How to find unadvertised jobs

Not all jobs are advertised. Knowing how to find a job that employers want to fill, but don’t advertise, could help you to find work.

Jobs that are not advertised are sometimes called the ‘hidden job market'.

Why aren’t some jobs advertised?

Advertising a job can be expensive.

An employer might already have access to applicants. Or, they would be happy with a recommendation or referral from someone they trust. The job could also be a role that doesn’t exist yet or is not yet open to applicants.

Pros and cons of looking for unadvertised jobs

An advantage of finding an unadvertised job is that fewer people will be applying for it.

However, you will need to approach people and research possible opportunities. This can be a slow process and may take time to find an opportunity. So, you should use other job search methods too.

Ask people you know

People you know might be aware of job opportunities. Let them know you’re looking for a job and the type of job you’re looking for. Ask if they know of any vacancies.

Who to ask

You could ask anyone who knows you.

They could be:

Family
Friends
Tutors or teachers
Current or previous co-workers
People you know through work
People you know through leisure interests
Past pupils of the school or college you went to

They can let you know if they hear of a job that might be suitable. They might be able to put you in touch with someone or recommend you.

Employers sometimes find new employees through people they know. Many businesses value the recommendations of contacts or current employees.

Make new contacts

Here are some ways to add people to the network of those you could ask.

Attend events

Going to events will give you an opportunity to meet people who could help you find the kind of job you’re looking for. They might take place in person or online. You can also get useful information about what’s happening in a particular field, area or industry.

The event could be a:

Job or careers fair
Course or training
Trade fair
Conference
Workshop
Seminar or webinar

When you’re there, try to speak to people. If you have a conversation with someone you think could help you in the future take their name and contact details to follow up.

Get experience

Volunteering, internships and work experience will all put you in touch with new people. Find out more about how to get experience.

Ask for an introduction

If someone you know has a useful contact, ask if they could provide an introduction – either in person or in an email.

Ways to ask about opportunities

Consider which of these would work best for your different contacts:

Ask face to face - depending on who it is, you could do this informally or ask for a short meeting
Send a message or email – provide your contact details which can be passed on. This could mean that details of an opportunity can be easily shared with you
Use social media – you can reach people that you might not be in contact with as often. Our page about using social media to find jobs has tips for using different channels

Contact employers you would like to work for

Letting an employer know that you would like to work for them can sometimes lead to an opportunity:

Research the companies that might have the type of role you’re looking for. Make a list of those you would like to work for
Find out who to send information to and how – it could be a named person or the HR department
Make notes about why you are contacting them and list what you can offer
Plan what you will say if they contact you – expanding on what you have written would be a good starting point

Get ideas on how to write covering letters and emails and view an example of a speculative covering letter to help you get started.

Be ready for an opportunity

Plan your next steps so that you are ready if any of your enquiries result in an opportunity.

What would you say if an employer called and said ‘tell me about yourself’? Get help to prepare by reading our job interview questions and answers page.

Have an up-to-date CV ready to send if anyone asks for it. Explore build a CV to find out what to put in a CV.

More information and support

Use Future Jobs Wales to learn about jobs and skills needed in your region or to explore industries. You'll find information on the jobs in highest demand and the skills asked for by employers.

If you need more help you can contact us. Our careers advisers can help you explore information about your local labour market.