The Hidden Job Market: How to Land Senior Roles Before They’re Posted was originally published on Ivy Exec.
Have you been hunting for a senior role and feel like you aren’t doing something right since jobs are getting snatched up quickly? You’re not imagining it because many executive and senior-level positions get filled before they hit a job board.
Recruiters often hire quietly to avoid sifting through resumes and conducting many interviews. Some also prefer hiring top executives through referrals instead of gambling on a candidate they don’t know much about.
If you want to advance in your career, you should learn to navigate the hidden job market. Here are a few helpful tips.
👉 Surround Yourself With Decision Makers
Expanding your network to include key decision-makers will allow you to get more opportunities. Even if you aren’t naturally social, becoming a familiar name in the right circle will be helpful.
Show up to industry events and conferences and have genuine conversations with other attendees. Ask your coworkers, old bosses, or mentors for an invitation to join exclusive groups.
Another way to stay visible is to engage with decision-makers online. Comment on their LinkedIn posts and share insightful articles. If their company achieves a milestone, congratulate them so you can stay on their radar without being intrusive.
👉 Strengthen Your Executive Brand
Companies hire senior leaders based on their vision, leadership style, and industry reputation. Strengthening your executive brand, therefore, makes you a highly sought-after candidate.
Determine how you prefer to approach leadership in the workplace. Are you the leader who empowers teams to make their own decisions? Do you believe in leading by example? Do you focus on innovation and pushing boundaries?
Once you determine your leadership philosophy, ensure it reflects your values and aligns with your career decisions.
Knowing what you’re good at will help you stand out and become the leader every company wants. Think about what you can do better than most people in your industry.
After you figure it out, use it to show others why you’re valuable. You can showcase your expertise by posting your ideas on LinkedIn, speaking at events, or helping others in your field. The more people see you as an expert, the more they’ll think of you when a lucrative opportunity arises.
As you refine your executive presence, it’s also good to know what others think about you. Do they view you as a strong leader or a strategic thinker? Can they trust you to make wise decisions under high pressure?
Ask your coworkers, mentors, or former bosses for honest feedback if you’re unsure how others see you. What you think you project might not be what they see, but their opinion will help you refine your image.
👉 Build Professional Relationships Before You Need Them
Many professionals only start networking when they’re job-hunting. Unfortunately, great opportunities may only arise if other experts respect and trust you. Build good relationships before you need them using the following strategies:
- Reconnect with old colleagues
- Engage industry leaders
- Offer value first
Your old coworkers know about your skills and work ethic and may be the key to accessing hidden roles. Reach out to them and keep the conversation natural instead of asking for opportunities immediately. You can catch up with them on their career achievements and learn about their goals.
Engaging with reputable leaders in your industry helps you become someone they recognize. So, you’ll already be in their mind when they need to hire someone for a senior role.
Connect with industry leaders by introducing yourself after they speak at an event. Ask for their thoughts on specific topics and ensure your conversation with them is impactful. It’s also a good idea to share their work on social media and tag them.
Giving before you take will help you build strong professional relationships. Think about what you can offer instead of only asking your connections for favors.
You may introduce them to your other professionals or recommend them for a job. Alternatively, give them helpful career advice and share insightful industry news.
When you support others without expecting anything in return, they’ll be ready to help you advance in your career.
👉 Make Friends With Executive Recruiters
Connecting with executive recruiters is an effective way to land hidden roles. Identify several experts in your field who place senior-level professionals. Then, ensure they have a good reputation and a strong network with hiring companies.
Once you have several recruiters in mind, connect and make a great first impression. Explain your expertise and mention the kind of leadership role you’re looking for. Be confident when interacting with them and maintain professionalism to prove you’re fit for a senior role.
Executive recruiters need to be able to back their claims if they pitch you for a job position. Provide examples of your success by sharing how you helped different businesses grow. Use figures and statistics to support your claims and share references, too.
The recruiters you connect with may not have the perfect job for you at the moment. However, a better opportunity may come up later, so it’s vital to keep in touch.
Share career updates so they have the most recent details about your skills and experience. If the recruiter places someone you know in a job, you should also congratulate them to strengthen your relationship.
👉 Watch for Clues That a Role Is Opening Up
Before a senior leadership opportunity arises, you may notice some signs in your industry or the company dynamics. Here are a few clues to know about:
- Top leaders leaving a company
- Company growth
- Strategic shifts like mergers
Watch out for these signals so you’ll know when to reach out to your network or decision-makers at companies you’re interested in. Doing so will help you position yourself as a top candidate in case recruiters decide to fill roles quietly before making them public.
Take Control of Your Career Growth
Positioning yourself to know about open positions before they hit the job market will fuel your career growth. Build strong relationships and stay visible to decision-makers.
Keep recruiters in your corner, and maintain contact with your mentors, old bosses, and coworkers. It’s also crucial to strengthen your executive brand and watch out for clues a role is about to be open.
Check out our blog for more career growth insights.
