A Job Seeker’s Guide to Uncovering Hidden Opportunities

Find Your Next Role Beyond LinkedIn Job Postings | #20

I co-led a workshop with Julia Psitos called Beyond LinkedIn: Unlocking the Hidden Job Market at a very cool co-working space in NYC called Fabrik. This was the third workshop Julia and I have collaborated on in the past year. We had around 50 sign-ups, a waitlist, and a strong turnout.

Job searching can feel isolating, so we were thrilled to bring this group together and share the strategies we’ve successfully used in our own job searches, as well as those we’ve taught to others over the years. In this session, we explored unconventional ways to land your next role through the hidden job market. This post summarizes our key takeaways and serves as a reference guide for your job search.

The Hidden Job Market

Job searching is more than just scrolling through LinkedIn job postings. Many opportunities exist within the hidden job market, where companies hire through networking, referrals, and strategic outreach. According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 70% of jobs are never advertised. By relying solely on job boards, job seekers risk missing out on opportunities that could significantly shorten their job search.

When we apply to jobs on sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, we’re often competing against a much larger pool of candidates. In contrast, uncovering job leads through alternative methods gives you a competitive advantage and a higher chance of landing an interview—ultimately increasing your odds of securing a job offer. Below, we’ll share tips and resources to help you navigate the hidden job market effectively.

Building Your Dream Company List

Before you start searching for companies, take the time to identify what you truly want in a workplace. Think about the industries that interest you, the kind of work environment you thrive in, and the values that matter most to you. Once you have a clear picture of your ideal company, break your criteria into must-haves—the non-negotiables that are essential for your job satisfaction—and nice-to-haves—the perks and benefits that would enhance your experience but aren’t deal-breakers. With this framework in mind, you can begin researching and compiling a list of companies that align with your priorities.

Example:
✅ Must-haves: Remote work environment, diverse leadership, mission-driven work in healthcare
💡 Nice-to-haves: Learning stipend, 50-100 employees, 401(k) match

Once you’ve defined your criteria, start researching companies that align with them. Here are some of our favorite resources to discover potential employers:

• Crunchbase – Learn about startups, especially those who have received a recent round of funding and might be hiring soon

• BuiltIn – Another great resource to learn about startups and are hiring

• Glassdoor & Comparably – Gain insights into company culture, salaries, and employee reviews.

• Idealist – Explore nonprofit and social-impact organizations.

Reverse Searching for Job Leads

Instead of searching for job postings directly, use the reverse search technique to identify companies likely to be hiring. Look for organizations that have:

• Recently received funding

• Launched a new product

• Posted strong earnings reports

These are indicators that they may be expanding their teams. Go directly to their company website and check their careers page for job listings that may not be widely advertised. Applying through this method often results in less competition compared to traditional job boards.

Using Google to Uncover Hidden Job Listings

Another way to find hidden job postings is by leveraging Google’s search function to uncover jobs on applicant tracking system (ATS) platforms used by companies. Many employers use systems like Greenhouse, Lever, BambooHR, Workday, and SmartRecruiters to manage applications.

To find job postings on Greenhouse, for example, enter the following into Google:
📌 site:greenhouse.io "Product Manager"

This search will pull up job listings hosted on Greenhouse that might not appear in conventional job searches. Modify the job title and ATS platform to tailor results to your field.

By using these strategies, you can tap into opportunities beyond traditional job boards and gain a competitive edge in your job search. Here are other ATS sites that you can try this with:

• jobs.jobvite.com

• icims.com

• jobs.smartrecruiters.com

• lever.co

• myworkdayjobs.com

• jobs.ashbyhq.com

Alternative Job Boards & Resources

Most job seekers rely on LinkedIn to find and apply for jobs, but it can be discouraging to see hundreds of applicants for a position posted just a day ago. With so much competition, the chances of your resume standing out to a recruiter or hiring manager are low. That’s why we recommend exploring niche job sites, where roles may receive fewer applications, giving you a better chance of landing an interview. Here are some great alternatives to consider:

Tech Startups: Wellfound (formerly AngelList), YCombinator, Techstars, Built In, Startup Jobs, and A large list of VC Job Boards

Remote Work: We Work Remotely, RemoteOK

Nonprofits, Government & Social Impact: Idealist, Work for Good, BWork, JobsNYC (check out your local government job sites)

Freelance & Gig Economy: Contra, Toptal, Upwork

More Job Boards: Welcome to the Jungle (formerly Otta), A List of Job Boards that are Not LinkedIn, Still Hiring Today, Levels,

💡 Pro Tip: Leverage niche job boards in your industry or functional area by going to professional association websites. Example: The American Marketing Association has a robust job board for people working in that space.

