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I just spent an hour reading through the comments of a LinkedIn thread by Adrienne Tom (I'm including her name, so you can look for it if you wish). There are excellent suggestions throughout the thread, most centering on the importance of networking to find a job versus applying online. But everyone seems to hate networking -- it's more work, of course, but isn't it a "work smarter, not harder" strategy?
Adrienne's post began:
“I’ve applied to over 50 jobs in the past year without any success, and I’m fairly certain it’s because of my #resume”.
This is what a top executive told me last week when we spoke on the phone.
However, when I looked over his resume, I didn’t see any immediate red flags. The format was modern. The content was well laid out. Achievements were clear.
Sure, there was a bit of room for improvement, but I wasn’t convinced his lack of job success was due solely to the resume.
So I asked him: “Out of the 50+ jobs you’ve applied for, how many were online applications?”.
His response: all of them!
Despite being a shining star in his field, he hadn’t once tapped into his network to support his search or diversified his approach.
The result is similar to standing in a crowded room and needing assistance, but never signaling others.
This top executive was frustrated by a lack of response. A natural reaction is to blame the tool (the resume). But even a stellar tool, applied with poor strategy, can result in a poor outcome.
Yes, a strong resume is still essential during a #jobsearch, but what is the plan to get that resume read? I share tips in the comments below."
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I find networking to be only a way to find out about job openings without having to do as much constant searching. As for actually getting a job, I have never seen that happen. In fact, the people that I have interviewed that were recommended through a network just didn't turn out to be the best when the interviews were done.
I don't think "everyone" hates networking, just the people that are not good at it.
My opinion is that most people that are networking don't define it that way, it's simply part of their natural interaction with peers and colleagues.
Exactly. Plenty of people network organically. It isn't just those miracle scenarios along the lines of "I emailed the supervisor (that I've never met before) on LinkedIn and got the job!"
IMHO, employers in general do better by casting a wider net than just looking to their acquaintances. The managers I've worked with who networked their way into their jobs were disasters.
People who were social outcasts in school will be outcasts as adults too. Networking is similar to forming cliques in school. Those who were outcasts in school have to struggle socially much of their adult lives. People reject them.
It points out the lack of soft skills in the affected group.
Not necessarily; they may have excellent soft skills but don't have access to the advantageous social circles.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sheerbliss
IMHO, employers in general do better by casting a wider net than just looking to their acquaintances. The managers I've worked with who networked their way into their jobs were disasters.
My last manager, desperate after several of us gave notice within several weeks, went to her social contacts to fill a position that was already vacant with a friend who didn't really have the skills or experience necessary. I wonder how that'll work out for her. /sarc
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