5 Ways to Learn of a Job before it Goes Public

Employers often have a candidate in mind before they even post their opening. Who gets to be that lucky person? Prospective employers often consult their own connections (the whisper network) first.

To be an in-demand candidate, get to know these 5 sources:

1. Senior management of companies. Executives and board members often ask their peers whom they should hire for key roles.
2. Professional groups. There is likely an elite group focusing in your specialty (in-house, privacy, compliance, IP, women GCs, etc.). Ask around and fulfill whatever requirements they have to join! Also, bar associations are a great resource. NAPABA, APABA, and their affiliates, for example, are friendly places to network, get mentored, and hear about jobs. Broader groups like the Bar Association of San Francisco or a committee of the California Bar can also help.  All of these groups will circulate openings, formally and informally.
3. Speaking engagements. Develop a name for yourself in your space by speaking on panels. You will not only reach the panel audience, but also anyone who reads the materials from the event or who googles the event or your name later.
4. Law firms. Partners are motivated to keep companies as clients and will recommend people they know (alums, former clients) for key in-house jobs.
5. People who know your work — colleagues, peers in the space, and former clients — can all alert you of openings. Colleagues and peers may refer you to positions they are recruited for but not interested in. Former clients populating senior roles at their current company may suggest you for something they know you can do.