Network, or Not work?? well,,, it is true... but..
This is what my professor from Advanced Career Development said last time when we talked about networking and referral. Yea, who you know would be very crucial to find a job or start a career like 6 degrees of recruitment by Nikhil Menon from The Economic Times india and Using Social Networking to Fill the Talent Acquisition Pipeline by Fay Hansen from Work Force Management said. Both agree that networking works well in recruiting in terms of quality and price. Because it is more accountable and cheaper actually (is what they say). It is a good news for job seeking seniors that there is a better way with high probability. However, this benefit applies when one has a good network. What if one doesn't have any network like me and one seek for job? Then, I'd better be a better, outstanding candidate with unique resume attracting hiring manager's attention. It doesn't mean that one without network cannot find a job or career opportunity. It is just hard for one. Otherwise, it is just a little(maybe big) advantage for another with good connection.
However, getting an offer or referral doesn't confirm you a job because 1) you have to be at least more than average to be referred. Otherwise, a referrer wouldn't recommend you to a certain person because a bad candidate can ruin all the relationship and reputation of the referrer. 2) And also one or more referral doesn't secure a position. After your resume is passed to hiring manger with your referrer's name, you still have to have sufficient qualities as the job or position requires. A company or a person from that company wouldn't hire you if you are not good enough to fill out the position. So, network doesn't do everything for you. 3) Moreover, you had to do your homework by yourself as well such as making a good resume and cover letter as researching the company and the position you are applying. If you are not ready to be referred, the whole network is meaningless.
And both article pointed that online networking site and referrals are very useful in filling the senior level position. So, for now for us as a entry level position seeker, it would be better to focus more on basic requirement we have to do. I am not saying network is useless. Network is good and useful when you are fully ready.
p.s. Since network is still important later, it is good to learn how to network from "how not to network" video. There are 5 more "how not to network" series at YouTube.
1 comment:
I think you're right that networks are more helpful for higher up positions. Most college seniors aren't all that well connected so the jobs that we apply for are probably less likely to be jobs that you would need connections to get anyways. So people like us need to focus on resume building now. But of course, making friends and connections in college helps- you never know who might end up getting you a job someday!!
Also very funny video!! :-P
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