The Untapped Job Market: 70% of Jobs Are Never Posted
Silje Sundal
When I first read this statistic, I didn't believe it – 70% of all jobs are never posted. So I googled, ChatGPT'd, read and read, and all I could find confirmed this. Most jobs are never posted publicly.
Here's the exciting part: this isn't a barrier — it's a massive opportunity. While most job seekers compete for the 30% of roles that get posted, you can access the other 70% through proactive outreach. That's a significant advantage waiting to be seized.
The Opportunity
Most job seekers don't realize this untapped market exists. They wait for postings, compete with hundreds of applicants, and hope for the best. But you? You can take a different path. By reaching out directly to companies, you're not just finding jobs — you're creating opportunities that others miss.
Think Like a Sales Professional
To seize this untapped market opportunity, you need to think about the whole job search process differently. Letting your network know that you are open for hire is one way to get started. But proactive outreach puts you in control.
It's like a sales process really – what you sell is you, your experience, your skills, values, and what you can bring to the company. To find your future company, you need to know who your ideal companies are.
Know Your Ideal Company
Understanding what you prefer and will thrive with when it comes to company attributes and work styles will help narrow down companies to strategically look into and perhaps contact directly.
- •Large companies: Structure, processes in place, more specialized roles
- •Smaller companies: Quick adaptation, autonomous decision making, less formal, fewer processes
- •Family-owned: Long-term thinking, values-driven culture
- •Publicly traded: Shareholder focus, quarterly pressure
- •Private equity: Growth-focused, specific owner values
The Power of Open Applications
Yes, it is totally fine to send an open application directly to the company – most even have it on their webpage that they welcome future talent to reach out directly. Perhaps you can get ahead of the game for the next wave of hires that they plan to do.
How ByeByeApply Helps
ByeByeApply helps you discover Norwegian companies that welcome open applications (åpen søknad). Browse our curated database, save companies that interest you, and draft personalized outreach messages. Skip the crowded job boards and connect directly with companies where you want to work.
Key Takeaways
- 1.70% of jobs are never posted – this is a massive untapped opportunity for proactive job seekers
- 2.Think of job search as a sales process where you're selling your unique value
- 3.Know your ideal company attributes before you start searching
- 4.Open applications are welcomed and can get you ahead of the hiring curve
- 5.Be proactive rather than reactive in your job search strategy
Share your thoughts: Have you successfully tapped into this untapped job market opportunity? What strategies worked for you? Connect with us on LinkedIn and share your experience.
Follow ByeByeApply on LinkedInAbout Silje Sundal
Founder & CEO
Silje brings over 20 years of experience from leading enterprise software companies including HP, Citrix, and Workday. With deep expertise in Revenue Operations and GTM strategy, she's passionate about using AI to transform how people find work that makes them thrive.