How my clients landed their dream careers without applying online

Did you know that up to 80% of job openings are never posted online? Sources: LinkedIn study; Forbes, 2019

Many mid-career professionals I work with come to me feeling stuck, frustrated, and overwhelmed by the job search process.

They send out lots of applications, tailor their CVs, and write beautiful cover letters - and yet, they hear nothing back.

The problem? They’re only focusing on searching for jobs on LinkedIn, job boards and recruitment and employers' sites.

The truth is that the most exciting, high-quality roles - the ones that offer better salaries, work-life balance, and fulfillment - are often filled before they’re even advertised.

So, how do you find those jobs? By looking into what is not visible to you. Say what?

These are real strategies my clients have used to transition into fulfilling careers in the Netherlands without competing against hundreds of applicants.

1. Position Yourself as the Ideal Candidate (Before a Job Even Opens!)
Many professionals wait until they see a job listing before they start networking. Big mistake.

• My client, Mark, was frustrated after months of applying online with no response. Instead of waiting for the perfect job posting, we positioned him as the go-to expert in his field.
• He started engaging on LinkedIn, sharing insights about his industry, commenting on posts, and reaching out to professionals in his target companies.
• A hiring manager noticed him and reached out before they officially opened a role, and he got hired without ever applying.

Lesson: Don’t wait for job postings. Connect with people, show up, share your expertise, and let opportunities find you.

2. Leverage Your Network (Even If You Hate Networking!)
One of the biggest myths I hear? "I don’t have a network."

But here’s the truth: You do.

• My client, Anna, wanted to transition from finance to sustainability but didn’t know anyone in the industry.
• Instead of blindly applying, she reached out to second-degree connections, joined industry events, and scheduled informal coffee chats.
• Within a few months, she had built relationships with key decision-makers and was recommended for a job that never even made it to LinkedIn.

Lesson: Your network is bigger than you think. Most jobs come from warm connections, not cold applications. And, I know it is difficult to get out there sometimes, but it is also necessary.

3. Use LinkedIn the Right Way (Beyond Just Scrolling & Liking Posts)
Most people use LinkedIn passively - scrolling through posts, occasionally hitting "Like," and waiting for recruiters to notice them.

But LinkedIn is a goldmine for job seekers, if you use it right.

• My client, Peter, struggled to break into the Dutch job market. We changed his LinkedIn profile with the right keywords, achievements, and an interesting to read About section.
• Then, he started commenting on posts from industry leaders, messaging hiring managers, and showing up consistently.
• Within weeks, recruiters started reaching out to HIM instead of the other way around.

Lesson: LinkedIn isn’t just for job applications. Use it to build your brand, connect with decision-makers, and make recruiters notice you first.

4. Master the Art of the Informational Interview
Most people only reach out to hiring managers when they want a job. But the best way to build relationships? Talk to them before you need a job.

• My client, Sarah, wanted to move into product marketing but felt underqualified.
• Instead of applying blindly, she started booking informational interviews - short, casual chats to learn more about the industry and make connections.
• One of those conversations led to an internal referral, and she landed her dream job without a formal interview process.

Lesson: Hiring managers are more likely to help you when they don’t feel like they’re being “pitched” for a job. Build relationships first, and opportunities will follow.

5. Get a Career Coach to Fast-Track the Process

• Every client I mentioned here had one thing in common - they weren’t seeing results until they changed their approach.
• They learned how to translate their skills into a new career, how to network effectively, and how to position themselves for success.

Lesson: If you’re struggling to find a job you love, you don’t need to start over - you need a strategy.

And that’s exactly what I help my clients do.

Ready to tap into the hidden job market? Let’s talk.
If you’re done feeling stuck and want to learn how to position yourself for the career you actually want, I’d love to help.

📅 Book a free 30-minute consultation, and let’s map out your next move.