- Many jobs are filled through referrals and recruiters before or without an ad.
- Make a list of 50 target companies and the people who hire there.
- Ask for advice, not for jobs, in your first message.
- Speculative applications work best in small and mid sized companies.
In my program we contact three to four people at each target company. The reason is the hidden job market: many roles are filled through people before the ad gets many applicants, or without an ad at all.
A system that works
- Build a list of 50 target companies. Use my live job board to see who hires in your field and country.
- Find two to four people per company. The hiring manager, a team member and the recruiter.
- Send a short, specific message. Mention their work and ask one question.
- Follow up once. Then continue with the next person.
- Ask for a referral only after a conversation. Referrals from people who know your work carry weight.
Speculative applications
In small and mid sized companies, especially in Germany's Mittelstand, a short speculative application to the right person can create a role. Explain the problem you can solve, not just that you want a job.
Mistakes to avoid
- Copy paste messages to hundreds of people.
- Asking strangers for a job in the first message.
- Giving up after one week.
Common questions
Is the hidden job market real?
Yes. Referral programmes and recruiter searches fill many roles before ads get traction.
Does it work from India?
Yes, with video calls and LinkedIn, if you are specific and polite.
How many messages a week?
Ten to twenty thoughtful messages is enough for most people.
TEMPLATES to @swapnil_in_germany on Instagram.Sources
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.