The Secret to Landing a Job That No One Tells You

Everyone says, “Update your resume, apply on LinkedIn,” but that’s only half the story. Most of the best jobs aren’t posted publicly—they get filled before they ever appear online.

Here’s what actually works:

1. Reach out personally
   Stop waiting for “We’re hiring” posts. DM someone at the company you want to work for. Ask about the team, the company culture, or if they have openings. A short, direct message can put you on their radar before a role is posted.

2. Stay engaged in the community
   Opportunities circulate where people are active. Be visible and consistent:

Twitter/X: Follow engineers, designers, developers, and companies in your field. Engage meaningfully.

LinkedIn: Post, comment, and connect with people in your industry. Visibility matters.

Slack & Discord communities: Join groups like Indie Hackers, Designer Hangout, or Techqueria. Jobs often appear there first.

1. Leverage your network
   Let friends, former colleagues, or mentors know you’re looking. Most jobs are filled through referrals. A quick message or conversation can open doors that never reach public job boards.

2. Use job alerts strategically
   Alerts help, but don’t rely on them alone. Combine them with networking:

LinkedIn: Alerts for your target roles or companies.

Indeed & Glassdoor: Track companies you care about.

Remote boards: AngelList, We Work Remotely, Remote OK.

1. Follow companies and stay updated Sign up for newsletters, follow LinkedIn pages, and watch company announcements. Growth or team expansion often happens before public postings, giving proactive candidates a head start.

The key insight: Jobs are often filled before they are posted. Waiting for the listing puts you behind. The ones who succeed are the people who take initiative, reach out, engage in communities, and combine alerts with networking.

Your action plan:

Identify target companies and connect with employees directly.

Stay active in communities and on social media.

Tell your network you’re open to opportunities.

Turn on alerts for your preferred roles and companies.

Track growth or team updates from your target companies.

Opportunities don’t just appear—you have to find them, engage, and act. That’s the secret that no one tells you.