So we've all spent hours and hours scrolling through countless job platforms looking for that perfect job. 🔍

But let's face it, the more obvious the job, the more people that have applied for it. Did you know that most jobs aren’t actually advertised at all? Here we’re going to help you take greater control over your job search by finding those hidden jobs.

Here’s some things to bear in mind…

😉 Size isn't everything

Small companies can offer amazing employment opportunities, but they are overlooked by many job seekers. Collectively, they comprise the majority employer in the UK (61%). By focusing your search on big companies, you could be reducing your chances because that's what everyone else is doing. Consider SMEs for your job search.

💎 Jobs aren't always obvious

Small companies often don't have the resources to carry out recruitment as you'd expect. For example, they might not update their website, promote their roles widely, or even have a single person responsible for recruitment. Just because they don't say that they're hiring doesn't mean that they are not, or would not.

💌 Don't be shy

Small companies very rarely get direct approaches from job seekers. It makes you stand out! By doing so you come across as proactive and genuinely interested (which, when you're small, not many people are!) - and these are the qualities they’re typically looking for. Huge win! They’ll likely feel flattered that you've made the effort, and there’s a better chance of reaching a human too.

📊 Think logically

When you're applying through formal employment schemes or jobs boards, your application can be one of thousands. It can get lost in an ocean of candidates. Your chances could be 0.1% or less. If you spent a day reaching out to 10 small companies, even if just 1 comes back to you, your chances have increased from 0.1% to 10%! That’s 100x more effective!

So where do you find these companies?

This is the one time where Google is not your friend! There are literally millions of small companies that definitely won’t appear in a Google search for “entry-level jobs”, so you need to be more strategic.

The best place to start is to tap up lists that have already been compiled by other sites or publications - whether that’s awards for being a great place to work, a fastest growing companies list or even just having an accreditation for paying the Living Wage. These are all signs they could be growing, need people, and could offer a great culture too.

Here’s a few ideas to get you started:

• **Campaign** magazine is a major publication in the media, marketing and advertising industries. They publish an annual **Best Places to Work** Awards.
• **The Sunday Times’ Fast Track 100** showcases some of the fastest growing companies with their location and sales growth. Companies featuring on this list are typically product or service based businesses and will therefore hire for all types of different roles.
• LinkedIn publish various awards such as the Top 20 Companies on the Rise. LinkedIn can be an amazing resource for all types of hidden companies so worth investing time researching companies here.
• WIRED have a list of the most innovative trailblazing companies that balance purpose with profit, segmented by region. Check it out here - make sure to keep scrolling to the end!
• B Corp is a non-profit network that assesses companies on their commitments to people and the planet, giving you confidence that they’re a business for good. You can find companies that are accredited here.
• The UK Company Culture Awards recognise the organisations that nurture their workforce, reward their staff, and create an environment that proves everyone is valued.