Break into the hidden job market through heartfelt conversations

Alex had scoured hundreds of online postings and sent countless résumés—nothing stuck. Then he tried design-thinking’s secret weapon: genuine curiosity. He reached out to three people whose work in renewable energy sparked his imagination. “I’m fascinated by how you grew the microgrid project,” he wrote, “and would love to hear your story over coffee.” To his surprise, two agreed. He spent thirty minutes asking, “What led you here?” and listened hard, jotting down every pivot. As the conversation wound down, he asked, “What steps would I take to explore joining this work?” Their faces lit up: “Funny you ask. We’ve been thinking of an intern to test community surveys.” Alex got the offer on his first try, landing an internship that soon morphed into a full-time role. Harvard Business Review research backs this up: informational interviews—at their best, genuine prototype conversations—give job seekers access to unadvertised positions and insider advice. And the hidden job market, which is where 80 percent of roles reside, suddenly opens up.

Pick three professionals whose work you admire. Send each a sincere note asking for thirty minutes to hear their story—not for a job. During the meeting, ask open questions, then close by inquiring how best to explore joining that world. Watch the hidden doors swing wide. Give it a try this week.