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The hidden job market: how to find unadvertised jobs and network (with scripts)

9 minute readFinding work

In short

Plenty of jobs are filled through contacts or direct approaches before they're ever advertised, especially in a small country like NZ. Tell everyone you're looking, ask for advice rather than jobs, and approach employers directly with a short message and your CV. It feels uncomfortable but it works, and the scripts below take the guesswork out.

Why the hidden market matters in NZ

Tahatū Career Navigator notes that many jobs aren't advertised. In a country of five million, small businesses hire people they already know of, employers ask staff 'do you know anyone?', and managers prefer a recommendation to a stack of unknown CVs. In a slow market, where ads attract many applicants, personal introductions are even more valuable.

Step 1: build your list

  • Ex-colleagues and managers (including from jobs 10 years ago).
  • Friends, whānau, neighbours, flatmates' parents.
  • Sports club, church, marae, iwi organisation, school or kindergarten community.
  • Suppliers, customers and contractors from your last job.
  • Union, professional body or trade association contacts.
  • Tutors and course-mates.
  • Recruiters who work in your field.

Aim for 30 names. Put them in your tracker with a column for last contact and next step.

Step 2: tell people, clearly

Message to someone you know

Hi [Name], hope you're well. Quick update: my role at [company] was disestablished in a restructure, and I'm now looking for [specific role] in [region]. I'm good at [two strengths] and could start soon. If you hear of anything, or know anyone I should talk to, I'd really appreciate an introduction. I've attached my CV in case it's useful to forward. Thanks so much, and I'm happy to return the favour any time.

Step 3: informational conversations

Ask people in jobs or companies you're interested in for a 15-20 minute conversation. You're asking for advice and insight. If something is going, they'll often tell you, and they'll remember you.

Email asking for a short chat

Subject: 15 minutes of advice? Kia ora [Name], [Mutual contact / how I found you] suggested you'd be a good person to talk to. I'm an experienced [role] looking at moving into [industry/role] and I'd value your advice on how the sector works in [region] and what employers look for. Could I shout you a coffee, or call you for 15 minutes some time in the next fortnight? I'll keep it short. Ngā mihi, [Name] | [mobile]

Questions to ask

  • How did you get into this work, and what do you like and not like about it?
  • What skills or tickets do employers here actually look for?
  • Who are the main employers in this area, and who do you think I should talk to?
  • If you were me, what would you do in the next month?
  • Would you be willing to look at my CV?

End with: 'Is there anyone else you'd suggest I speak to?' Then send a thank-you note within 24 hours and keep them updated.

Step 4: approach employers directly

  1. List 20-30 employers you'd like to work for within a commute you can manage.
  2. Find the right person: the manager of the department (not general HR) via LinkedIn, the website or a phone call to reception.
  3. Send the short email (see cover letters guide, cold approach) with your CV. Or call: 'Hi, I'm [name]. I'm looking for [role] and wondered whether I could send my CV to the right person?'
  4. Follow up once after a week, then every 6-8 weeks in a friendly way if they're a priority.

Phone script (30 seconds)

"Kia ora, my name's [name]. I'm a [role] with [X] years' experience in [field], and I'm looking for work in [town]. I wondered whether you're likely to need anyone in the next few months, and who the best person would be to send my CV to?" If they say no: "No worries. Could I leave my details in case something comes up? And do you know of anyone else locally who might be hiring?"

Make it easier on yourself

  • Set a weekly target: 5 contacts, 2 conversations.
  • Be specific about what you want and can do. Vague asks get vague answers.
  • Offer something back: a LinkedIn recommendation, an introduction, a referral.
  • Volunteer or do short projects in your field: it creates real contacts and recent references.
  • Go to industry events, trade shows and local business breakfasts. Chambers of commerce, meetups and Work and Income job events are all options.
  • Introverted? Email and LinkedIn are fine; focus on a handful of high-quality contacts.

Sources

General information only. Confirm with the agency for your situation. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.

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