🚩The Backdoor Hiring Method: Find Unpublished PM Jobs

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WHY THIS MATTERS

Most project managers chase posted job listings.

But by the time a job is posted, it’s already competitive.

Hiring decisions often happen before a job ever appears online.

Using the Backdoor Hiring Method, you can position yourself before the role is officially open.

THE METHOD

Instead of applying blindly, focus on trigger events—specific business changes that create immediate hiring needs.

Follow these steps:

1. Track Company Expansions

When companies expand, they need project managers to support growth.

Step 1: Go to Google News or LinkedIn and search for:

• "Company expansion in [industry]"

• "New product launch in [industry]"

Step 2: Identify the hiring manager by checking the company’s LinkedIn employees list.

Step 3: Reach out with a message offering project support related to their expansion.

Example Action: Today, set up a Google Alert for "company expansion project manager hiring" and research three companies.

2. Monitor Leadership Changes

New executives often restructure teams and bring in fresh talent.

Step 1: Go to LinkedIn and search for:

• "New [job title] at [company]"

• "Joined [company] in the last 90 days"

Step 2: Check their recent posts and company announcements to see how they’re shifting priorities.

Step 3: Send a connection request with a personalized message about their transition and how you help project teams adapt to change.

Example Action: Today, identify three new project management or operations executives in your industry and connect with them.

3. Identify Mergers & Acquisitions

When companies merge, they restructure teams and create new roles.

Step 1: Search business news for recent mergers or acquisitions in your industry.

Step 2: Identify the companies involved and look for hiring managers or department heads on LinkedIn.

Step 3: Send a message about how you can support project integration or change management during the transition.

Example Action: Today, find one recent acquisition and identify key project decision-makers.

4. Follow Funding Announcements

Startups that receive funding quickly scale their teams and need project managers to lead initiatives.

Step 1: Visit Crunchbase or PitchBook to find companies that recently secured Series A or B funding.

Step 2: Research their hiring trends and note any project-related openings.

Step 3: Reach out to startup founders or hiring managers, offering expertise in managing growth projects.

Example Action: Today, look up five recently funded startups in your industry and find potential contacts.

5. Engage Before a Job is Posted

Instead of waiting for job listings, position yourself as a valuable resource before hiring decisions are made.

Step 1: Identify a company going through a trigger event.

Step 2: Find the hiring manager or a key decision-maker.

Step 3: Send a message that highlights how you can solve a relevant problem for them.

Example Action: Today, choose one company and send a targeted outreach message.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Most project managers wait for job postings.

The best ones find opportunities before they go public.

Use trigger events to position yourself where the next job opening is forming.

THAT’S A WRAP

Here are 2 important reminders:

1. PM Masterclass Enrollment is Still Open
   Right now, when you get access to my online PM Masterclass, you’ll also receive a free personal review of your resume and LinkedIn profile. I’ll go through them myself and provide direct feedback. This bonus won’t be available for long—don’t miss it. Grab your copy here.
   

2. Only 2 Days Left to Register for My Free Webinar
   Join me on March 21st for “The Hidden Path to Landing High-Paying Project Management Roles.” This session will walk you through overlooked strategies to break into top PM roles. Sign up before it’s too late.

Until next time,
Justin