Is it true that 80% of job openings are not advertised?

The claim that 80 percent of job openings are unadvertised, often referred to as part of the “hidden job market,” originates from research and observations dating back several decades.

The specific origin of the claim that 80 percent of job openings are unadvertised is difficult to trace to a single source, as it has been repeated in various forms and by numerous career advisors, authors, and employment experts over the years. The statistic likely originated from anecdotal evidence and informal surveys rather than rigorous, peer-reviewed research.

In the 1970s and 1980s, career counseling and job search literature began emphasizing the importance of networking, often citing the high percentage of jobs that were filled through personal connections and not advertised publicly. This idea was further popularized by books like “What Color Is Your Parachute?” by Richard Bolles, which has been updated many times since the 1970s and discusses the hidden job market extensively.

The “80 percent” figure was used to underscore the limitations of traditional job search methods, such as responding to advertised vacancies, and to encourage job seekers to network more aggressively and tap into the market of unadvertised jobs. It became a powerful tool in career counseling to highlight the importance of using multiple strategies in a job search, particularly networking.

However, with changes in how companies recruit and the rise of digital platforms for job postings, the relevance and accuracy of the 80 percent figure are now often questioned. Despite its uncertain origins, the statistic has had a lasting impact on how career advice is framed.

This concept gained traction in the late 20th century as career experts noted that many job openings were filled through networking, internal promotions, or referrals without ever being publicly posted. The percentage has varied in reports, but the idea was to highlight the importance of networking and direct company engagement for job seekers.

However, the landscape of job searching and recruitment has dramatically changed with the advent of the internet and digital platforms. Here’s an updated perspective on this claim:

• Digital Transparency: Most companies now have an online presence, including a careers section on their websites where they can freely post job openings. This development increases the visibility of job opportunities that would have been considered “hidden” in the past.
• Regulatory and Policy Changes: In many industries and regions, transparency in hiring practices is not just encouraged but required. This has led to more open disclosures of available positions.
• Job Boards and Aggregators: The proliferation of job boards and scraping technologies used by sites like Indeed and LinkedIn means that even jobs briefly listed on a company’s website can reach a much broader audience quickly.
• Social Media and Networking Sites: Platforms like LinkedIn also facilitate direct recruitment strategies, including job postings and recruiter outreach, further reducing the number of jobs that remain unadvertised.

Despite these changes, it’s accurate to say that some job openings are unadvertised. Some positions, particularly high-level roles, niche positions, or jobs in very small companies, might not be publicly posted for strategic reasons such as confidentiality or the desire to control the applicant pool more tightly. Networking and direct engagement with potential employers can still uncover opportunities that are not widely advertised.

The shift in technology and recruitment practices has likely reduced the proportion of truly unadvertised jobs, making the job market more accessible and transparent than it was when the 80 percent claim first emerged. However, the exact proportion of unadvertised jobs in today’s market is difficult to ascertain and likely varies by industry, company size, and geographic location.