The “hidden job market” refers to jobs that are filled without ever being publicly posted. Many in the career industry say 60–80% of roles are filled through networking, referrals, or direct outreach rather than traditional job boards or job listings.
Tapping into the hidden job market is mostly about visibility, relationships, and proactive outreach.
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So, if jobs are “hidden” and not advertised, how does one proactively find them?
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- Build up your professional Network (the recommended way!).
Many hidden jobs surface through referrals through your own network of family, friends, classmates or colleagues. Make sure that you reach out to and talk to people. Often it is through your own informal network that you will be connected to new roles. Plan on attending industry meetups, conferences, or RIT alumni events.
Another great way to talk to people is to reconnect with former coworkers and classmates. RIT has many different options that help connect you with people, stop in to the Career Services office to discuss how to make use of things like, LinkedIn, Meetup, and other resources.
People often help because you share the same background, so increase your visibility by tapping into RIT alumni networks. Traditionally, alumni connections are one of the highest-response networking channels. Visit the RIT alumni directories. You can also search for alumni on LinkedIn using the alumni tool. - Do Informational Interviews.
Instead of asking for a job, ask for insight. This allows you to learn insider info about companies, build relationships which often leads to referrals when roles open. When you are doing information interviews, be sure to ask questions that show interest and insight like: “What skills are most valued on your team?” or “What upcoming projects might create hiring needs?” -
Reach Out Directly to Hiring Managers.
Many companies hire when the right person appears, even if no role is posted. Back in the day, this was called “Cold Calling”. First, identify companies you want to connect with. Second, find team leads or managers on LinkedIn or on the company website. Third, send a short intro explaining how you could help them. When you reach out, reference something specific about the company to show interest. - Monitor Company Growth Signals.
Another strong strategy to be proactive is to monitor the industry you are interested in breaking into. Hiring often happens before job postings appear, therefore watch for things like funding announcements, new product launches, and expansion into new markets. Trends like these tend to forecast that companies are hiring, even if nothing is posted yet. Get in early. -
Volunteer, Contract, or Freelance.
Many hidden jobs start as short-term work or contract work. These can lead to full-time offers.
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As a proactive tip, instead of randomly applying to 100 jobs online, try this ratio instead: 70% networking, 20% direct outreach, and 10% job boards. This dramatically increases response rates.
As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to Eric Dixon, Career Services Coordinator in Career Services or Brad Rosenbaum, Assistant Dean, Office of Student Services.
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Sign Up to Continue Getting COLA's Career & Life Newsletter |
With helpful tips for job search, job listings, and more, COLA's Career and Life Newsletter can be a valuable resource for you even after graduation day. To continue receiving it, please subscribe now and provide your preferred, non-RIT email address.
2026 Grads Subscribe to COLA Career & Life Newsletter Now >
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| COLA Next Steps Workshops |
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Attend one or all and take advantage of support to help launch your next steps after RIT.
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COLA Career Readiness Lunch and Learning Workshop |
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 12–1 p.m.
Bamboo Room, CPC 2650
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Join the College of Liberal Arts and Tabitha Vick, Assistant Director for Career Counseling, for an informative workshop centered on the National Association of Colleges and Employers career competencies.
This session will break down what it truly means to be “career-ready” in today’s evolving workforce and help you identify ways to intentionally build and showcase these essential skills through your academic and professional experiences. Leave with practical tools to support your career development journey.
Free lunch!
Learn more >
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| COLA Alumni Career Panel Virtual Event and Watch Party and Pizza Dinner |
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 7– 8:30 p.m.
Magic Spell Studios, Wegmans Theater
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Join the College of Liberal Arts for a virtual alumni panel featuring graduates who have turned their liberal arts degrees into dynamic and successful careers.
Panelists will share their professional journeys, reflect on how their time at RIT prepared them, and offer valuable advice for students exploring their own paths. While the panel will be held virtually, you are invited to attend an in-person watch party with dinner—an opportunity to connect with peers while gaining insights and inspiration from alumni.
Free pizza dinner at 7 p.m.
Virtual panel 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Learn more >
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New York State and Monroe County are hiring |
Recruiter Tables and Infosession
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Learn about the range of jobs and professionals employed by New York State and Monroe County plus get the scoop on how to search and apply for positions.
New York State is Hiring! Recruiter Table
Thursday, April 2, 2026, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
SHED Lobby first floor
Monroe County is Hiring! Recruiter Table
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Student Alumni Union Lobby
Monroe County Hiring Info Session
Monday, April 13, 2026, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Lowenthal Building, 1115/1120
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Boston Ber Co Sales Internships |
Must be 21
Review postings here to apply
This is a full-time 10-week summer internship running from June 1, 2026 – August 7, 2026, with positions across the county.
This internship will expose students to the alcoholic beverage industry by learning to merchandise, promote and sell our brands (Sam Adams, Dogfish Head, Angry Orchard, Twisted Tea and Truly). Throughout the summer, you will work both independently and, in a team, dynamic, to increase the availability and visibility of products in local accounts (bars, restaurants, grocery & liquor stores).
What you’ll Brew:
Execute impactful promotions for accounts in the On Premise (bars/restaurants) and Off Premise (grocery & liquor stores), sampling events, and festivals
Improve conditions and merchandise accounts by building displays, resetting coolers and
Displaying point of sale items to increase visibility of our brands
Conduct waitstaff & bartender education sessions to drive brand awareness and volume in accounts
Learn about the Boston Beer Company portfolio, selling process, 3-tier system and sales within the alcoholic beverage industry
What Ingredients You’ll Bring:
Must be currently enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university
Must be at least 21 years of age
Must have a valid driver’s license
Must have a registered and insured vehicle, and ability to drive to and from accounts continuously
Must be able to work nights and weekends throughout the summer
Minimum of a 10-week commitment starting early June through August
In accordance with pay transparency laws the rate for this role if hired is $19 - $21 an hour.
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