You may have heard the phrase. This sounds fine to say in the moment. But ya’ll who follow me know that I don’t operate in fluffy, feel-good statements without something practical to support it.

A rejection can mean a definite “no”. It can also mean “not now”. OR it can mean “not with me”.

A Peek Behind the Hiring Process

Let me take you behind the scenes:

The Snapshot in Time: The Open Position

An open position is a snapshot in time. That role is being sourced because the hiring team has a pressing need to solve a particular problem at that point in time. Your goal as the candidate, is to prove that you are the best answer to assist with that problem.

As you know, it doesn’t always align and you sometimes (or oftentimes) get a “no”. They don’t need you right now. What you may not know, is they may need you right now somewhere else.

Networking within the Organization

Hiring managers don’t (or at least shouldn’t) work in silos. When a manager needs additional headcount, everyone knows about it. So hearing a “no” for one position, could very easily lead to a conversation that goes something like: “I don’t have a place for you right now, but one of my colleagues on another team has an open role that I think you’d be a better fit for. If you’d like, I can connect you.” Managers trade candidates like Magic the Gathering cards.

The Reality of Company Hiring Dynamics

The other thing is that when a company seems to be hiring only seniors, keep in mind what I said that they have a particular problem they need solved right now.

The Reason Behind Hiring More Experienced Roles First

If you’ve ever lamented on why companies don’t hire more juniors, this is why. No one is going to have an org full of entry level designers to work on a major initiative without the Seniors, Principals, and Design Ops to support and guide them. It’s just not going to happen.

The Domino Effect in Recruitment

Eventually, they’ll get the seniors they want and establish a plan and structure for the work needed to be done. It’s here that new jobs are opened to round out the production work. These are usually more entry level. The hiring manager knew these roles were coming, but they absolutely had to get the more experienced folks in first, then call for associates later.

How to Get Ahead in the Hidden Job Market

Guess what entry level designer gets called when later becomes now?

The one who reached out to the manager or senior designers on that team some time ago and established professional relationships. The one who asked questions about the team, showed sincere interest, and checked in periodically for an informal chat. When a junior or associate level role opens up, that person is going to be top of mind.

Neither of these scenarios is going to happen if you don’t communicate well, or if you interview poorly, or just apply and pray.

The “hidden job market” is a very real thing. This is how you find it.