The new Wild West of job hunting
How the Job Market Is Going Off-Grid
Have you noticed it, too? More and more, it seems that jobs are being shared in personal posts instead of in the LinkedIn Jobs section or other traditional job boards. Just this week, I came across six marketing roles posted directly by founders, CMOs, or recruiters, each one linking straight to the company’s website—completely bypassing LinkedIn Jobs.
It’s as if the rules we’ve all known have disappeared, leaving us in a job market that’s more like the Wild West than a structured process. As companies rely on their networks instead of formal listings, job seekers are left wondering: How do we navigate this new landscape?
Why the Shift?
From a job seeker’s perspective, this shift makes a lot of sense. The LinkedIn Jobs section can feel like a black hole—filled with outdated posts, hundreds of competing applications, and far too many “maybe” listings that don’t seem to lead anywhere. It’s no wonder that companies are shying away from formal postings; for many, the volume of applicants and the time it takes to sort through them are just not manageable.
So what’s the answer for employers? Increasingly, it’s personal networks. By posting roles on personal feeds, hiring leaders can leverage their immediate connections, reaching candidates who already have some mutual relationship with them. It’s a more streamlined process for companies, but for job seekers, it adds a layer of complexity to an already challenging search.
What Does This Mean for Job Seekers?
For candidates, especially those not as well-connected within their target industries, this shift can feel daunting. Imagine scrolling through LinkedIn, knowing you’re perfect for a role but also realizing that if you aren’t already connected to the hiring manager—or at least someone in their network—you may never get a shot. It’s a tough reality, and it’s creating a new kind of job market: one that feels more exclusive and dependent on who you know rather than what you know.
This brings us back to an age-old question with a modern twist: Is this the secret job market everyone talks about? The “hidden” job market has always existed in some form, with roles filled by referrals and word-of-mouth. But now, with LinkedIn reshaping how we connect, the hidden job market is no longer limited to private circles—it’s right in front of us, yet just out of reach for those not in the know.
Navigating the New Frontier
So how do we adapt? For job seekers, it’s a wake-up call to focus on networking more intentionally. Connect with leaders in your field, engage with industry content, and stay active in relevant conversations. It’s not enough to simply have a great resume anymore; you need to be present and visible in your industry’s digital spaces.
For hiring leaders, it raises questions about access and equity. Are we unintentionally limiting talent by relying on personal networks alone? Is there a way to balance the efficiency of network-driven hiring with a commitment to discovering a diverse range of candidates?
Is This the Future of Recruiting?
Only time will tell if this trend is here to stay or if it’s just a phase in the ever-evolving world of online recruiting. But one thing is clear: job seekers and employers alike are facing a new frontier. As we navigate this terrain, the lines between professional connections, personal networks, and job opportunities are blurring.
So, what are your thoughts? Have you noticed this shift, and how do you think it’s changing the way we hire and get hired? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear from both job seekers and hiring pros about what’s working, what’s challenging, and where we’re all headed in this new Wild West of recruiting.