Maximizing LinkedIn for Hidden Job Opportunities

While this guide focuses on job search strategies beyond LinkedIn, the platform can still be a powerful tool—if used strategically. One way to uncover opportunities that may not be listed on LinkedIn’s job board is by going straight to posts from employees or hiring managers.

Find Job Postings in Your Feed

• Search for hiring announcements: Type "[job title] and hiring" in the search bar (Example: “customer success and hiring”).

• Filter by posts: Click on the "Posts" tab to see hiring updates shared by individuals.

• Sort by date – Apply filters to view the most recent job openings and announcements.

Download & Leverage Your LinkedIn Connections:

Your LinkedIn connections can be a goldmine for uncovering hidden job opportunities. By exporting your contact list, you can identify key people at target companies and reach out strategically.

How to Export Your LinkedIn Contacts:

• Go to: Settings & Privacy > Data Privacy > Get a Copy of Your Data

• Select: Check the box next to “Connections” and click Request Archive

• Receive & Sort: Once you get the CSV file via email, sort and prioritize contacts who work at companies you’re interested in.

• Reach out with a personalized script (see below): Since first-degree connections are already in your network, you can take a more familiar and warm approach in your outreach. Here are a few message templates to tailor based on your relationship:

📩 Networking Email Scripts:

🔹 For someone you met at an event or through a mutual introduction:
Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at [Event/Networking Session]! I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic discussed]. I’d love to continue the discussion and also get your thoughts on [industry/company] since I’m currently exploring opportunities in this space. Let me know if you’d be open to catching up!

🔹 For a recruiter or HR professional at a target company:
Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well! I see you’re a recruiter at [Company], and I’m really interested in learning more about opportunities there. I have experience in [relevant skills/industry] and would love to see if there are any roles that might be a good fit. Let me know if I can share my resume or if there's a time to chat!

🔹 For a former colleague who recently switched jobs:
Hi [Name], congrats on your new role at [Company]! I’d love to hear about how the transition has been and what you’re enjoying most. I’m currently looking for my next opportunity and exploring [industry/company], so if you have any insights or advice, I’d really appreciate it. Let’s catch up soon!

🔹 For a connection at a company with an open role:
Hi [Name], I saw that [Company] is hiring for a [Job Title] role, and I’m really interested in applying! Since you’re at [Company], I’d love to hear your thoughts on the team and culture. If you have any insights, I’d really appreciate it—and if you think I’d be a good fit, I’d be grateful for any referral guidance. Let me know if you’re open to chatting!

Using Your LinkedIn Community to Find Jobs

Many companies prefer referrals over job postings. Here’s how to tap into your network:

• Get the Word Out – Clearly define your target roles and companies, then share an update on LinkedIn. Let your network know what you’re looking for and how they can help—people are often more willing to assist than you might think.

• Engage Strategically – Stay visible by commenting on posts from industry leaders, recruiters, and professionals at target companies. Share insights, celebrate others' successes, and contribute to conversations in your field.

• Practice Your Elevator Pitch – Be prepared to introduce yourself and explain your career goals concisely (in 30 seconds). Whether in a LinkedIn message or a virtual coffee chat, a clear and compelling pitch makes it easier for others to support your job search.

• Pay Attention to Announcements on Role Changes – When someone announces a new job on LinkedIn, check their previous company—there’s a good chance they’re hiring! You may be able to reach out to ask if they know of any open roles or can introduce you to the right person.

Additional Resources

🚀 Here are a few more resources to help support your job search strategy:

• Job Search Checklist – A checklist to help you understand the steps needed to have an optimized and productive job search.

• Tealhq.com – An AI-powered resume builder and job search tracking tool to keep you organized and help you customize your application materials.

• Networking Strategy Planner – A framework to help you map out and execute a strong networking strategy.

• Job Evaluation Checklist – A tool to assess whether a role or company aligns with what is important to you.

We hope these strategies and resources empower you in your job search. If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with other job seekers in your network. We'd love to hear your thoughts—let us know in the comments what resonated with you or what other job search strategies have worked for you!

This article was co-authored by Satya Chheda and Julia Psitos