The Hidden Job Market in Switzerland and Germany – Five Ways to Access for Lifestyle Expats and Rainbow Talent
The hidden job market, particularly in Switzerland and Germany, consists of positions that are not publicly advertised. Research shows that up to 60-80% of roles are filled through personal networks and informal methods rather than open job listings. Many companies find it more efficient and cost-effective to rely on referrals or internal recommendations to fill roles, especially for niche or highly specialized positions. For example, industries like agriculture, education, and healthcare often use informal hiring channels more frequently than high-tech sectors, where roles are often advertised more widely.
In Switzerland, studies by the University of Zurich’s Swiss Job Market Monitor reveal that while jobs in certain sectors remain hidden, about 80% of available positions are NOT publicly advertised on company sites, social media, and career portals. Germany follows similar patterns, with informal hiring playing a strong role, especially in smaller firms or specific regions.
For job seekers, tapping into the hidden market by expanding professional networks, attending industry events, and even making unsolicited applications to potential employers is critical. Career advisors in both countries recommend that job seekers engage in networking and informational interviews as strategies to access these unadvertised roles, especially since persistence and creativity are often rewarded in this market.
Several resources may be handy for insights into Zurich’s hidden job market. The Canton of Zurich’s economic department actively supports job seekers and employers, focusing on integrating people into the workforce and addressing the labor market’s evolving demands. Their resources highlight the high demand for skilled professionals, which can be challenging to fulfill through conventional job postings alone. This reflects a robust hidden job market where personal networks and proactive outreach often play a significant role.
The University of Zurich Career Services also guides exploring non-traditional job search methods. They emphasize that many jobs in Switzerland (estimated to be 30-70%) are not advertised publicly. Job seekers are encouraged to leverage networks, informational interviews, and unsolicited applications to tap into this concealed segment of the job market. This is crucial for those seeking unique opportunities that are not posted on job boards.
For real-time data on open job positions across cantons and sectors, the KOF Swiss Job Tracker by ETH Zurich offers a comprehensive dashboard showing trends and weekly job postings across Switzerland. This data helps illustrate the overall labor demand in the Zurich area and can provide context on how the formal job market complements the hidden job market. You can explore these resources further here:
https://www.careerservices.uzh.ch/en/ratgeber/stellensuche.html and the ETH Zurich KOF Swiss Job Tracker.
Here are five actionable steps job seekers can take to access the hidden job market, guided by the expertise of an Expat Coach (such as Angie Weinberger).
1 – Expand and Engage Your Network
Networking is essential for uncovering opportunities not publicly listed. Attend industry events, workshops, and networking sessions, particularly in fields that interest you. We guide you in approaching connections with a focus on genuine relationship-building rather than immediate job inquiries, which can lead to recommendations and insider knowledge about unadvertised roles.
2 – Utilize Expert Interviews
Expert interviews can be a powerful way to learn about potential roles and company cultures without the pressure of a formal interview. By reaching out to professionals for insight and advice, you gain valuable information and increase your visibility within the industry. Working with a coach can help you prepare thoughtful questions and make a lasting impression during these conversations.
3 – Proactively Reach Out to Target Companies
Many companies appreciate proactive candidates who show genuine interest in their organization. To this end, tailor a brief email introducing yourself, expressing interest, and highlighting how your skills align with the company’s mission. A career coach can assist you in crafting these personalized messages and identifying suitable target companies, particularly in sectors known for hidden job opportunities like consulting, finance, and tech. We also recommend you maintain a Top 20 – List.
4 – Engage on Social Media Platforms such as LinkedIn
LinkedIn and other platforms are effective for both research and networking. Engaging with content posted by potential employers, sharing relevant industry articles, or even creating original content can enhance your visibility. We provide strategies for curating an online presence that aligns with career goals and attracts the attention of hiring managers.
Your Time to Shine: 6 Tips to Create a Strong LinkedIn Profile
5 – Consider Temporary Opportunities
Temporary roles often transition into permanent positions, as companies prefer candidates they know and trust. Encouraging job seekers to take on small projects or even volunteer in relevant fields can help build relationships, showcase skills, and demonstrate commitment. You can strategically identify and make the most of such opportunities with our support. When supported by an expat coach, these steps can turn hidden opportunities into real job prospects using proactive and strategic approaches tailored to each individual.
Our support is invaluable for job seekers seeking to access the hidden job market, particularly for lifestyle expatriates and rainbow talent, who may face unique challenges navigating unfamiliar job landscapes. Here’s how we can help:
Providing Insider Knowledge on Local Market Dynamics: Each country has its recruitment norms, and as a coach with expertise in expatriate transitions, you can offer insights into the local job market nuances. For instance, in Switzerland and Germany, where networking and personal recommendations play a significant role, job seekers benefit from knowing how to effectively approach and build these professional networks. You can educate clients on industry-specific recruitment practices and guide them on where to focus their efforts for maximum impact.
Teaching Cultural and Professional Etiquette: Expatriates must understand cultural expectations that may impact networking and job applications. With your experience, you can help job seekers learn the nuances of professional communication, business norms, and appropriate networking approaches. For example, German-speaking countries value direct communication and thorough preparation, while Swiss employers may expect modest self-promotion. Coaching on these subtleties enables job seekers to build rapport with local professionals and recruiters effectively.
Enhancing Networking Skills and Strategies: Since the hidden job market relies heavily on personal connections, an expat coach can help clients build a meaningful professional network. You can coach them on strategically attending events, leveraging LinkedIn, and engaging with local industry groups. Additionally, you can help clients develop informational interview strategies, enabling them to make connections without the pressure of job hunting.
Supporting with Customized Application Techniques: Many ex-pats aren’t unaware of the effective use of speculative applications (applications for non-advertised roles). With our coaching, you can learn how to approach companies directly, tailoring their outreach to highlight their unique skills and enthusiasm for contributing to the local workforce. An expat coach can assist in refining this outreach for language, tone, and cultural alignment, making these applications more effective.
Building Resilience and Confidence: Job seeking in a foreign country can be overwhelming, and setbacks are common. Your support in helping clients manage stress, maintain a positive mindset, and persist in their job search can make all the difference. By offering resilience strategies and emphasizing the value of small wins, you can empower clients to remain motivated as they navigate the challenges of accessing unadvertised roles.
These methods align expat job seekers with hidden opportunities and build the adaptability needed to thrive in new job markets, giving you a competitive edge with our specialized guidance. Introductions to qualified leads can be a precious service as an expat coach, particularly in helping clients access the hidden job market.
Accelerated Professional Relationships with the “Queen of Relationships”
Angela Weinberger has fantastic skills and makes incredibly valuable introductions for her clients. Tailoring introductions is an art that requires not only an understanding of each client’s unique strengths but also a good sense of how to match those strengths with industry experts. With this knack, Expat Coach Angie Weinberger helps her clients identify opportunities they might need help reaching, especially in tight-knit or network-driven markets. With our global professional connections, we can usually support many different clients and profiles (although we were recently asked to find a Michelin pastry chef, which differs from our forte).
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I have to get something off my chest. I will keep this short: Amongst my clients and professional network, I am proud to support many highly qualified and amazing women who are either under or unemployed, and many live in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. They currently cannot move to other countries for family stability. However, it might be an option in the future… So, if you have any roles you cannot fill, PLEASE share them with GlobalPeopleTransitions so we can highlight those roles to our clients and network. If you want to treat the request confidentially, please DM or email me. We’d appreciate all jobs and brands.
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