Auf Jobsuche?: So erobern Sie den verdeckten Stellenmarkt

Some jobs are planned long before they are officially advertised. Others are never publicly advertised at all. This is known as the hidden job market, explains career change consultant Sabine Votteler. There are many reasons for this: perhaps the budget hasn't been approved yet. Perhaps the position needs to be filled strategically, avoiding a lengthy application process.

According to Votteler, many companies plan their staffing for the coming year by the end of the year. This is when they can foresee their personnel needs for the next year and finalize their budgets. For employees looking to change their career, this can be an excellent time to explore potential opportunities. Don't approach the HR department But how can one gain access to these opportunities?

According to Votteler, everything hinges on communication. "But don't start by speaking to the HR department," she advises. If you are looking to change within your own company, begin by approaching the company's leader and inquire cautiously about their plans for the next year. Is expansion planned? Are new business areas being explored?

"First figure out where things are happening," she advises. Next, consider: "Where can the things I can contribute be put to use?" For this, one should think carefully about where one's strengths and competencies lie, how they could support planned projects, and which type of job would be a good fit. Tap into your network Also, looking beyond one's own company can be worthwhile.

"Tap into your network," Votteler advises. Personal contacts often reveal where companies may need staff. Useful contacts include leaders, but former colleagues can also open doors. "I always advise using professional networks like LinkedIn to reconnect with former colleagues and establish contact with them," she says. "Perhaps the former colleague in their company knows the right person to contact."

However, the ease of establishing contact depends on the size of the company. In the middle market, contacts are often made quickly and easily. In large companies, it is more challenging. "You often have to start talking to people lower down in the hierarchy," she advises. Ask for a non-committal meeting Once a contact has been made, it's important not to jump straight in.

"In the first email, don't send a CV yet, and don't immediately say you're looking for a job," advises Votteler. Instead, ask for a non-committal meeting, perhaps over coffee or a brief phone call. Use this opportunity to discuss future challenges in the company, highlight your own competencies, and signal how you could support the company if needed.

But make sure to clarify your intentions beforehand. Then it's better to say, "I'm currently in a career transition and would like to speak with you."