by Optimum
Share
by Optimum
Share
Recruitment myths…
- No one hires in December
- There is a “hidden” market of “secret” jobs only shared with a few
What is true is that I personally don’t advertise. I have a network to look at, an extended network to ask for referrals and then I start headhunting. Am I operating some kind of covert recruitment operation…no…I just prefer to work with people I already know and don’t have time to sift through ad response. You can apply a similar approach to job hunting.
Have a target list
In any industry there are the aspirational employers. Work out who these are and apply directly even if they aren’t advertising at present. ATS systems integrated with AI now mean that internal TA teams are using this source more than ever. Larger organisations often have an “expression of interest” option so you can share your information.
Reach out to the most appropriate leader for your vertical in these organisations. Everyone likes to hear that they are an ‘employer of choice’ and, in an increasing environment of cost management, a direct approach may be a speedy and more cost effective solution to a pending problem
Use your network
So many examples of people being offered roles by referees once they were alerted to the person looking for a new role. Think about those people you’ve worked for previously; where are they now and would you work for them again. Similarly, apply this lens to people you’ve worked alongside. Can they introduce you to their current employer?
Apply your network connections to your target list. Can someone you know introduce you to the appropriate leader in your niche/vertical?
Consultants – who do you know in a consulting role? Those providing advice to other organisations have insight into hiring and expansion plans. Make use of these relationships.
Recruiters
In every market and every vertical there are dedicated specialists. Ask your colleagues who they recommend and then reach out to these experts. Like me, they probably don’t advertise all their roles.
Maidlin Mistry
Divisional Manager – Finance
There are plenty of articles written about Gen Z, but very few written by us. As an 18-year-old working in recruitment, I get to see first-hand how early-career talent approaches work, what motivates us, and what makes us excited or disengaged. Here’s what I’ve noticed. Clarity and transparency are non-negotiable Gen Z grew up hearing […]
Starting a new role is always a bit like stepping onto a construction site without the plans, and my first weeks in recruitment were exactly that. Coming from an engineering background, I’m used to defined problems, clear data, and predictable outcomes. Recruitment, on the other hand, lives in the grey; variables multiply, timelines shift, and […]
As we come to the end of another year, it’s a natural time for reflection. For many people, this period between Christmas and the New Year becomes a pause point — a moment to look back on what the year has delivered and to think ahead about what the next one might hold. After 25 […]
It’s that time of the year again where many of us are looking forward to a relaxing break over Christmas. Having time away from work gives me so much clarity with what I want to achieve for the year ahead after having a few weeks off. 2026 is going to be a big year, both […]
