The Hidden Job Market: How to Find Jobs Before They're Advertised on Job Boards

Tamlin Roberts
Aug 27
2 min read

When you’re looking for your next role, it’s natural to head straight to job boards, but did you know that a huge number of jobs are never advertised online at all?

These so-called “hidden” jobs are filled through recruitment agencies, referrals, or direct approaches, and if you’re not connected with the right recruiter, you might never even know they exist.

Why Are So Many Jobs Never Advertised?

Employers often choose not to post vacancies publicly for several reasons:

Confidential hiring – The company may be replacing someone currently in the role.
Speed – They need to fill the position quickly and go straight to trusted recruiters.
Quality over quantity – Job ads can attract hundreds of unsuitable applicants; using a recruiter means getting a shortlist of pre-vetted candidates.
Specialist roles – Niche positions often require candidates with very specific skills, so employers turn to recruiters who already know the right people.

How to Access These Hidden Opportunities

If these roles aren’t on job boards, how can you find them? The best way to find these opportunities is to contact a recruitment agency that specialises in your industry.

By working with a recruiter, you’ll hear about roles before they’re advertised, or before they make it to a job board.

You’ll hear about roles before they’re advertised, or before they even make it to a job board. Recruiters build up relationships with firms so will also know the ins and outs of the role that could give you an edge.

You’ll get put forward for exclusive opportunities you won’t find online. Your recruiter will get to know you and your experience so they can match you with jobs that fit your skills and ambitions, not just key words in an algorithm.

A computer with a search engine on the screen.

Why Register With Us?

We have strong relationships with firms ranging from the Big 4, to Multinational, to smaller regional firms, and they trust us to find them the right talent. When a role comes in, our first step isn’t to write a job ad. It’s to look through our existing network of candidates.

That means if your CV is with us, you’re at the front of the line.

Don’t miss out on your perfect job

If you’re relying only on job boards, you’re competing with thousands of other applicants for the same advertised roles, and you’re missing the many opportunities that are filled through building relationships.