If you are looking for a new job, you should be aware that not all vacancies are advertised. So how do you get access to this internal information? Well, there are several ways to tap into the hidden jobs market and increase your chance of finding the right job.

The hidden jobs market is big and very active in Hong Kong, and there are many vacant positions that are never advertised. These roles are often filled through informal or formal networks. The statistics vary, but the consensus seems to be that at least 50 per cent of jobs are not advertised.

Networking will help you access the hidden jobs market, but effective networking covers more than simply adding new LinkedIn connections. It means staying in touch. One of the best ways to do this is to share relevant and engaging content online.

Of course, you should also partner with a recruiting expert. A recruiter invests many hours into calling local employers to find the best job opportunities. They can give you advice on what it’s like to work at the organisation you’re applying for and the types of questions you are likely to be asked in the interview.

It is a recruitment consultant’s job to find the best person for each role. But even if one initial role is not right for you, recruitment consultants who know you will remember you when other relevant roles come along.

One final piece of advice is to stay in touch with recruitment consultants whom you have had positive dealings with. Even when you are in a job, it pays to keep your valuable contacts fresh.

With these steps, you’ll be in a much stronger position to tap into the hidden jobs market when the time comes.

Marc Burrage is regional director of Hays in Hong Kong

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