The Hidden Job Market: Why Smart Job Seekers Use Multiple Channels.
Is the Hidden job market real? YES, as real as a hot cup of coffee.
How do you tap into this market? Simple: Relationship building!
I can feel the hearts of so many introverts going boom boom, while the extroverts are probably very excited. Don't worry, I’ve got everyone covered.
Last week, I was in a conversation with a group of marketers. They had been applying to jobs the traditional way, one posting after another, and nothing was landing.
That’s when I introduced them to Lucres. Not just the platform, but a different approach to job searching. I showed them how to use job boards strategically while also building real connections through our community threads.
I am doing the same for you now.
The Real Story About Posted vs. Unpublished Jobs
You've probably heard that "80% of jobs aren't posted" - and while that exact number gets thrown around without much proof, here's what's actually happening: About 70% of positions get filled through internal networks and referrals, BUT - and this is key - many of those jobs DO get posted somewhere.
The difference is WHO sees them and HOW they approach them. While everyone else is sending cold applications, smart job seekers are building relationships with the people making hiring decisions.
That's exactly why we built Lucres differently.
Why Relationship-Based Hiring Dominates.
It's About Quality, Not Quantity: Here's the stat that matters: when someone gets hired through a referral or connection, there's a 30% success rate. Random cold applications? 7%. But here's what most people miss - those referrals often start with someone seeing a job posting and thinking, "I know the perfect person for this."
Companies Want Cultural Fit: When Manish from accounting sees a posting and thinks of his former colleague, he's not just filling a role; he's vouching for someone who'll actually thrive there. Smart job seekers get Manish to notice them BEFORE he sees that posting.
Speed Matters: Companies love internal referrals because they can move fast. But they still need to post jobs for compliance, diversity, and reaching the best talent. The trick is being connected when those postings go live.
How Smart Job Seekers Play Both Games.
The Lucres Advantage: This is exactly why we built our community features. You're not just browsing job postings; you're engaging with hiring managers, industry professionals, and potential colleagues through posts and discussions. When they post a role, you're already on their radar.
Network WHILE You Search: About 17% of all hires come directly from employee referrals, but those relationships often start with professional interactions around job postings, industry discussions, and shared interests. That's what our post feature is designed for.
Retention Speaks Volumes: People who come through professional connections stick around 70% longer. Companies know this, which is why they pay attention to candidates who are recommended by their network.
Where This Strategy Works Best.
Tech and Startups: These companies post jobs but move quickly on candidates who come recommended. Being active in professional communities (like ours) gets you noticed faster.
Executive Roles: Senior positions get posted, but hiring managers often have someone in mind already. Your job is to BE that someone they think of.
Professional Services: These are relationship businesses. They post roles, but they hire people they know and trust. Build those relationships through professional engagement.
Why This Matters More Right Now.
The job market got more competitive in 2024. Companies are posting fewer roles and being pickier about who they hire. But they're also more open to finding great people through their professional networks.
If you're ONLY applying to job postings, you're missing opportunities. If you're ONLY networking without watching for actual openings, you're also missing opportunities.
Smart job seekers do both.
The Lucres Difference.
We didn't build just another job board. We built a professional community where:
You can see opportunities as they're posted.
You can connect with hiring managers and team members through posts.
You can build relationships that lead to opportunities.
You can engage authentically around industry topics and challenges.
When that perfect role gets posted, you're not just another application in the pile - you're someone they've already been talking to.
Job Highlight of the Week.
Print Designer for Joshua Designs
Remote
6 Openings
3-6 Years
₹8L - ₹11LMonthly
Full Time
Required Skills
Layout Design
Color Theory
Illustration Skills
Adobe Creative Suite
Print Production
Job Description
Develop creative and innovative designs for various print materials such as packaging, brochures, posters, and promotional items.
Create visually appealing layouts by selecting appropriate colors, fonts, and images to enhance the overall design.
Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to ensure designs are cutting-edge and competitive in the market.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Contribute to brainstorming sessions and provide input on visual strategies to achieve the desired brand message and impact.
Question of the week.
"Should I still apply to jobs if I don't have a connection there?"
Absolutely! But apply SMART. When you see a posting, spend 10 minutes looking for people from that company in our community. Engage with their content, start a conversation, then mention you're excited about the role they just posted. It takes the same time as writing a cover letter, but gets better results.
Your Next Move is Right Here
The "hidden job market" isn't hidden from people who know how to build professional relationships. And the posted job market isn't just about sending applications into the void.
The smartest job seekers combine both strategies.
This week, try this:
Browse our job postings, but ALSO engage with our community threads.
When you see a role you want, look for conversations with people from that company.
Share your own insights and questions - become someone people remember.
For hiring managers: Your next great hire might already be engaging in our community. Check the posts before you start sorting through applications.
For job seekers: Stop choosing between networking and applying. Do both, do them smart, and do them here.
What's been your experience with relationship-based vs. application-based job searching? Drop your thoughts in our community threads - I'd love to hear from you.
Talk soon,
DC, Content Writer, Lucres.