional job boards. These are roles which rely on networks rather than posting online for reach.
There are 4 main ways in which the hidden job market is utilised, and we’ll go through them now:
1. Referrals
This is when companies will utilise the network of their internal employees to refer trusted individuals for roles they wish to hire for. Companies use this as a way to safeguard the quality of hires as they know their employees would not risk referring low-quality candidates, and the stamp of approval from current employees gives them a sense of security on the hire.
Tip - Before applying for roles you may see online, find out if anyone in your network works there and ask for a referral for the role. This is 10x better than cold applying and will usually result in securing an interview.
2. Recruiters
Another key component of the hidden job market is the use of recruiters. Companies will often exclusively pay recruiters to find them the right talent for specific roles and certain levels of seniority of roles, e.g. mid-senior level and above.
These jobs will never be posted online, and recruiters will use their network to find the right candidates to put forward for the roles. So it’s important you start building relationships with recruiters who can bring these opportunities to you.
Tip: Find the top 10 recruitment companies in your industry and reach out to 1-2 recruiters in each company to build your network. This will give you a good group of recruiters who can consistently provide you with opportunities available.
3. Your Network
Similar to referrals, old colleagues and friends can reach out to you about vacancies in their companies or opportunities they’ve been approached for that could be suited to you.
Tip: Keep in touch with old colleagues after they leave and ensure you make them and your friends aware you’re looking for new opportunities so they can know to pass them on to you.
4. Conferences and Networking Events
Companies like to use networking events and conferences as a way to increase their talent pipeline, which they can tap into when hiring. Industry and Company-specific networking events are great places to meet and connect with hiring managers who can bring opportunities to your door.
Tip: Try and find 1-2 networking events in your industry a month and attend them. Focus on events tailored to recruitment or have panels/attendees which include hiring managers, etc.
So if you’re currently a job seeker looking for a new role or just interested in testing the job market, implement these strategies and let me know how they go for you!