Unlock Basel’s Hidden Job Market: Three Ways How to Find Secret Jobs
Hey, Basel Job Coach - What’s the Hidden Job Market?
The Hidden Job Market refers to job opportunities not advertised or posted publicly.
Understanding how to tap into the Hidden Job Market gives you a significant advantage in your job search.
This quick overview lets you learn more about how to access these opportunities.
Hold On – Is This Hidden Job Market Some Big Secret I Don’t Know About?
The short answer here is no. Probably not. Well, maybe.
The Hidden Job Market refers to filling jobs through internal referrals, networking or other non-traditional means.
Here’s some basic examples:
1. A company internalises a contractor or temporary employee without advertising the role (internally or externally)
2. A hiring manager outlines the challenges of what they are looking for, and their colleague mentions, “I know just the guy/girl…”
3. A business uses a Headhunter to conduct an under-the-radar search for a new hire for confidentiality reasons
OK – Why Does The Hidden Job Market Exist? I Thought That Everything Should Be Advertised, But No?
Not necessarily. Recruitment best practice follows that every role should be freely advertised so the company has the widest opportunity to find the best person for the job.
Unfortunately, hiring the best person for the job isn’t always the key driver. Lots of businesses consciously or unconsciously hire through the hidden job market for several reasons:
1. Cost Efficiency: Advertising jobs publicly can be expensive in terms of cost and, often more importantly, in terms of time
2. Quality of Candidates: Employers often believe candidates referred by current employees are more reliable and better suited for the company culture or company expectations (check out “Third Party Validation” as to why this is powerful – more on this in a future blog)
3. Speed of Hiring: Hiring through internal referrals can be more efficient
Ah I See. Give Me the Top Strategies to Access the Basel Hidden Job Market
OK! It’s worth the long read. Here are the top 3 strategies summarised:
1. Networking to Access The Hidden Job Market
Networking in Basel is the most effective way to discover unadvertised job opportunities.
Building and nurturing professional relationships can open doors to potential job leads.
How to Network Effectively:
– Attend Industry Events: Take every opportunity to participate in conferences, seminars and workshops related to your field. There’s always something going on in Basel.
– Join Professional Associations: Become a member of relevant organisations and attend their meetings.
– Engage on Social Media: Use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and engage in relevant groups and discussions. Why not join The Basel Career Growth Group?
Fortune favours the bold. Many anecdotes exist about people being referred to great jobs via Basel sports teams, golf associations, sausage workshops (!), Basel expat meet-ups, etc. One of my favourites was an IT professional who found himself in a tug-of-war between two of Basel’s top employers after he mentioned that he was considering changing jobs while jogging with his running club!
2. Utilising Social Media To Access The Hidden Job Market
Social media platforms can be powerful tools for discovering unadvertised jobs and building your professional network.
How to Use Social Media:
– Optimise Your Profiles: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional. Ditch the photo you uploaded in 2006. Use the functionality to build up a portfolio of projects, achievements etc., thus increasing your searchability
– Share Industry Content: Post articles, comment on local industry news, and engage with others’ content to increase your visibility. Be careful not to spam content irrelevant to your target audience
– Follow Companies: Follow target companies on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to stay updated on their activities and news. Recent funding rounds usually mean upcoming hiring – get there first!
LinkedIn is your #1 tool here. Basel is a city packed with professionals, and very few aren’t using LinkedIn to stay connected, showcase their successes, humble brag, etc.
3. Direct Approach
Sometimes, contacting prospective hiring managers can uncover hidden job opportunities. This approach shows initiative and enthusiasm. Most importantly, everyone loves it when a great solution is presented to them on a platter.
How to Approach Companies Directly:
– Research Companies: Identify companies in your target universe that align with your career goals and values
– Craft a Compelling Message: Write a short, tailored message expressing your interest in the company and how your skills can contribute. No fluff!
– Follow-up: If you don’t receive a response, follow up politely after a week or two
Unlike London, New York, or even Zürich, Basel is just the size to meet key decision-makers realistically and easily. There are not six degrees of separation here, more like one or two maximum, to connect with the people you need to.
Is Accessing the Basel Hidden Job Market Really Worth The Effort?
Yes, but don’t just take my word for it.
Studies show that you are up to NINE TIMES more likely to find a job through your network than applying for a role via a careers page.
Wow. Any More Tips for Success on Basel’s Hidden Job Market?
Stay Persistent and Positive
Accessing the hidden job market requires patience and persistence. The modern job search is a numbers game. Doing this once and waiting for a response that might never come is a recipe for demotivation and unrealistic expectations.
Lots of expats think that finding a new job in Basel is harder than finding one at ‘home’.
What people often forget is that at ‘home’, you tend to have a pre-built network of colleagues, contacts, friends and family. As an expat in Basel, you have to actively work on this to get ahead.
If you start to explore opportunities ‘at home’, you might just find that you are in high demand due to your amazing international experiences, which skews thinking even further.
Stay positive, keep networking in Basel and continue to refine your approach. During my one-on-one sessions, we always discuss “What’s the worst that could happen?” Spoiler alert—the answer is not a lot!
I'm not that confident in doing that myself. What can I do?
If you have recently arrived in Basel or are back on the job market after a long time, your professional network probably needs attention. Many clients think that they have a good network, but it’s often limited to their current or previous employer.
For tailored guidance, easy-to-use templates and support with motivation, check out our 1-on-1 Networking Masterclass.
The Hidden Job Market is waiting to be explored.
Stay positive and Happy Hunting!