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The hidden job market is a myth

Writer's picture: Tammie BallisTammie Ballis



The Hidden Job Market: Fact or Fiction?

You’ve probably heard people talk about the "hidden job market" the idea that a huge number of jobs aren’t advertised and are filled through back channels like referrals or networking. But in Australia, this whole concept doesn’t really stack up. Sure, networking is still super useful for landing opportunities, but the idea that most jobs are "hidden" just doesn’t hold water these days.


Where Did This Idea Come From?

The "hidden job market" became a thing back in the 1980s when advertising jobs in newspapers was ridiculously expensive. Networking became the go to way for companies to find candidates without shelling out a fortune. But fast-forward to today, and the internet has completely flipped that on its head. Advertising jobs online is cheap, easy, and gets results so most companies use it.


What’s Actually Happening in Australia?

Here’s the deal: most jobs in Australia are out there for anyone to see. Employers are advertising positions on:

  • Online Job Boards: Sites like Seek, LinkedIn, and Indeed are full of listings. In January 2024 alone, Jobs and Skills Australia's Internet Vacancy Index counted over 250,000 job ads online. That’s a lot of visible opportunities!

  • Company Websites: Businesses post jobs directly on their own sites, so if there’s a company you’re keen on, keep an eye on their careers page.

  • Social Media: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are also popular for job ads, especially for small businesses.


So, Is the Hidden Job Market Real?

The short answer: not really. Most jobs are advertised in some way. Yes, networking can help you hear about opportunities early or get a leg up in the hiring process, but that’s not the same as a "hidden" market. Networking works because it builds relationships, not because it uncovers some secret stash of jobs.


Why Networking Still Matters

Don’t get me wrong networking is still important. It can lead to referrals, inside info about jobs that haven’t been posted yet, or even create opportunities where none existed before. But it’s just one piece of the puzzle, not proof of a massive hidden job market.


The Takeaway

The myth of the hidden job market is exactly that, a myth. In Australia, most jobs are out in the open, waiting for people to apply. That doesn’t mean you should skip networking; it’s a great way to boost your chances. But at the end of the day, job seekers should focus on a mix of strategies: networking, applying online, and keeping an eye on company pages and social media.


The hidden job market might sound mysterious, but when you dig into it, there’s really nothing to see.


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