The Hidden Job Market: How My Clients Landed Their Dream Careers Without Applying Online

Did you know that up to 80% of job openings are never posted online? (Sources: LinkedIn Study; Forbes, 2019)

Many mid-career professionals who come to me for career coaching feel stuck, frustrated, and overwhelmed by the job search process. They send out dozens of applications, tailor their CVs, and write compelling cover letters, and yet, they hear nothing back.

The problem? They’re focusing on the visible job market, where everyone else is applying, too. The best career opportunities - the ones with higher salaries, better work-life balance, and more fulfillment - are often filled before they’re even advertised.

So, how can you access these hidden jobs? Here are five powerful strategies my clients have used to successfully make a mid-life career change and land exciting new roles in the Netherlands without competing against hundreds of applicants.

1. Position yourself as the ideal candidate (before a job even opens!)

Most professionals wait until they see a job listing before they start networking. Big mistake.

• Mark, a mid-career IT professional, was feeling stuck after months of applying online with zero responses.
• Instead of waiting for job postings, we repositioned him as an industry expert by optimizing his LinkedIn profile, engaging in discussions, and sharing insights.
• A hiring manager noticed him and reached out before the job was even posted.

Lesson: Don’t wait for job ads. Build your visibility now, so recruiters come to YOU.

2. Leverage your network (even if you hate networking!)

One of the biggest myths I hear? “I don’t have a network.” The truth? You do. You just aren’t using it yet.

• Anna, an expat living in the Netherlands, wanted to transition from finance to sustainability, but she didn’t know anyone in the field.
• Instead of applying blindly, she utilized second-degree connections, attended industry events, and scheduled informal coffee chats.
• Within months, she received a recommendation for a role that was never publicly advertised.

Lesson: Your network is your biggest asset. If you’re not actively using it, you’re missing hidden career opportunities.

3. Use LinkedIn the right way (beyond just scrolling & liking posts)

Most professionals use LinkedIn passively - scrolling, liking posts, and waiting for recruiters to reach out.

• Peter, an expat looking for a job change at 40, struggled to break into the Dutch job market.
• We optimized his LinkedIn profile with the right keywords and a compelling summary.
• He started commenting on industry posts, engaging with recruiters, and sharing insights.
• Within weeks, recruiters started reaching out to him - without him sending a single application.

Lesson: LinkedIn isn’t just an online CV. Use it strategically, and job offers will come to you.

4. Master the art of the informational interview

Most job seekers only reach out to hiring managers when they need a job. But the best way to land an opportunity? Connect with them before you need one.

• Sarah, a lawyer looking to pivot into product marketing, felt underqualified for the roles she wanted.
• Instead of applying blindly, she started booking informational interviews - short, casual conversations to learn from industry professionals.
• One of those chats led to an internal referral, and she landed her dream role without a traditional application process.

Lesson: Hiring managers are more willing to help you when they don’t feel like you’re pitching them a job.

Build relationships first, and opportunities will follow.

5. Get a career coach to fast-track the process

Every client I’ve mentioned had one thing in common: They weren’t seeing results until they changed their strategy.

• They learned how to translate their skills into a new career.
• They discovered how to network effectively.
• They positioned themselves for success in the Dutch job market.

Lesson: If you’re feeling stuck, lost, or unsure how to switch careers, you don’t need to start over - you need a better strategy.

Ready to tap into the hidden job market?

If you’re done feeling stuck and want to learn how to position yourself for the career you actually want, I’d love to help.

Book a free 30-minute consultation here and let’s think about your next move.