You need to fill a critical position, maybe a SAP expert, cloud architect, or freelance CFO.
So, your first instinct? Go to LinkedIn, type the keyword… and spot the profiles with the green “OpenToWork” banner.
Smart move?
Not necessarily.
At Mindquest, more than 80% of the talent we place never publicly show they’re available.
Why? Because what everyone sees… is rarely what matters most.
What “OpenToWork” Profiles Often Hide
Sure, OpenToWork profiles come with benefits:
- Easy to contact
- Responsive
- Actively looking
But here’s what we see every week when working with major accounts and mid-sized businesses:
Over-solicited → already involved in several hiring processes
Under pressure → may accept a job by default
Undifferentiated → visible to everyone = same shortlist as your competitors
Bottom line: you’re not recruiting the best candidate, just the most visible one.
What 70% of Recruiters Miss
LinkedIn data shows that 70% of professionals are open to new opportunities, but only 30% say so publicly.
Translation?
Two-thirds of the market is invisible.
And within this hidden talent pool, you’ll find:
- Freelancers currently on assignment, but open to conversations
- Experts in permanent roles looking for meaningful projects
- Professionals not active on job platforms
- Talent in sensitive environments (mergers, innovation, regulatory change)
Mindquest Internal Data
In our last 50 freelance IT & Finance placements:
83% of those hired had no visible signal of being “OpenToWork” on LinkedIn or other platforms.
3 Proven Strategies to Reach Hidden Talent
1. Anticipate strategic hiring needs
Map out the roles and skills you’ll need 6, 12, and 18 months ahead—so you’re never hiring under pressure.
2. Leverage targeted referrals
Build internal ambassador programs. Ask precisely: “Who do you know that’s outstanding in microservices architecture?”
3. Go ultra-personal in your outreach
Forget mass messages. Speak to ambition, meaning, and timing. This is how you activate rare talent.
Client Case: The “Invisible” SAP Expert
A CAC40 industrial client needed a SAP FI/CO freelance expert with S/4HANA experience.
No luck on LinkedIn. No relevant OpenToWork profile.
Our team activated its private network and found a senior consultant—currently on a long-term mission, but open to discuss.
Within 3 weeks: contract signed. No post. No public availability.
And What About AI? It’s Not (Yet) Human Enough
As automation takes over recruiting, the true advantage is becoming… human.
Understanding motivations. Building trust. Reading between the lines of a career path.
That’s where your real edge lies.
The Bottom Line: What You Can’t See, Your Competitors Can’t Either
And that’s exactly where you want to recruit from.
You don’t win top talent with a LinkedIn filter.
You win it through network, strategy, and anticipation.
Want to access the 70% of talent flying under the radar?
Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.
