Welcome to understanding how business recruiting really works! Most people think positions get posted and then filled, but the real process is much more complex.

The journey starts long before you ever see a job posting - and many business positions never make it to public boards at all.

Engagement Message

Based on what you just learned, why might a consulting job posting read like it's written for a specific person?

Here's what actually happens first: A team lead or partner realizes they need help. Maybe someone left for business school, client demands increased, or they got headcount approval for a new project.

But they can't just post a position immediately. There's an internal approval process that can take weeks or months.

Engagement Message

Name one internal approval step a team lead likely faces before they can post a business role.

Before posting publicly, firms have three internal options: promote someone, transfer an existing analyst or associate, or ask current employees for referrals.

Many positions get filled at this stage. Studies show 70-80% of business roles never appear on public job boards!

Engagement Message

Why do you think consulting firms and investment banks prefer filling positions internally first?

This is what people call the "hidden job market" - real positions that exist but aren't advertised publicly.

Alumni networks become crucial because these opportunities only reach people connected to current employees or partners directly.

Engagement Message

Name one way you could tap into this hidden job market in business.

When internal options don't work, firms decide between campus recruiting or hiring executive search firms first.

The choice depends on how senior the role is, how quickly they need to fill it, and their past success with different methods.

Engagement Message