How can I make myself known on the hidden job market?

To find unadvertised vacancies – that is, those that aren’t publicly advertised – you need to make yourself visible. On the one hand, this means making yourself known to decision-makers within companies; on the other hand, it also means raising your profile within the industry as a whole. Attend events, trade fairs and talks, and strike up conversations with people during coffee breaks. Small talk is key.
The conversation can start with something trivial. It’s then a good idea to find out as much information as possible about your target sector or company, get the names of other contacts, and perhaps even exchange business cards at the end. The aim isn’t to land a job through these conversations, but rather to give chance a helping hand in your job search. The larger your network becomes, the more likely word of your job search will spread. Eventually, the right person at the right company will hear about you at the right time – or, conversely, you’ll hear about a vacancy. You can also tap into existing networks, such as relatives and friends, to help with this.