Unlocking the hidden job market

Hey there, fellow job-seeker! Stephen here, CEO of BeamJobs. Every week, we dive into the latest job market trends and advice to help you stay ahead of the curve and make the most out of your career in these (are we still calling them unprecedented?) times. My main MO is getting you hired.

Now that we're all caught up—We're taking a look at the hidden job market and how you can tap into those opportunities. We’ll also explore the frustrations around salary transparency and why so many job postings are missing those crucial numbers. If you’ve ever felt stuck asking for an informational interview or finding a remote job, we’ve got some practical advice to share.

And for your workday stress relief, we're ending with some of the funniest corporate email misfires—because who hasn’t sent a message they wish they could take back?

Let’s get into it!

Sneaking up on the hidden job market

Some experts believe that 70-80% of job openings never make it to online listings. While this stat is up for debate, one thing’s clear: there’s a lot more you can do to get hired beyond submitting your resume.

Networking is no joke. The hidden job market thrives on personal connections and word of mouth. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and using social media platforms like LinkedIn can significantly expand your network.

Your online presence matters. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized and active. Engage with content, join discussions, and connect with industry professionals. Potential employers often scout candidates on these platforms before officially posting a job.

Direct approach FTW. You don’t have to wait for job postings—take the initiative to contact companies you admire directly. A well-crafted email or LinkedIn message to a hiring manager can set you apart. Show your genuine interest in the company and how your skills align with their needs.

So, uncovering those hidden jobs isn't about having a secret handshake; it's all about being proactive and strategic.

Small talk, big opportunities

What’s an informational interview, anyway? Simply put, it’s a no-pressure conversation with someone you want to learn from—and people are more open to it than you may expect! It may feel a little daunting to start, but in reality, it’s a low-stakes, high-reward chat that can guide your career journey and maybe even lead to your next big opportunity.

It ain’t just about hoarding business cards. Informational interviews help you build real connections with industry pros who can offer invaluable advice and potentially open doors to jobs. Not sure how to ask for one? Check out these tips.

Maximize your chat. Don’t go in unprepared. Have a few thoughtful questions ready to make the most of your conversation. Need ideas? Here are some top questions to get you started.

So, go ahead—reach out, ask for a chat, and see where it takes you. Remember the first rule of Job Hunt Club: Find plenty of people to chat with about your job search. You never know what opportunities might be just a conversation away.

Show me the money!

Am I missing something? Over 40% of workers say they’d lose interest in a job if the ad doesn’t state a salary range. Considering the time and effort it takes to apply— can we blame them?

I have to admit, it’s getting better. More laws around pay transparency have pushed companies in the right direction. The percentage of job postings that include salary has increased by 50% since 2020. Despite their resistance, it’s benefited employers, too. Companies that include this info create a better, more efficient hiring experience and enjoy greater trust and employee retention.

But… why? Companies that are holding out might choose to omit salary details in order to test the market, make it easier to negotiate, keep information from competitors, or because they’re not offering competitive pay. Personally, I can’t stand the practice—if you’ve got nothing to hide, state your salary!

So, if you see a job without a salary, you’re justified in hesitating. But if you choose to apply, here’s some advice:

1. Do Your Research: Use sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn to find average salaries for similar roles.

2. Ask Directly: During the interview, ask about the salary range. It’s a fair question and shows you’re serious about your worth.

3. Highlight Your Value: Be ready to discuss your skills and the value you bring. Use this as leverage to negotiate a fair salary.

Stay informed, stay empowered, and don’t hesitate to ask for the transparency you deserve!

Home sweet home… office

Securing a remote job unicorn in today’s market is no easy feat, but it’s achievable with the right strategy. With more companies pulling back on remote positions, it helps to be strategic in how you target those roles.

Start with your current employer. Before diving into job boards, consider asking if your current job could be done remotely. Present a detailed plan showing how you can effectively contribute from home, highlighting the benefits for both you and the company. A convincing case might just do the trick. And if all else fails, maybe show them a picture of your pet looking sad—it couldn’t hurt, right?

Optimize your application. Tailor your resume to emphasize remote-relevant skills like time management and digital communication. Use a resume builder to create a polished document that stands out. Include buzzwords like “telecommuting,” “distributed workforce,” and “location-independent” to catch recruiters’ eyes.

Know where to look. Specialized job boards like FlexJobs, Remote.co, and WeWorkRemotely are excellent resources for finding remote work. Don’t forget to join online communities like LinkedIn groups and Reddit’s r/remotework for valuable leads and advice.

Now go forth, remote job seekers, and conquer the work-from-home world—just don't forget to wear pants for those video interviews!

Undo send!

We’ve all done it. Realized too late that we’ve been hoisted by our own typo or the wrong attachment. Here are the Beam Team’s top choices for some hilarious email mishaps to help remind us all to double-check before hitting "send."

• Sign-Off Beast: Autocorrect turned "Best, Erica" into "Beast, Erica," causing quite a stir, although she did get her responses in a more prompt manner…

• Stay and Touch: A professor meant to say "Stay in touch" but wrote "Stay and touch," leading to awkward chuckles.

• Millennial Avocado Unicorn Kween: A creative YouTube username accidentally got shared in a screenshot to the team, sparking laughs.

• Marinara Manager: An employee addressed an email to their manager, Mariana as "Marinara," creating a tasty nickname.

• Reply All Music List: An employee sent their music playlist to the entire company, leading to co-workers suggesting better songs…everyone’s a critic!

• Lipstick Link: Instead of linking to a company video, an employee sent an Amazon link to their lipstick. The CEO was the first to notice… the link, not her lipstick.

• Dead Colleagues: A newsletter started with “Dead Colleagues” instead of “Dear Colleagues”. Unsurprisingly, they didn’t get a lively response rate.

• Goat Insurance: A quirky inquiry about goat insurance was sent to all HR staff; I don’t think those kids count as dependents!

• VP Dinner Roll: A VP offered his leftover half-a-dinner roll company-wide. Amazingly, there were no takers!

We’ve all been there—laugh it off and double-check those emails!

Until next time.

You’ve got this,

Stephen Greet
Co-founder and CEO, BeamJobs