It is no secret that a large percentage of jobs are filled today without ever being advertised. Some of the best roles in mining, energy and infrastructure are secured by candidates who don't go through the traditional resourcing process of applying via a job ad. In many cases, they're put forward for a role or approached directly due to their strong experience and skill set.
What can feel like a secret is how to access this hidden job market.
The days of relying on Seek and job boards to reveal your next career opportunity are over. A much more proactive approach is required today. That means creating relationships, building and fostering your network and staying connected to the right people to ensure you are front of mind at the right time.
Here are three top tips to help you access, and succeed, in the hidden job market.
1. Build a relationship with a resourcing specialist
The first step to winning in the hidden job market is to find a resourcing agency that understands the market you work in. Avoid engaging with a generalist agency as they won't have the contacts or role-specific knowledge to get you in front of the right people. You want to feel confident that the Resourcing Consultant you choose really understands your role and what success and high achievement look like in that position. They must also have good relationships with leading companies. Without in-depth knowledge and connections they can’t effectively pitch you into companies and highlight why you would be an ideal fit for their project or organisation, even if a role doesn’t exist yet.
You may be little perplexed by that last point. Why would you want to be put forward for a role that doesn’t exist? Put simply, many companies will create a role if an ideal candidate comes their way. High-quality Project Managers with demonstrated experience of delivering projects on time or under budget are regularly seen as worth creating a role for.
That's why at Concentis we're always talking to the companies we work with about the quality candidates in our talent pool. Last year 12% of the candidates we placed had roles created for them.
The hidden job market also lends itself to certain types of roles. While permanent roles are often advertised on sites such as Seek, contract roles are almost always filled via the hidden job market. In 2018, 56% of the contract roles we filled were not advertised. Instead, we accessed our internal network and talent pool to place leading Project Management talent in key roles.
So how do you build a solid relationship with your Resourcing Consultant? The best approach is to keep in contact. Catch up for a coffee every six months. Let them know if you are planning a move or considering a change of role, project or location. Also reach out and update your resume with them once a year. Each of these actions will ensure you stay front of mind.
2. Foster your networks
Referrals and past history carry a lot of weight in the hidden job market. Managers are always more likely to employ someone they have worked with in the past or who comes highly recommended by someone they trust. Hiring based on a strong referral reduces the risk for both the company and the hiring manager, making it a popular approach for many companies.
Your networks can become your strongest advocate. Therefore, it is wise to continually invest time and effort in maintaining good relationships with past colleagues. The action you take could be as simple as catching up for coffee once every six months with key people you worked with on your last project. You don’t need to ask anything of them. Simply get together to exchange professional ideas. Informal catch-ups are a great way to stay connected with well-respected players in your industry. They will be up-to-date with your latest work and plans from information you share during these conversations, ensuring you are front of mind next time they hear of a role you maybe suited for.
Expanding your network is also important. Look for ways to connect with others in your industry who you may not have worked with yet. You could look to join the Project Management Institute (PMI) and get involved in their events and seminars, or find another industry body or organisation that fits with your focus.
Finally, remember to keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and connect with as many peers as possible. Keyword related searches on LinkedIn are one of the most popular tools used by Recruiters to identify candidates in the hidden job market.
3. Target companies directly
If you have a shortlist of companies you would like to work for, try approaching them directly. Spend time researching the best point of contact based on the role you desire. Then reach out directly via a personalised email or message on LinkedIn. Avoid sending your CV straight to HR. The sheer volume of CVs received by large companies ensures an unsolicited approach is likely to be overlooked. Connect directly with the Project Lead or the person responsible for hiring and project delivery, as they will be more receptive to an approach from a quality candidate. As mentioned earlier, companies will create a role if the right candidate appears.
The hidden job market is a unique space where a proactive approach is vital to achieving success. Remaining active and engaged with your networks is key, as is working with a Resourcing Consultant who specialises in the area and sector you are wanting to secure your next role in. Focusing on the three actions above will increase your access and see the hidden job market become less of a mystery.
13 Mar 2025