What percentage of jobs are never posted publicly?

70% of jobs are never publicly posted. This represents a massive untapped opportunity for proactive job seekers who reach out directly to companies rather than waiting for job postings.

What is the hidden job market in Norway?

The hidden job market (also called the untapped job market) refers to positions that are filled through direct outreach, referrals, and networking rather than public job postings. In Norway, many companies welcome open applications (åpen søknad) and hire candidates who reach out directly.

How can I send an open application (åpen søknad) in Norway?

Many Norwegian companies welcome open applications directly through their website or career pages. Research companies that align with your skills and values, then send a personalized message explaining what you can bring to the company. ByeByeApply helps you find companies that explicitly welcome direct outreach.

Is it okay to contact companies directly when they don't have job postings?

Yes! Most companies welcome proactive candidates. Many even have 'open application' or 'åpen søknad' options on their websites. Reaching out directly shows initiative and can get you ahead of the next wave of hires they plan to do.

Stop Applying to Jobs. Build a Talent Profile and Get Discovered. | ByeByeApply

When I first read this statistic, I didn't believe it – 70% of all jobs are never posted. So I googled, ChatGPT'd, read and read, and all I could find confirmed this. Most jobs are never posted publicly.

Here's the exciting part: this isn't a barrier — it's a massive opportunity. While most job seekers compete for the 30% of roles that get posted, you can access the other 70% through proactive outreach. That's a significant advantage waiting to be seized.

The Opportunity

Most job seekers don't realize this market exists. They wait for postings, compete with hundreds of applicants, and hope for the best. But the professionals who get ahead take a different path — they make themselves discoverable before the job ever gets posted.

Why the Talent Profile Beats the Application

Here's the data that explains the passive talent market:

87%

of top professionals are satisfied in their current role

47%

can be tempted by the right opportunity

11%

are actively searching job boards right now

Job postings reach the 11%. A talent profile reaches the 47% — the people who aren't desperate, aren't flooding inboxes with CVs, and are actually the ones companies most want to hire.

The shift is this: instead of applying to companies, you make yourself discoverable to them. Build a talent profile once. Let the right companies find you. And crucially — you decide whether to say yes. Both sides choose.

Build your talent profile →

Join the passive talent market. No application needed — companies discover you when there's a match.

Build my talent profile

Think Like a Sales Professional

To seize this untapped market opportunity, you need to think about the whole job search process differently. Letting your network know that you are open for hire is one way to get started. But proactive outreach puts you in control.

It's like a sales process really – what you sell is you, your experience, your skills, values, and what you can bring to the company. To find your future company, you need to know who your ideal companies are.

Know Your Ideal Company

Understanding what you prefer and will thrive with when it comes to company attributes and work styles will help narrow down companies to strategically look into and perhaps contact directly.

•Large companies: Structure, processes in place, more specialized roles
•Smaller companies: Quick adaptation, autonomous decision making, less formal, fewer processes
•Family-owned: Long-term thinking, values-driven culture
•Publicly traded: Shareholder focus, quarterly pressure
•Private equity: Growth-focused, specific owner values

The Power of Open Applications

Yes, it is totally fine to send an open application directly to the company – most even have it on their webpage that they welcome future talent to reach out directly. Perhaps you can get ahead of the game for the next wave of hires that they plan to do.

How ByeByeApply Helps

ByeByeApply helps you discover Norwegian companies that welcome open applications (åpen søknad). Browse our curated database, save companies that interest you, and draft personalized outreach messages. Skip the crowded job boards and connect directly with companies where you want to work.

Key Takeaways

1.70% of jobs are never posted – this is a massive untapped opportunity for proactive job seekers
2.Think of job search as a sales process where you're selling your unique value
3.Know your ideal company attributes before you start searching
4.Open applications are welcomed and can get you ahead of the hiring curve
5.Be proactive rather than reactive in your job search strategy

Share your thoughts: Have you successfully tapped into this untapped job market opportunity? What strategies worked for you? Connect with us on LinkedIn and share your experience.

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70% of Jobs Are Never Posted Publicly