If you’re like most people, when you start thinking about a new job, your first move is probably to start scrolling through job boards. Maybe you set up some alerts, update your LinkedIn, and dust off your resume. Makes sense, right?

But here’s the thing no one really talks about: Some of the best jobs out there? They’re never actually posted.

Not because companies are being secretive or shady, but because certain roles, especially highly technical or leadership positions, just don’t follow the typical “post-and-pray” process.

And that’s exactly why it’s worth having a recruiter in your corner, even if you’re not actively job hunting.

Why Some Jobs Stay Off the Grid

There are a few reasons why companies don’t always advertise open roles, especially in niche industries like specialty chemicals:

  • Confidential searches: Someone may be quietly being replaced, or the company is building out a new function or role that they’re not ready to announce.
  • Highly specific skill sets: When a role requires a specific combination of experience and expertise, hiring managers often skip the flood of applicants and go straight to trusted recruiters who know the space.
  • They’re hiring based on potential, not a posting: Sometimes, after talking to the right person, a company will create a role or fast-track a hire that wasn’t even on their radar until the right candidate came along.

If your only plan is to check job boards every once in a while, there’s a good chance you’ll never even see these opportunities.

What Can You Do About It?

The short answer? Build relationships before you need them.

When you’re connected with a recruiter who works in your industry, they can keep you in mind for roles that aren’t public or even fully formed yet. We talk to hiring managers all day long. We hear about shifts, needs, and possibilities long before they show up online.

That doesn’t mean you have to be actively looking. It just means you’re open to a conversation. You’d be surprised how often a casual chat turns into, “Okay, tell me more about that role.”

You Don’t Need to Be On the Market to Be in the Know

The idea that you should only talk to a recruiter when you’re ready to leave your job? That’s outdated. Today, smart professionals treat recruiters as part of their long-term career strategy. Kind of like how you’d check in with a financial advisor even if you’re not planning to buy a house tomorrow.

We can give you insight into what companies are really looking for, what trends we’re seeing, and what your experience is worth in today’s market. Sometimes the biggest value isn’t the job, it’s the perspective.

Even if your current role is a good one, it’s okay to be curious. To stay open. To explore what’s out there, even if it never hits a job board.

Whether you’re actively searching, passively open, or just trying to stay informed, keep a recruiter in your back pocket. You never know what’s coming next, and we might already know the perfect opportunity before it ever goes live.

Are you looking for top talent in the Specialty Chemical, Advanced Materials, or Animal Health industry?

Contact us to discuss how we can bring top leadership talent to your team. Boaz Partners is a premier executive search firm focused on the direct recruitment of executives and professionals for specialty chemicals, advanced materials, and animal health spaces. We are your partner, and our focus is on custom recruiting solutions. Follow the link to learn more about how our specialty chemical recruiters can help you.