How to find jobs that are not advertised

Not every role reaches a job board. Some are filled by a referral, some by an internal move, and some by a manager who talks to a promising person before anyone writes a posting. Job boards show you the roles that are already crowded. The hidden market is where you find the ones that are not yet.

What the hidden job market is

It is not a secret list. It is the stretch of time between a company deciding it needs someone and the moment a posting is written, plus the roles that never get posted at all. During that stretch, the people who decide are looking for candidates among the people they already know or have just heard from.

Two things follow. First, you cannot search for these roles on a board. Second, the way in is a person, not a form.

Where hiring shows up before the posting

You can often tell a company is about to hire before it says so:

• Funding or revenue news. A company that has just raised money usually hires.
• A new office, product or market. New work needs new people.
• Fast growth in a team. If a team has added several people recently, it is probably adding more.
• A departure. Someone senior leaving often leads to a replacement within weeks.
• A manager talking about it. Posts and talks by team leads often mention what they are building and who they need.

Write these down as you notice them, with the company name and the date. A list of fifteen target companies with a reason to expect hiring is more useful than a long list with none.

How to reach out

1. Pick the company and the team where your skills fit.
2. Find the person who would be your manager, or someone one step above them. A recruiter is a second choice.
3. Check for a shared connection. If someone you know can introduce you, that is better than a cold note. See How to ask for a referral.
4. Send a short, specific note.

A note to a hiring manager:

Hi [name], I have followed [company]'s work on [specific product or project] and was interested to see [recent news]. I spent [n] years doing [relevant work], most recently [one concrete result]. If the team is planning to add someone in [area], I would welcome a conversation. If not, I would still value any advice on [specific question].

A note through a mutual contact:

Hi [name], I am hoping to talk to [person] about [team] at [company]. I think my background in [area] could be useful there. Would you be happy to introduce me? I have written a short note you can forward as it is.

A follow-up a week later:

Hi [name], a quick follow-up on my note last week. I understand you are busy. If the timing is not right, I would be glad to stay in touch.

Other routes in

• Informational conversations. Ask for 15 minutes to learn how the team works, not for a job. People like to talk about their work, and some of these chats turn into an introduction.
• Industry events, meetups and online communities. Show up and help people before you ask for anything.
• Alumni networks. People who share your school or former employer reply more readily.
• Recruiters and agencies. Specialist recruiters often hear about roles first. Tell them clearly what you want.
• Project work. A short freelance or contract piece can turn into a permanent offer.

What not to do

• Do not write "any opportunities?" Say what you do and which kind of role you mean.
• Do not attach a long document to a first message. Offer your resume, and let them ask.
• Do not send the same message to everyone on a team.
• Do not treat a non-reply as a no. Follow up once, then move on without comment.
• Do not ignore the advertised roles. Do both. Boards still hold real vacancies, though some are ghost jobs.

Where Glide helps

The hard part of this route is the groundwork: choosing companies, researching them and finding the right person. Glide researches each company behind a role you match with, including how fast it hires, finds the recruiter or hiring manager and drafts a message for you. You read it, change it if you like, and decide whether to send.

Common questions

Is the hidden job market real?

Yes. Many hires come through referrals, internal moves and direct contact before a role is formally advertised. The share varies by field and company, so treat any exact figure with caution.

How do I find a hiring manager's name?

Check the company's team page, recent posts and talks, and the people who list the team on their professional profiles. The job posting sometimes names the recruiter, who can tell you who the manager is.

Is it rude to contact a hiring manager directly?

Not if the note is short, specific and easy to decline. Managers regularly hear from candidates they are glad to meet. Avoid it only when a posting asks you not to.

What if there is no open role at all?

Say so honestly: you are interested in the team, you have a relevant background, and you would like to be considered when something opens. Ask for advice rather than a job.