In career management, one of the most common misconceptions job seekers have is that every open role is always publicly posted. This belief leads many to rely solely on online job applications, only to be frustrated with minimal results. In reality, many jobs, especially at the senior level, are filled without being advertised. This “hidden job market,” explored in the February 2025 Career Connection column (p. 26), often leaves job seekers unsure of how to access these opportunities. Psychological factors, such as trust, risk aversion, and decision fatigue, drive the hidden job market. Understanding these drivers can help you leverage them to your advantage.
What is the hidden job market? The hidden job market refers to unadvertised roles filled primarily through internal promotions, employee referrals, and direct recruiter outreach. This dynamic creates a “Catch-22” for job seekers: You need a network to access these hidden roles, but building a network often requires an initial foothold within an industry or company. Unfortunately, few job seekers receive training in networking and relationship-building as part of their career development.
Hiring in general is a gamble. Beyond salary expenses, a bad hire can disrupt teams, lower productivity, and increase turnover. To minimize risk, companies prefer hiring through referrals and internal promotions...
Would you like to access the complete CEP Article?
No problem. You just have to complete the following steps.
You have completed 0 of 2 steps.
-
Log in
You must be logged in to view this content. Log in now.
-
AIChE Membership
You must be an AIChE member to view this article. Join now.
Copyright Permissions
Would you like to reuse content from CEP Magazine? It’s easy to request permission to reuse content. Simply click here to connect instantly to licensing services, where you can choose from a list of options regarding how you would like to reuse the desired content and complete the transaction.