Job hunting can be an exhausting process, especially in today's market where many openings seem to disappear in a matter of minutes. In fact, the reality is that many job openings never even get posted to the public. That's because when companies need to fill a vacancy, odds are they already have a particular type of candidate in mind. Much thanks to the Internet, employers can now seek out noteworthy candidates in their industry and contact them about a job opening directly. This might make it seem impossible to get noticed, but there are number of ways to help encourage hiring managers to seek you out for a job. In many ways this will actually make your job search easier. Just think, rather than spend countless hours filling out applications willy-nilly, an employer may contact you and ask you to apply for a position. Of course, this doesn't mean you can sit idly by and wait for an email. After you're done perfecting your resume and writing some solid cover letters, implement these tips to encourage employers to contact you.

Get a referral
Getting a referral from friend or colleague can go a long way. Think about it – if a company hired them and then they recommend you, odds are the company will put more stock in your application. Referred candidates account for a significant percentage of external hires. Essentially, a referral is an extra seal of approval from someone already in the organization. This recommendation can potentially have employers asking you to apply. 

Establish long-term relationships
At the end of the day, no one can predict the future. You never know when you'll need a helping hand or be able to provide one to a colleague in need. Developing professional relationships with recruiters, key industry players and co-workers provides you with a strong network to establish a career. Getting to know recruiters in your industry can be particularly important if you are still young and looking to job hop, since they will often have insights into industry trends regarding hiring, as well as knowledge of current and future job openings. Always try to leave a position on good terms, as you never know when you will need a previous employer for a referral. There's also always the chance that a former employer is aware of an open position and passes your name along. 

Manage your social media presence
Social media is a great place to network with friends and acquaintances, but it's also an increasingly important part of the professional world. Your social media profiles are great platforms for showing off your career skills, sharing industry news and staying abreast of job openings. A well-managed online presence can attract employers. In fact, many employers search for candidates on LinkedIn and Twitter before a position becomes open to the public. Use your online profiles to showcase your talent and professionalism – it will potentially lead employers right to your door. Make sure to regularly post updates social media to demonstrate to employers that you are actively looking for the right position. 

Again, referrals come in handy. LinkedIn allows you to request and give referrals to friends and colleagues. Take advantage of this system to enhance your profile. 

Optimize Google
Many hiring managers run candidate names through Google or another search engine to get a general idea of the person's character. Google yourself to see what hits come up on the first page. You can actively create a professional blog, maintain strong social media accounts, and upload your resume to a website to try and put those items near the top of a Google search. This way, when employers look you up, all of your professional accomplishments will be placed front and center.