Networking is hard and overrated

43 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 2,2023 at 3:19AM UTC

   Same!

2. AnonymousJune 2,2023 at 3:53AM UTC

   Same. I thought I was the only one starting to feel this way

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 2,2023 at 4:14AM UTC

   Networking is great. Referrals are awesome. But applying absolutely works too. Almost 100% of the positions I've filled in the last 18 months have been from people who either applied or who I sourced. ONE was from networking or referrals. Every company had a referral bonus program in place and I also ask for referrals. The number of referrals that were hires throughout a 20+ year recruiting career is also very small.

   PLEASE don't listen to the dimfluencers on places like LinkedIn who put up posts saying "stop applying. spend all your time networking". Especially if you're currently out of work or in danger of being laid off, target the low hanging fruit - actual open jobs - first. And you have to apply to get hired.

   If companies were able to fill the majority of their positions by networking, they would not need to employ the teams of recruiters and sourcers and outside agencies who spend all day, every day working to fill their positions.

4. AnonymousJune 2,2023 at 7:37AM UTC

   I agree with you. I don't have many connections on LinkedIn and I am very careful about who I add as "connections". I have found linkedin to be helpful for job listings but I really don't like my profile "out there" for people to view as I am a very private person and have reasons to protect my location. I've had some bad work environments in the past and no desire to be in touch with former toxic coworkers. I just list my location as United States. I don't like the emphasis on how many connections you have. Networking has never been a realistic way for me to find a job. Every job I had was a result of me searching and applying.

5. AnonymousJune 2,2023 at 12:40PM UTC

   me too, I worked for over 50 years and all the jobs I found on my own I consider myself lucky.

6. AnonymousJune 2,2023 at 11:41AM UTC

   Connecting with others is NEVER overrated. Just connect and not network, that is a different mindset. Get to know others of who they are as people and not 'what do you do and how can you help me'. Create relationships and make those connections. When you invest you impress upon others authenticity and not what can you do for me. Change your mindset. Give it a shot.

7. AnonymousJune 2,2023 at 12:39PM UTC

   I couldn’t agree more networking is overrated. Yes, if you know someone they might be able to get you an interview but you need to look at job boards and reach out to companies you want to work for directly and you have to be patient. It takes time and effort to find a job regardless of how good people think the job market is employers are lax in response time and hiring professional recruiters internally to execute the process in a timely professional manner. it also depends on the industry. I know my husband has always found a job by word of mouth because of the nature of his industry.

8. Hold on Lee LouJune 2,2023 at 12:56PM UTC

   Networking is definitely not the only thing you should do to find jobs. However, it is a good way to support your other efforts. When you have professional relationships outside of your employer and in your industry, you have a robust source of referrals and you can gain a familiarity with other organizations that might be a good fit for you. One of the biggest factors in success at a particular employer is the culture, so if you have a contract who is happy in their job, you know what places to keep an eye on, and you have an "in" for when something comes up. The more an employer knows you, the less of a risk you are to hire - anytime one of our employees recommends an applicant, they get hired.

   If all you're doing is networking, no one knows you're looking, and they're not going to assume you are ready for a change. It's about the relationships, built over time. You can also learn from your contacts - what did they do to get that promotion? How do they keep themselves organized and on top of their game? Does their company offer a service that will benefit yours? Think of it as a long game, not a quick way to find a new job.

9. AnonymousJune 2,2023 at 1:40PM UTC

   Think of networking as one tool in a whole box of tools. Earlier this year I was laid off from a job I had for 25 years. Over that time I had built a lot of relationships and I was making a list of people I knew who were now at other companies I was interested in. Out of the blue a former colleague I hadn't worked with for about 10 years contacted me saying she really liked her current company and told me to follow and keep an eye on their job postings as she thought maybe something in my area would open up. I ended up not needing to do much networking as I applied to and got a job that ended up being a great fit, but it was something I was planning to tap into at least a bit. So don't count it out but don't rely on it completely either.

10. AnonymousJune 2,2023 at 3:36PM UTC

    No networking for me...I found my jobs on job boards. For some jobs, I submit a cover letter and my resume, and I get calls for interviews. After the interviews and before the day ends, I send a thank you email.

