How to Find Out About Job Openings: The Secret Techniques to Land Your Dream Job

Imagine this: You’re sitting in front of your computer, endlessly scrolling through job boards, hoping that the perfect opportunity will somehow materialize before your eyes. But nothing. Days, weeks, maybe even months pass, and still, the notifications are dry, and the rejections pile up. Now, what if I told you there was a better way—one that the most successful people in the job market are using to unlock doors before they’re even opened to the public? That’s right. Most of the top-tier jobs never even make it to the boards. Let’s break down how you can hack this system and beat the competition in ways that most people overlook.

1. Leverage Your Network—Before It’s Even a Network

You’ve heard this advice before, but let’s dig deeper. What if I told you that the most effective networks are built long before you even need them? Most people start networking when they’re already desperate, but the real pros have been working on relationships months, sometimes years, ahead of time. Your best resource for job openings isn’t LinkedIn posts—it’s personal connections. Reach out to old colleagues, former professors, or even distant acquaintances. A well-placed coffee chat could get you access to a job that’s about to open before anyone else hears about it.

Pro Tip: Always offer value first. Networking is not about asking for favors—think of ways you can help them before expecting anything in return. People remember generosity.

2. Cold Outreach: A Risky but Effective Play

This is where the reverse-order mindset kicks in. Don’t wait for job postings—create them. Identify the companies you dream of working for, then reach out directly to the hiring managers or team leads. This isn't just about sending a resume and hoping for the best. Personalize every email. Mention a recent achievement by the company and align your skills with their future goals. The key is to show how you’ll solve their problems even before they realize they need help.

Here’s the thing most people don’t know: Companies are often thinking about growth and future projects long before they post job openings. If you can position yourself as someone who fills a gap they haven’t yet advertised, you’ve effectively bypassed the entire hiring process. You’ve created your own job.

Pro Tip: Keep your cold emails short, around 150 words, and finish with a clear call to action—such as asking for a brief meeting or even an informational interview.

3. The Hidden Job Market: It’s Real, and You’re Missing It

Up to 80% of job openings are never posted online. Shocking, right? This is called the hidden job market. These positions are filled through internal promotions, word-of-mouth, or employee referrals. The good news is that you can tap into this market by being proactive. How?

• Join professional associations in your industry. Many of these organizations have internal job boards or exclusive openings that never make it to the public.
• Attend industry-specific conferences. Often, recruiters and hiring managers scout for talent at these events.
• Engage on social media. It’s not just about posting your resume on LinkedIn. Engage with the content that people in your target companies are posting. Share their articles, comment with insightful takes, and be visible.

Pro Tip: If you’re serious about getting into the hidden job market, consider informational interviews. These are informal chats with people who work in companies you’re interested in. You’re not asking for a job; you’re gathering insights, which often leads to potential openings down the line.

4. The Role of Recruiters: Allies or Gatekeepers?

Recruiters can either be your best friend or your worst nightmare. The mistake most people make is treating recruiters as if they’re merely gatekeepers. In reality, recruiters are problem-solvers. They need you as much as you need them because their job is to find the best talent. But here’s where you flip the narrative: don’t just rely on recruiters finding you. Seek out niche recruiting firms that specialize in your industry. These boutique firms often work on highly specific roles that don’t get posted on major job boards.

Pro Tip: Build relationships with multiple recruiters. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your recruiter portfolio just like you would with an investment. Some will have the inside track on specific companies or industries that others won’t.

5. Employee Referrals: The Cheat Code No One Talks About

Did you know that companies are four times more likely to hire someone through an employee referral than through other channels? It makes sense—they trust their current employees to bring in reliable talent. How do you get in on this action?

• Use LinkedIn strategically. Look up employees in your target company, and send them personalized messages explaining your interest in the company. Don’t ask for a referral right away—build rapport first.
• Follow up after you’ve been referred. Just because someone submitted your resume doesn’t mean the work is done. Stay engaged with both the referrer and the hiring team.

Pro Tip: Always ask for feedback after a referral, even if it didn’t land you the job. This helps build a long-term relationship with your referrer.

6. Job Boards: The Last Resort, Not the First

Let’s face it: Job boards are the most competitive and often least effective way to find a job. That said, they’re not entirely useless, but you have to approach them strategically. Instead of applying to every job that looks remotely interesting, focus on quality over quantity. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each position, and always include a follow-up plan. Most people don’t follow up, and that’s where you can stand out.

Pro Tip: Use job boards as research tools rather than job-hunting tools. Study the job descriptions for insights into the skills and qualifications companies are looking for. Then, work on building those skills or experiences in your current role.

7. The Psychology of Persistence: Staying Ahead When the Odds Seem Against You

Job searching can be emotionally draining, especially when you’re not seeing results right away. But here’s where persistence pays off. Most people give up after sending a few applications or attending a handful of interviews. The trick is to keep going. Every rejection is a learning opportunity. Ask for feedback, tweak your approach, and keep refining your search. The jobs are out there—you just have to keep moving forward.

Pro Tip: Set small, achievable goals for your job search every week. For example, make five new connections on LinkedIn, attend one networking event, or send out three personalized cold emails. These small wins will add up.

Conclusion: Job Hunting Is a Game, and You Can Win

Finding job openings isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. By leveraging your network, tapping into the hidden job market, and being proactive, you can find opportunities that others overlook. The world of work is changing, and the old methods of job hunting won’t cut it anymore. If you’re serious about landing your dream job, it’s time to approach it like a chess game—think a few moves ahead, and don’t wait for opportunities to come to you.