What is ‘quiet hiring’?

Quiet hiring is a recruitment method in which companies fill open positions without publicizing the job listing or making a formal announcement. Instead, they reach out to passive job seekers or members of their professional network who might be a good fit for the role. The goal of quiet hiring is to fill positions with top talent quickly and discreetly, without attracting a large volume of applications from unqualified candidates.

This approach can be beneficial for companies that want to avoid the time and effort associated with a traditional job search, as well as for candidates who are not actively looking for a new job but are open to new opportunities. Quiet hiring can also help companies maintain confidentiality, especially if they are filling a high-level position or one that requires a specialized skill set.

However, quiet hiring can also have some disadvantages. For example, it may limit the pool of potential candidates and limit diversity in the hiring process. Additionally, it can also be seen as exclusive and elitist, as it prioritizes connections and networks over open competition.