How to Find Jobs That Aren’t Posted Online: Tapping into Tulare County’s Hidden Job Market

How to Find Jobs That Aren’t Posted Online: Tapping into Tulare County’s Hidden Job Market

If you’ve been scrolling job boards and hitting "apply" without much luck, you're not alone—and you might be missing out on some of the best opportunities.

In Tulare County and beyond, many job openings are never publicly advertised. These “hidden jobs” are often filled through word-of-mouth, employee referrals, or internal hiring processes. That’s why learning how to tap into the hidden job market is one of the smartest moves you can make in your job search.

Whether you're just starting out, making a career change, or reentering the workforce, here are three proven strategies that can help you find unlisted job openings—plus how Employment Connection can help you take the next step.

Start Networking

Think networking is only for executives? Think again. Most job seekers find their next role through personal or professional connections, not online applications.

Try this:

• Let your friends, neighbors, family members, and former coworkers know you’re looking for work.

• Share your job interests on your personal social media pages.

• Attend community events, Chamber of Commerce mixers, or EC hiring events—you never know who knows someone hiring!

💬 Sample conversation starter:
"I'm looking for full-time work in admin support or customer service. If you hear of anything, I'd appreciate a heads-up!"

Use LinkedIn to Build Visibility

LinkedIn is more than just a digital resume. It's a platform where hiring managers, recruiters, and professionals across Tulare County actively search for and connect with talent.

Steps to take:

• Create or update your profile with a professional photo, a clear headline, and a short summary that reflects your goals.

• Follow local companies and workforce-related pages (including Employment Connection!).

• Like and comment on posts from employers, city partners, or training providers.

• Reach out to people who work in your target industry—many are happy to share advice.

💡 Want help creating a LinkedIn profile that works? Our team can walk you through it step-by-step.

Schedule Informational Interviews

An informational interview is simply a conversation with someone who works in a field or company you’re interested in. It’s not a job interview—it’s a chance to learn and build relationships.

Here’s how it works:

• Reach out via email, LinkedIn, or through mutual contacts.

• Ask if they'd be open to a 15-20 minute chat about their career path and industry insight. 

  • Try attending Job Connect when an employer is scheduled to be there.
    
    

• Come prepared with thoughtful questions:

  • "What does a typical day look like for you?"

  • "How did you get started in this field?"

  • "What advice would you give to someone starting out?"

  • "Do you know of anyone else I should talk to?"

These conversations often lead to job leads, referrals, or early access to job openings before they go public.

Need Help Getting Started? We’ve Got You.

At Employment Connection, we help Tulare County job seekers build professional connections and access job opportunities that go beyond job boards.

✔️ Practice your networking pitch
✔️ Build or refine your LinkedIn profile
✔️ Get help writing outreach emails
✔️ Connect with local employers through EC hiring events
✔️ Learn how to turn everyday conversations into job leads

📍 Stop by your nearest Employment Connection center or reach out to our youth@work team if you’re between 16–24 and just starting out.

You never know where your next opportunity might come from—let’s uncover it together.