Up to 68% of jobs are hidden jobs

Topics

• Job seeking
• YTK

The vast majority of jobs in Finland are never advertised. A survey by the YTK Unemployment Fund reveals that networking, being active and showcasing your skills are the most important keys to finding a job.

In a survey of YTK Unemployment Fund members, as many as 68% of respondents said they found their last job through a hidden job. The most common of these routes were personal networks (29% of respondents), intra-organisational search (9%), open application (6%) and work placements (5%). The survey* was answered by 18 562 members of the YTK Unemployment Fund.

“The vast majority of jobs are found outside public job advertisements. Networking, skills development and active contact with employers are emphasised as job search strategies,” says Auli Hänninen, CEO of the YTK Unemployment Fund.

According to Hänninen, the share of hidden jobs in the labour market is a significant finding. When looking for a job, it pays to invest in the long term in your own skills and in building up your networks.

“Today’s working life favours flexibility and initiative, and developing your own skills is important. At the same time, many employers are using internal searches and referrals to find suitable people for open roles,” Hänninen continues.

The job search is changing – being proactive is key

Hidden jobs are not visible in traditional job advertisements, making the applicant’s own proactivity a key success factor in the job search.

“Networking is one of the most important ways to find hidden jobs. By attending professional events and using social media channels, job seekers can expand their contacts and learn about opportunities that do not appear in the public search. Connecting with former colleagues can also open doors to unexpected job opportunities,” says Auli Hänninen.

Highlighting your own skills is another important element. An up-to-date CV and a LinkedIn profile highlighting your specific skills and achievements are essential. In addition, publishing expert content can help jobseekers stand out from the crowd and demonstrate their expertise to potential employers.

Tools to help you find a job more effectively

The YTK Spark service, launched by the YTK Unemployment Fund, supports members in identifying their skills, improving their job search and finding jobs.

The service is integrated into the OmaYTK service for members and offers, among other things, tools for identifying skills, online training and tips from experts. The services are open to all YTK members.

*question asked in October 2024 as part of the YTK Member Pulse survey