If you’re a job seeker, you’ve undoubtedly heard that you need to spend most of your time networking and tapping the hidden job market. Hidden jobs are simply jobs that have not yet been posted and advertised.

Did You Know That Job Openings Have Four Stages?

1. No job opening, but employers are always looking for good workers.

2. The need is clear. Insiders know, but no action has been taken yet.

3. The job is now “open,” and referrals are desired. Applications are being accepted.

4. The job is posted and advertised.

Jobs in Stages 1-3 are “hidden jobs” and are found by way of a targeted search; there is little competition here. Jobs in Stage 4 are found through a traditional search (online postings); you may be competing against hundreds or thousands here.