11. Dave ObertingJune 3,2023 at 6:21AM UTC

    If you've got a high batting average for online resume submissions to first interviews, consider yourself lucky. Some people submit their resumes to hundreds of job postings and never get a single interview. This is because the application process has been largely automated using AI assisted tools. It's all about keywords these days and you better know how to play like a computer. It's been reported that 80% of resumes submitted in response to online postings are never seen by human eyes. You need your own tool that will help keep your resume fresh, and loaded up with the right keywords (which change all time). I like http://myperfectresume.com. It uses its own AI to constantly suggest improvements to your paper.

12. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 3,2023 at 8:44PM UTC

    Myself and every recruiter I know and network with look at every singe resume that applies to our open requisitions. It's literally our job.

    YOU SAID: "It's been reported that 80% of resumes submitted in response to online postings are never seen by human eyes.

    Reported by who? Please provide legitimate citation for this statistic.

13. AnonymousJune 3,2023 at 12:51PM UTC

    Networking is a good way to find out if a company has a job opening before it is posted. It weeds out competition and it always helps to have a referral within the company when you apply.

14. Joan Marie VerbaJune 3,2023 at 1:21PM UTC

    I agree that networking is hard and overrated. "Tell everyone you know you're looking for work." Well, I do. The response is usually some variation of, "I don't know of any job openings in your field."

15. AnonymousJune 3,2023 at 1:33PM UTC

    I could not agree with you more!

16. AnonymousJune 3,2023 at 1:40PM UTC

    I think networking is beneficial but having said that I've found my jobs via a recruiter, university career fair or job board. I am an introvert and not good with connecting with people but it is a way to get your foot in the door.

17. AnonymousJune 3,2023 at 1:55PM UTC

    Introverts r us

18. AnonymousJune 3,2023 at 2:06PM UTC

    Networking played a huge role in my last job search, but I found my job through a recruiter. The value of my network was they helped remind me of all the traits which make me a great employee. I also had fantastic references as a result of networking. You can’t expect networking to lead to a job, but I would not underestimate its value in a job search.

19. Liz MilneJune 3,2023 at 3:26PM UTC

    Elegantly phrased! I came here to say this, but you put it perfectly!

20. Alexis GladstoneJune 3,2023 at 3:30PM UTC

    As others have pointed out, networking is one tool in your toolbox whether it's for a job search or business development.

    While I have been out of the job search arena for a long time, my last two roles were found through my networks. One was someone I had worked with at a previous company, and the other was through a friend, who had a friend, who knew of an opening in her department. It does work, but again, you need to throw a wide net using all available avenues of your job search.

    I always encourage people to build and cultivate their networks early on so that when you do need the help, you've already spent time investing in the relationships. And remember, it's about giving first!

    If anyone is interested in talking about networking tips, don't hesitate to reach out. I'd also be open to setting up a group session where we can talk about networking tips and ideas if there is enough interest. It could be fun!

21. Laura BrennanJune 5,2023 at 12:49AM UTC

    Alexis, I'd love to be part of a group session to share networking tips! I'm a big believer in networking, which I think gets a bad rap. If we just thought of it as a natural way to help people and let them help us, I don't think it would be so loaded -- or so difficult. Thanks for offering to set up a group session and LMK if you do -- I'm in!

22. Alexis GladstoneJune 5,2023 at 12:36PM UTC

    You're the first taker on this Laura. What I think I'll do is later this month do a general post to see if others want to do this, then set up something in July.

23. Laura BrennanJune 5,2023 at 6:34PM UTC

    Fantastic, thanks! I'll keep an eye out for your post -- can we do that on this platform? -- and tag some people who might be interested. It's such a great idea, thanks for leading the way.

24. Alexis GladstoneJune 5,2023 at 9:07PM UTC

    Lauren, I don't know who to tag but will definitely post on FGB.

25. Valerie MittelmanJune 3,2023 at 3:36PM UTC

    I agree with you that networking is not "the silver bullet." As others have said, networking is just one part of your search. As an introvert, or for anyone uncomfortable with 'networking', it helps to think of it differently. Networking often has negative connotations. Think in terms of building relationships, rather than 'networking.' This is something you'll want to do beyond your job search. Start small, and continue developing and building relationships throughout your career - not just in your job search.

