Understand how employers conduct their hiring processes, so you can achieve better results in your job search.
Your job search approach is more likely to succeed if you align it with the company’s hiring strategy. Organizations hire employees through three major methods:
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Advertised vacancies. When a company has an immediate need to fill a position, they usually advertise the vacancy, review job applications and/or resumes, interview a number of qualified candidates, and select the one that best meets the needs of the organization.
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Unadvertised job opportunities. Companies sometimes search for talent informally to fill a vacant position, by using LinkedIn or asking people they know and trust if they can recommend anyone for a current or anticipated vacant position.
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Talent hires. Companies can also acquire talent by hiring someone who impresses them, even if they don't have a specific vacancy to fill.
Most experts estimate that between 25-40% of jobs are filled through advertised vacancies. That means between 60-75% of jobs are obtained through informal, often unadvertised means. Talent hiring accounts for an estimated 3-5% of hiring.
Different types of employers approach hiring differently, as well. For example, some organizations, including the federal and state governments and large corporations - especially for entry-level positions, do much or all of their hiring by advertising vacancies online and in print. Many smaller businesses prefer to hire informally.
However, most job seekers spend the bulk of their time and energy searching for and applying to advertised job openings, and could benefit significantly from spending less time on internet job boards, and more time seeking and communicating with contacts.