In the job market, there is a very common phenomenon: many high-quality positions are filled through internal referrals or personal connections before they are even posted on recruitment websites. This is the "hidden job market." If you only focus on job boards, you might be missing out on half of the opportunities.

I. Why Look for a "Career Mentor"? 

Companies are more likely to trust a recommendation from an existing employee than a cold resume. By connecting with the right people, you can gain:

• Internal Perspective: Understand the real company culture and the core challenges of the role.

• Priority: Your resume can go directly to the hiring manager’s desk instead of being filtered out by a system in a sea of applications.

II. How to Politely Build Connections? 

Try to find alumni or peers working at your target companies through social platforms (like LinkedIn).

• Step 1: Sincere Introduction. Briefly explain who you are.

• Step 2: Seek Advice, Not a Job. Don't ask directly, "Are you hiring?" Instead, ask, "As a senior in the industry, what advice do you have for a newcomer looking to enter this field?"

• Step 3: Stay in Touch. Even if there are no current openings, thank them politely and periodically share your learning progress.

III. Turning Connections into Referrals 

Once you've built basic trust, if a position opens up, that person will be much more willing to refer you because they have already understood your attitude and basic qualities through your previous interactions.

Summary

The best job search strategy is to turn "applying" into "connecting." By finding mentors, seeking advice, and maintaining long-term relationships, you can open the door to the hidden job market and make your job search more efficient.