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of getting hired, here is a copy, transcript of the Conversation we had on how Networking, the phrase "It's not what you know but who you know", and how it increases the odds, chances of getting a job, getting hired, etc.
I told him on how, that my best friend whom i've known since middle-school works at Home-Depot and has been letting me use him as a Network resource, reference, connection to help me get hired there, when I told him the phrase "It's not what you know but who you know" this is how it lead to the disagreement:
He says: "It's more of what you know not who you know. Knowing people may get you a second look but if you don't know what you are doing then you won't last. Education is the key to the workforce."
Then I responded to him by saying "I read an accurate percentage, in fact, even a person who works for the Department of Rehabiliation, says that at least 70 percent of people get jobs through networking"
Because a person who actually works for the California Department of Rehabilitation specifically told me that, that 70 percent thing
Then he says: "How many of that 70 percent are able to keep those jobs for more than 6 months?"
Lastly he says "If it was who you know not what you know" then colleges would cease to exist.
Then he says: "How many of that 70 percent are able to keep those jobs for more than 6 months?"
This is nonsensical. He doesn't know, we don't know, and even if it were possible to quantify, its irrelevant. This is the sort of false rhetorical question pseudo-smart people toss out as a substitute for thinking.
There's no "networking applicants get fired more often than non-networking applicants" metric.
Networking gives you the shot. Helps get your foot in the door, for any variety of reasons. But, once in the door, if you're not qualified you're not going to get the job. Networking isn't about "Hey, here's a really nice guy/gal. He really doesn't know anything about this field, but we should give him/her a shot." It's about recommending them for their work, experience and (dare I say it) fit, based on history.
There are all sorts of variables that come into play once you get someone's attention. Networking helps get you the attention.
If you're not qualified for a job, networking (or having connections in the company) won't do a thing for you.
He's not saying Networking is a bad thing, but rather Networking only helps if you qualify for the job you're being recommended for in the first place.
Another argument is that networking won't do much for you either if said connection really isn't in a position to make a hiring decision.
Some people get jobs through "who you know" and some don't. There is no right or wrong answer. I can tell you that maybe 10% of the people we have hired over the last several years in my department had any connection at all with anyone.
Obviously we ALL know that you need at least some education to land even a simple job. Nobody is going to hire a rock because it was recommended.
So, I agree with the other poster who said, its both. Education equal, knowing somebody within a company will give you your best chances at landing the job versus just anonymously applying. As with all things in this world, how much weight is distributed in required education vs. employee referrals probably depends on the company. So a highly technically company may be 90/10 whereas a lawn maintenance company may be 10/90. There is no right answer.
I would have said, "okay" and left it at that. As stated above, you are both partially right. I might give you a second look because someone I know suggests I take a look at you, but if you don't have the job skills I need I'm not going to hire you. If I know in advance you don't have the skills I need, I'm not even going to interview you as it would just be a waste of time.
Why is it that so often people think it is one thing that leads to success or failure?
Its a combination of events that lead to both, we live in a very complex global world were any number of things can impact one another.
To find a good job you have to have everything and some luck too.
1. Skillset
2. Good resume' and possibly cover letter
3. Education ( most often )
4. Networking
5. Timing
6. Location
7. Luck
If you don't have all of those good luck.
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