Christian Career Coach: Get the Job Before It Posts: A Client’s Success Story

In today’s competitive job market, landing a job before it’s even posted may seem like a dream scenario, but it’s not as far-fetched as you might think. Recently, one of my clients managed to secure a position that wasn’t even publicly advertised yet.

Here’s how she did it and the valuable lessons we can all learn from her experience.

How She Landed the Job

1. Initiate the Conversation: My client took the first step by reaching out to the leader of Talent Acquisition at the company she was interested in. She didn’t ask for a job outright; instead, she requested a casual chat to learn more about the company and expressed her strong desire to work there. This approach made her stand out as someone genuinely interested in the organization, not just a job seeker.

2. Follow Up with Action: After her initial conversation, she followed up by sending her resume and was able to schedule a more formal chat with the Talent Acquisition leader. This proactive step ensured that her interest and qualifications stayed top of mind.

3. Get Routed to the Right People: The Talent Acquisition leader was impressed and routed her resume directly to the recruiter. This internal recommendation significantly boosted her chances of being considered for upcoming opportunities.

4. Timing is Everything: The recruiter, aware of a job that was in the process of being approved, recognized that my client would be an ideal fit. Although the position wasn’t posted yet, the recruiter arranged an interview, seeing her as a strong candidate for the role.

5. Nail the Interview: My client went through the interview process, starting with the recruiter and then, a week later, with the hiring manager. She prepared thoroughly, scheduling a mock interview with me just before her actual interview. This preparation paid off—every question we practiced came up, and she handled them with confidence.

6. Receive the Offer: The day after her interview with the hiring manager, she received a job offer. Although the job hadn’t been officially approved or posted yet, she was patient and waited for the formalities to be completed.

7. Seal the Deal: Once the job was posted, she applied, the job listing was quickly closed, and she accepted the offer, securing the position.

Lessons Learned from My Client’s Journey

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out: Networking can be daunting, but don’t be afraid to send cold outreach messages to people working at companies you’re interested in. A simple request to learn more about the company can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

2. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare: Investing in a career coach who can provide last-minute support, like conducting a mock interview, can be the difference between feeling prepared and feeling panicked. Confidence comes from preparation.

3. Understand the Hidden Job Market: My client’s story is a prime example of how the hidden job market works. Sometimes, by the time a job is posted, internal candidates or referrals are already being considered. By networking and making connections before a job is advertised, you can position yourself as a top candidate from the start.

4. Build Relationships with Recruiters: Having a strong relationship with the recruiting team and leaders within the company can significantly increase your chances of being considered for new opportunities. They are the gatekeepers to many roles and can advocate for you internally.

Conclusion

Getting a job before it’s even posted is a powerful example of how proactive networking, preparation, and timing can accelerate your career. My client’s success story shows that taking initiative, building relationships, and being ready to seize opportunities as they arise can lead to amazing outcomes. So, don’t wait for the job listing—start your networking today, and you might just land your next role before anyone else even knows it’s available.