“The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.”
What job to do?
What job is for me
A job you enjoy
Job goals
Planning for a job
Job action plan
Ready to apply?
Best Cover letters
Write a cv
How to find a job
Jobs in newspapers
Jobs for the boys
Ask & you might
Jobs on the web
Interview advice
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Interview research
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Prepare 4 interview
Interview phrases
Good interview questions
Clothing for an interview
Lying in an interview
How to lie in an interview
Networking for jobs
Jobs from friends of friends
The saying goes “it’s not what you know, but who you know.” A saying based on the fact that many people get jobs from their friendships rather than their qualities and qualifications. A saying which is truer today then ever. This can present a huge hurdle to those who are not well connected.
“I asked Peter to put a good word in for me, and I got the job.”
“Susan spoke to the boss and that’s how I got my foot in the door.”
“Without the help of my friend John, I would have never have made it.”
Not being well connected
It is not the most qualified person who always get the job, but the person who gives the best presentation at the interview and sells themselves and their skills. A referral through a friend will often improve your employment chances, but a poor interview can negate that advantage.
Don’t feel daunted by networking and nepotism. Getting the job by ‘who you know ‘ does not mean they have the skills to hold it. ‘What you know’ will get you the job and help you keep it.
Employers are always searching for talented people, and if you can give them what want, there is no reason why they won’t employ you, especially if you have the right skills.
Persistence and determination are your weapons if you are not well connected. Employers can receive hundreds of applications per week, so you must be realistic about your chances of being spotted.
Applying for jobs is a numbers game. The more applications you complete the better your chances of getting a job, sooner rather than later.
It’s important you don’t get discouraged. You will get rejection letters, but see them as an inevitable part of your job search.
However, you only need a single positive reply which may land you an interview and go onto employment.
Read our tips on speculative job applications.
Last modified: Wednesday 20 April 2011