Did you know that a staggering 70% of job openings in New Zealand are never advertised?
This means there’s a “hidden job market” that holds immense potential for proactive job seekers
What is the Hidden Job Market?
New Zealand’s relatively small and interconnected job market means that key players in various industries often fill positions through internal networks and existing contacts. Only about 30% of job openings are ever advertised publicly, leaving 70% to be discovered through networking and referrals.
Imagine accessing not just 30%, but 100% of all available roles!
Here’s how you can tap into these hidden opportunities
Network, Network, Network
Build and nurture relationships within your industry. Attend industry events, participate in online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Your next job could come from a conversation with the right person.
Seek Referrals
Leverage your existing network to get referred for roles. Many employers prefer to hire through recommendations from trusted contacts.
Explore Informational Interviews
This is one of my favourites – reach out to industry professionals for informational conversations. Seek a meeting where the sole purpose isn’t to ask for a job but to acquire information about a particular role or industry. A direct spin-off is that you will often uncover hidden job openings while gaining valuable information.
Grow Your Online Presence
Optimise your LinkedIn profile with keywords and skills relevant to your target roles. Follow and engage with companies of interest. Ensure your SEEK & ZEIL profiles are up to date, as hiring managers and recruiters often search for candidates instead of posting jobs.
Stay Proactive
Don’t wait for job listings; be proactive in reaching out to companies you admire. Express your interest even if they’re not actively hiring. Keep in regular contact with these companies.
By embracing these strategies, you’ll be well-positioned to uncover hidden job opportunities and significantly increase your chances of landing your next role.