4 smart ways to get a job before even vacancy gets listed, according to a Reddit user

Time of India

3 days ago

In today's job market, where applications flood in within seconds of a posting going live, standing out requires more than just clicking 'Apply.' A Reddit user recently shared a set of simple yet effective strategies that helped them secure interviews even before the job listings were publicly available.
Their post seemingly offers practical, real-world hacks—based on personal trial and error—rather than the usual textbook advice.
Track Companies Before the Hiring Starts
The user highlighted the importance of proactively following companies you're genuinely interested in—especially on platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram. Many firms drop subtle hints such as 'team expanding soon' or 'exciting roles coming up.' This is often a signal that a job opening may be around the corner. Acting during this early window can give candidates a head-start before the position appears on job boards and attracts hundreds of applicants.
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Reach Out to Managers, Not Just HR
Instead of waiting for HR or a recruiter, the Redditor found success by directly messaging team managers. The trick, they noted, is to keep the message simple and professional. A casual but clear note expressing interest in a specific team or project—without overselling—helped them start conversations that HR pipelines typically miss. The user stressed not to make it awkward or overly formal, just a short message showing awareness and interest.
Use Expired Job Posts to Your Advantage
An unconventional tactic that worked involved expired or previously closed job listings. Rather than ignoring them, the Reddit user treated them as leads. If a company recently looked for a skillset, there's a chance they're still hiring or will be soon. By referencing the old posting and offering to connect based on those criteria, they were able to reopen interest in their profile—even after the official deadline had passed.
Stay Present in Their Online Circles
The final strategy was about visibility. By engaging with company posts, commenting thoughtfully, or sharing relevant content, the Redditor found that their name started becoming familiar to potential hiring teams. While they admitted it can feel awkward, that low-key presence sometimes helped them stay top-of-mind when an opportunity came up.
Despite being ghosted many times, the Redditor confirmed that these steps helped land two interviews—without ever formally applying through the usual portals. Their approach boils down to being early, intentional, and slightly persistent—especially in a job market where timing and visibility matter more than ever.