Are you an employer looking to source strong, suitable talent for your company? Or perhaps you’re an employee looking for that perfect opportunity within your current place of work or the market but not sure how to get it? We’ve got good news—career counsellors are readily available to facilitate a smooth and stress-free hiring or promotional process. In this article, we’ll dive into what the hidden job market is all about (including quiet hiring) and explain how career transition coaching can help employers and employees accomplish their goals. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is the Hidden Job Market and Quiet Hiring?
Tapping into the hidden job market involves accessing opportunities (for employees) and candidates (for employers) without publicly posting the job opening on the company’s website, online job boards, or newspapers. This hiring process enables companies to target a specific audience quietly and thoroughly vet each candidate before hiring them.
Often, the hidden job market exists within the organization itself which, when accessed, has been coined quiet hiring. Quiet hiring refers to the practice of hiring someone for a job without publicizing the job opening or advertising it externally. This practice is commonly used by organizations looking to elevate their current workforce in a more cost-effective way than the traditional hiring process.
In the quiet hiring process, the organization may advertise available job positions only to the company’s current employees, or not at all. This method allows the company to evaluate the potential candidates more carefully and puts greater emphasis on promoting in-house talent, which can support greater employee retention.
Tips for Employees Who Are Dealing with Quiet Hiring and the Hidden Job Market
When it comes to hiring or promoting employees, a quiet approach may seem counterintuitive, but it can be effective for finding the right fit. Here are some tips for employees:
- Stay positive and motivated: Resilience is a key success factor in finding a career fit, particularly when it comes to the hidden job market where opportunities are likely to evolve over a longer period of time
- Connect frequently with your colleagues and others in your network: Let those around you know that you’re actively seeking opportunities for work so that you’re kept top of mind should something become available
- Ask for feedback from leadership and mentors: Position yourself as someone who is eager to learn more and advance in your career
- Ask to be considered for positions or special projects: Ensure others know about your career development interests and how you’d like to grow in your career
- Be proactive: Rather than wait for an opportunity to present itself, position yourself as someone who is consistently active in the job search
- Be flexible and adaptable: Sometimes opportunities come about in forms we don’t anticipate; be willing to try new things and expand your horizons as a professional
- Be open-minded and curious: Focus on your reasons for wanting to grow in your career rather than specific opportunities
- Be a team player: Think about what will benefit your own development but also those around you
The Difference between Traditional Recruitment and Quiet Hiring
Feature:
Traditional Recruitment: Seeking candidates with the desired qualifications, skills, and experience for the specific job requirements.
Quiet Hiring: Identifying and valuing talent through alternative means (e.g., internally)
Recruitment Process:
Traditional Recruitment: Advertising job openings, receiving applications, conducting interviews, and selecting the most suitable candidate.
Quiet Hiring: Focusing on retaining employees and promoting in-house talent.
Reach:
Traditional Recruitment: More candidates.
Quiet Hiring: Limited candidates, but employees already know the organizational culture.
How Can Career Counsellors Assist with Quiet Hiring?
Thanks to their experience and expertise in the job market, career counselling services can help with the quiet hiring process by:
- Helping job seekers identify and effectively promote their skills and interests
- Helping employees transition to new roles effectively and efficiently
- Planning talent retention and talent development strategies for employers
- Providing career transition coaching
- Offering strategic job search support
- Building resilience in employees and job seekers
- Offering developmental planning
- Teaching effective communication strategies
- Addressing burnout and stress management
- Offering career guidance
Get Help from Expert Career Counsellors and Coaches with Quiet Hiring
If you’re feeling stuck in your career or search for a new direction, the team at Canada Career Counselling is here to help. Our experienced career coaches located across Canada can provide one-on-one guidance to help you clarify your goals, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and create a plan for success.
We also offer online career counselling and coaching for those who prefer the convenience of virtual sessions.
But it’s not just job seekers who can benefit from our expertise. Employers can also take advantage of our quiet hiring strategies, which focus on finding the right fit for your team based on the existing skills, values, and culture of your organization. With our help, you can build a happy and productive workplace where everyone can thrive. Contact us today for more information.
