When people say "Its who you know" (interview, application, find a job)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I saw a stat somewhere that sounds about right. 80% of jobs never get posted. The whole point of "who you know" is to be in someone's mind as a reasonable fit.
Inherently, people are lazy, so if there's someone reasonably qualified in the immediate social circle of the position, chances are they'll get a decent look, and a heads up over someone off the street.
The key to this is to be likeable, and pleasant. No one wants to refer someone for a job that will make the referrer look bad.
Unfortunately education and experience don't seem to play a large role in the hiring process. The only thing that matters is who you know.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MLSFan
networking is when you already know people and they have a job, they call and ask if you are interested...
Or when you are looking for a job and you want to work where they do, they can give you advice on application process/help with resume/put in a good word
when people say networking is a problem, I take it to mean they have no associates who think well of them... sorry, but networking is fairly easy, you can do it in the grocery store, out eating, with coworkers, with hobby partners, church, etc
What kind of person starts talking to random people in the grocery store? That is a real good way to maced.
Out eating? Who has that kind of money?
With coworkers? So you have to have a job to network to get a job.
Hobby Partners? Again, no money, no hobby. Even if I had the money, there is no one here, to hobby with.
Unfortunately education and experience don't seem to play a large role in the hiring process. The only thing that matters is who you know.
What kind of person starts talking to random people in the grocery store? That is a real good way to maced.
Out eating? Who has that kind of money?
With coworkers? So you have to have a job to network to get a job.
Hobby Partners? Again, no money, no hobby. Even if I had the money, there is no one here, to hobby with.
you can't just randomly entice strangers into giving you a job or referring you. The don't know you from Adam. They don't know what kind of worker you are. Maybe you're lazy as scheit. They're going to think you're nuts. You have to be a regular somewhere and already be on friendly terms with a bunch of people. At your local gym, house of worship, area park where you job every night and say hello and chat with the same people all the time. But random, out of the blue? Naaaa.
you can't just randomly entice strangers into giving you a job or referring you. The don't know you from Adam. They don't know what kind of worker you are. Maybe you're lazy as scheit. They're going to think you're nuts. You have to be a regular somewhere and already be on friendly terms with a bunch of people. At your local gym, house of worship, area park where you job every night and say hello and chat with the same people all the time. But random, out of the blue? Naaaa.
Depends on how niche your desired line of work is, sometimes you have to go to industry symposiums or specifically seek out specific people. I mailed letters to everyone who was licensed in what I wanted to do in my area and got maybe a 20% feed back and one got me my first job.
It was onerous and I had to lay out some money for about 120 stamps and envelopes but it worked. I got to know some people that were retirees and I believe some have since passed away.
For me networking is a dead end. I have no network, and I have tried. I reach out to people I get nothing in return.
When I got laid off last year I contacted every one I could think of. All that happened, I got a few phone calls or emails, sorry to hear about your job loss. No I dont know of any positions, I'll keep you in mind. Since then - crickets. The only job interviews have come from answering ads or recruiter calling me. This has been the case all my adult working life of 45 years.
Networking may work for some, but to say it is easy and the best way to get a job for anyone, is just incorrect. for many introverted avoidant people like me, meeting people and keeping in contact with a large number of people is incredibly stressful and anything but easy.
For me networking is a dead end. I have no network, and I have tried. I reach out to people I get nothing in return.
When I got laid off last year I contacted every one I could think of. All that happened, I got a few phone calls or emails, sorry to hear about your job loss. No I dont know of any positions, I'll keep you in mind. Since then - crickets. The only job interviews have come from answering ads or recruiter calling me. This has been the case all my adult working life of 45 years.
Networking may work for some, but to say it is easy and the best way to get a job for anyone, is just incorrect. for many introverted avoidant people like me, meeting people and keeping in contact with a large number of people is incredibly stressful and anything but easy.
When the rubber meets the road people that think they have some kind of skills with networking are really just lucky. Just because you know people and put yourself out there does not mean that will translate to actual opprotunities.
Maybe networking with the people who have actual open positions could get you somewhere but you are not going to become long lost best drinking buddys with this person after they post a job opening, thats called dumb luck.
When the rubber meets the road people that think they have some kind of skills with networking are really just lucky. Just because you know people and put yourself out there does not mean that will translate to actual opprotunities.
Maybe networking with the people who have actual open positions could get you somewhere but you are not going to become long lost best drinking buddys with this person after they post a job opening, thats called dumb luck.
Luck certainly plays a role. It's just part of life. You strike up a conversation with someone at a bar, and that person happens to be an executive in the same industry you work in. Eventually, he/she gives you a lead that gets you a better paying job.
Yea, it's absolutely luck that put you in the same bar. However, there are plenty of people who don't have the social skills to have been able to start that conversation, or develop it into a fruitful relationship.
And that last part is the key. You don't network WHEN you need a job. You establish a network to help your future self. Like anything else, you need to invest in it. That means you need to be somewhat active. In the end, networking is simply increasing your visibility. Having other people look for opportunities for you. But it also is something that typically works in a reciprocal fashion. The more you do for others, the more likely you'll get something in return.
Networking is absolutely a skill/talent. We all know people who can walk in a room full of people they never met, and in a few minutes be able to tell you about these people like they were long time friends. This doesn't mean luck doesn't play a role or this is the only skill you need. But it certainly is another asset that can help.
I don't know anyone. I will never get a job. I wish I was independently wealthy. Maybe I should take all my savings (my only income I am living off) and buy lottery tickets. It is my only hope. Seriously.
Luck certainly plays a role. It's just part of life. You strike up a conversation with someone at a bar, and that person happens to be an executive in the same industry you work in. Eventually, he/she gives you a lead that gets you a better paying job.
Yea, it's absolutely luck that put you in the same bar. However, there are plenty of people who don't have the social skills to have been able to start that conversation, or develop it into a fruitful relationship.
And that last part is the key. You don't network WHEN you need a job. You establish a network to help your future self. Like anything else, you need to invest in it. That means you need to be somewhat active. In the end, networking is simply increasing your visibility. Having other people look for opportunities for you. But it also is something that typically works in a reciprocal fashion. The more you do for others, the more likely you'll get something in return.
Networking is absolutely a skill/talent. We all know people who can walk in a room full of people they never met, and in a few minutes be able to tell you about these people like they were long time friends. This doesn't mean luck doesn't play a role or this is the only skill you need. But it certainly is another asset that can help.
So, what your saying is that I need to spend a lot of time in bars. Hold on, I'm off to do some "networking" ... (sarcasm)
What are we to do if there are no bars? How does one remain active in maintaining or even building a network? I just don't understand how all of this is any different than "jobs go to friends and family". If you are not in the loop, then there are no jobs.
So, what your saying is that I need to spend a lot of time in bars. Hold on, I'm off to do some "networking" ... (sarcasm)
What are we to do if there are no bars? How does one remain active in maintaining or even building a network? I just don't understand how all of this is any different than "jobs go to friends and family". If you are not in the loop, then there are no jobs.
yep, about right. jobs go to "friends and family."
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
