Why 70% of Jobs Are Never Advertised — And How to Find Them

The truth about the hidden job market

You might be applying to job after job — scrolling through job boards, tweaking your CV, and still hearing nothing back. But here’s something most job seekers don’t realize:

Up to 70% of jobs are never publicly advertised.
That’s right. Many open roles are filled through internal referrals, recruiter networks, or direct outreach — not through LinkedIn or job portals.

If you’re only relying on job boards, you’re missing out on a huge part of the hiring market.

Why are so many jobs never posted?

There are a few reasons companies don’t list every opening online:

· Recruiters already have candidates in mind

· Hiring managers prefer referrals over public applications

· Urgent or confidential hires are filled directly

· Some roles are filled before being advertised

According to research from LinkedIn, internal hiring and recruiter networks often fill roles faster and with better outcomes.

So how do you access these hidden opportunities?

The best way?
Build relationships with recruiters who specialize in your industry and city.

That doesn't mean cold-messaging 50 people on LinkedIn. Instead, focus on targeted outreach — with the right message, to the right people.

3 ways to break into the hidden job market:

1. Connect with specialized recruiters

Find recruiters who hire specifically for your job function (e.g., Product, Marketing, Finance) in your preferred location.

Want help? Try HelloRecruiters — we match you with 5–10 recruiters actively hiring in your space.

2. Personalize your message

Generic messages don’t work. Explain who you are, what you’re looking for, and what kind of value you bring.

Need a message template? Use our AI-powered email assistant.

3. Follow up (but don’t spam)

If you don’t hear back in a week, send a short follow-up. Many candidates drop off here — but polite persistence can set you apart.

Final thoughts: The best roles aren’t always listed

If you’re tired of being ghosted, or stuck in a job search loop — it’s time to switch strategies.

The hidden job market isn’t out of reach. You just need to connect with the right people and show up the right way.

Want to skip the guesswork?

Get matched with recruiters now →
No spam. No platforms. Just a simple, direct email — from you to recruiters who are actually hiring.