Job Hunting tips
LinkedIn and Networking - Where the Real Jobs Are
Most jobs are never posted. Here's how to get access to the ones that are filled before you ever see them.
Most good jobs are never posted online. They're filled through networks — a colleague recommends someone, a manager asks their team, a recruiter quietly messages a connection on LinkedIn. The formal application process is often just a backup.
That doesn't make job boards irrelevant. But if you want access to roles before they're advertised — with fewer competitors — you need to be visible and connected in the right places.
LinkedIn: your professional shop window
LinkedIn functions as a job board, a networking platform, and your public professional profile simultaneously. A well-optimized profile means recruiters can find you without you actively applying.
The core principle: use the same language as your target employers. Recruiters search by keywords — job titles, skills, tools. Without the right keywords, you won't appear in their results.
Where to focus:
Headline — go beyond your job title. Describe what you do and where you're headed. For example: "Finance professional | Business Analyst | Moving into Controlling | Based in Frankfurt"
About section — write in first person, as if telling your story directly. Cover what you've done, what you're good at, and what you're looking for.
Experience — use resume-style language, with space for more detail. Each role should include relevant keywords.
Skills — add every relevant technical and soft skill. Having the right words matters more than endorsements.
Open to Work — turn this on, set to visible to recruiters only if you're searching discreetly.
Building your network
Start with people you already know: former colleagues, classmates, managers, clients. Their connections become your second-degree network, significantly expanding your reach.
From there:
Connect with people already working in your target roles — even if you haven't met. Send a short, specific note explaining why you're reaching out
Find recruiters in your target industry — search for HR professionals at companies you're interested in, or check who posted roles you've found on LinkedIn
When messaging someone new, lead with a genuine question or something useful. Don't open with a job request
LinkedIn's algorithm also favors profiles that are closely connected to the person searching. The more you connect with relevant recruiters and industry insiders, the more likely you are to appear in their searches — even when you're not actively applying.
The informational interview
An informational interview is a conversation — not a job interview. The goal is to learn from someone already working in a role or company you're interested in. No pressure, no pitch.
Reach out to someone interesting on LinkedIn or through your existing network, and ask for 20 to 30 minutes to hear about their experience. Keep it specific and warm.
Useful questions:
What does a typical week look like in this role?
What skills actually matter that don't show up in job ads?
How did you get into this field — is that still a common route?
Is there anyone else you think I should speak with?
Notice what's not on the list: asking about openings or requesting a referral. This is a genuine conversation. Referrals and opportunities tend to follow naturally — without being asked for directly.
Networking inside your current company
Some of the best networking opportunities are closer than you think. Whether you're looking for an internal move or simply want to build a reputation that attracts opportunities, being known beyond your immediate team matters.
When a manager in another department has an opening, the first call goes to someone they already know and trust — not an outside applicant.
Practical ways to expand your internal visibility:
Join cross-functional meetings and workshops outside your usual circle
Volunteer for projects that connect you with other departments
Build a genuine relationship with more senior leaders — through initiative and interest, not visibility for its own sake
Develop a group of at least ten colleagues who know your work well enough to recommend you
Also: Google yourself. Your name is the first thing a recruiter searches after reading your CV. If what comes up is outdated, inconsistent, or absent — that's worth fixing.
Building a personal brand over time
The strongest networking strategy isn't a sprint. The people who consistently find opportunities are those who've been steadily visible over time — sharing insights on LinkedIn, joining industry conversations, contributing to their field.
You don't need to become a content creator. Sharing a useful perspective or reflection a couple of times a month is enough. Do it consistently for a year, and you'll have built something real — a network that knows you exist. That changes everything.
