How to Find Jobs That Are Never Posted on Job Boards
If you’ve been endlessly scrolling Indeed or LinkedIn job postings and feel like you’re applying into a black hole, you’re not alone. The truth is, a huge chunk of jobs—some say up to 70% of all openings—are never posted publicly. These are the “hidden jobs,” and they often get filled before you even know they exist. The good news? With the right networking hacks, LinkedIn tricks, and referral systems, you can get access to these unlisted opportunities. Here’s how to find them.
1. Understand the Hidden Job Market
Companies don’t always post jobs for a simple reason: it takes time and money. Sometimes managers would rather ask trusted employees for referrals than sift through 500 anonymous resumes. Other times, a role is being created or tested out and hasn’t officially been listed yet. That’s where you come in. If you can position yourself in the right circles, you’ll hear about openings long before the general public.
2. Use Networking Like It’s 2025
Forget old-school networking where you shove your business card at strangers. Modern networking is about building real, ongoing connections. Start by making a short list of people in your field—former coworkers, classmates, industry contacts. Don’t just reach out when you need a job. Comment on their posts, share useful articles, or congratulate them on a new project. When you finally ask for help, you won’t feel like a stranger parachuting in—you’ll feel like part of their professional circle.
Pro tip: Instead of saying “Do you know of any job openings?” try “I’m really interested in roles at [Company X]. Do you know anyone I should talk to there?” This is more specific and easier for them to act on.
3. Master LinkedIn’s Hidden Features
LinkedIn isn’t just for scrolling posted jobs. The real power lies in its search tools and connections. Here’s what to try:
Search People, Not Jobs: Instead of typing “marketing jobs” into the job board, type “marketing manager” into the people search. You’ll find professionals who are already doing what you want to do. Send them a note, ask about their career path, and build a relationship.
Look for “2nd-degree connections”: These are friends-of-friends. With a warm intro, you can quickly turn them into your first-degree contacts.
Use the “Open to Work” setting smartly: You can make it visible only to recruiters. That way, you’re discoverable without broadcasting desperation to your entire network.
Engage on posts: Recruiters and hiring managers often drop hints about openings in casual posts before they’re ever formalized into a listing.
4. Tap Into Employee Referral Programs
Here’s a secret: most companies actually prefer to hire referrals. Why? Because referred candidates are cheaper to recruit and tend to stick around longer. Many employers even pay bonuses to employees who bring in successful hires.
So, if you have a target company in mind, find someone who already works there. A polite message like:
“Hi [Name], I admire the work you’re doing at [Company]. I’m really interested in [specific role/department]. If there’s ever an opening, would you be open to referring me?”
This works far better than cold applying. Your resume skips the pile and lands directly in front of a hiring manager.
5. Join Professional Groups and Communities
Hidden jobs often float around in niche communities before going public. Think Slack groups, industry-specific Discord servers, alumni networks, or local meetups. For example, software engineers might hear about openings in a private GitHub group. Writers often swap leads in Facebook groups.
Find out where your industry “hangs out online” and be active there. Share insights, answer questions, and contribute—not just lurk. When people see your name regularly, they’re more likely to send opportunities your way.
6. Informational Interviews Still Work
It might feel old-fashioned, but asking for an “informational interview” is still one of the best ways to unlock hidden jobs. You’re not asking for a job—you’re asking for advice. Reach out to someone in a role you admire and say:
“I’d love to hear about how you got started at [Company/Role]. Would you be open to a 15-minute virtual coffee chat?”
Nine times out of ten, they’ll say yes. And here’s the kicker: if they like you, they might think of you the next time their team is hiring—even before a posting goes live.
7. Volunteer or Freelance First
Sometimes, the best way to sneak into the hidden job market is by working with a company before they’re even hiring. Offer to freelance, consult, or volunteer for a project. Once you prove your value, the company may carve out a permanent spot just for you.
This approach is especially effective with startups and nonprofits, where roles are flexible and budgets are shifting.
8. Keep Your Digital Presence Polished
Imagine this: you reach out to someone for a referral, and they immediately check your LinkedIn profile. If it’s outdated, full of vague buzzwords, or has no evidence of your actual work, that lead might die right there.
Make sure your LinkedIn headline is clear (e.g., “Digital Marketer specializing in e-commerce growth”) and your About section highlights results, not just duties. Posting occasional industry-related thoughts also helps you look active and engaged.
9. Follow Up Without Being Annoying
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is not following up. If someone gives you advice or an introduction, thank them. If they don’t reply right away, circle back in a week or two—politely. Persistence often pays off, as long as you’re respectful of their time.
Final Thoughts: Stop Competing With Thousands
The hidden job market is where the real opportunities live. By networking smartly, using LinkedIn creatively, and leaning on referrals, you’ll find jobs most people never even hear about. Instead of fighting against 500 applicants on a job board, you’ll be the one sliding in before the posting ever goes public.
Think of it this way: job boards are the crowded front door. Networking, referrals, and connections? That’s the side entrance where the real action happens.