26. AnonymousJune 4,2023 at 2:20PM UTC

    I agree with building relationships. But again, when you reach out, your relationships must know of a job that is the right fit for you. The chances are not very high, especially as you go up in the organizational hierarchy and the number of higher level positions goes down.

27. Communication CoachJune 3,2023 at 7:39PM UTC

    Most projects need multiple tools to complete the job successfully. Networking is one tool. However, there are different ways people network. If you go to a function, have a nice chat with the person you are sitting even telling them you are in the job market and leave, well, no, you are not likely to get a job. Introduce yourself and say you are an experience project manager or whatever you are or anyone that has any idea of a company that is looking to get your card and you will be giving out cards. Hand wirte "project manager" on your card or whatever the position is you want. Try to shake hands with as many as you can handing them your card, asking for their cards and say, "Project manager here!". Someone may say they may know, but, they have to look up the name of a company - jot that on their card. If you collect 20 or 25 cards you've got 20 or 25 contacts that all know dozens of their own contacts. Email every single one thanking them for the opportunity of meeting them and remind them, I am the Project Manager looking for a position. Keep going to events collecting more contacts via business cards! Assertive networking many times works. Seldom do I hear of someone not eventually finding a position networking that way and if not you have made some valuable contacts/friends. Some find jobs other ways - and there may be recruiters at those networking events. It is true, quiet reserved people find this style difficult - so other ways are more suitable.

28. AnonymousJune 4,2023 at 2:18PM UTC

    To me this style of networking will not lead to better quality jobs than what you would get from searching through job postings and applying. Also, how do you expect people who don't know you to point you to a good job?

29. AnonymousJune 4,2023 at 5:01AM UTC

    I agree with you. Employee referrals are useful but hard to come by.

30. AnonymousJune 4,2023 at 8:13AM UTC

    Same here, I stopped expecting help from others a long time ago. You can only count on yourself.

31. AnonymousJune 4,2023 at 9:59AM UTC

    Exactly!!

32. AnonymousJune 4,2023 at 2:21PM UTC

    I think finding several really good recruiters who have solid relationships with good companies is your best bet.

33. Audrey KirschJune 4,2023 at 2:55PM UTC

    I’ve gotten several jobs by networking with former co-workers. It helped that they were familiar with my experience and work ethic, but you can’t just rely on that if you’re looking for a job. They might not know of any openings so you still need to do all the work as if you had no network.

34. QJune 4,2023 at 4:38PM UTC

    Working with a recruiter. Volunteering. Actively looking and applying. And if course, letting people know you're looking. All these ways work pretty effectively with time. Make sure your LinkedIn is current and shows you're looking as well.

    Networking in the most classic "mingle with new people" sense is not great because the other networkers are there for their interests, not yours. The same as you would be. If they do know if an opening, they will likely share that information. That's great. But it's not reasonable - in my opinion - to expect that now you've said hello and exchanged names that this person will hand deliver your resume or vouch for you personally. I take my word seriously and I know I would not be willing to do that if I didn't know you a little better to vouch for your skills and character. I would be perfectly happy to tell you of any openings, but my experience has been a negative one. People think you should represent them to your place of employment when you know nothing about them.

35. Laura BrennanJune 5,2023 at 12:59AM UTC

    The key, I think, is to make networking less of a big deal and more just part of your daily routine. One shift that takes it out of being "transactional" is to not pre-decide who you think can help you find a job, for instance. Simply let people know what you're up to -- everyone, not just some people who are, for example in your industry. When people say, "What are you up to?" answer, "Right now, I'm on a job hunt! I'm really looking for something that builds on my HR experience. I helped my last company rebuild the entire department, and I just love working with people." Or whatever is true for you. Something that shows you wearing the hat you want to be seen in, not just giving them a job title which they may or may not understand.

    Meeting new people in your industry can be fun and rewarding personally and professionally; somehow, when we call it networking, it feels slimy. Nothing could be further from the truth! Take the pressure off, you're not going to vibe with everyone, but the more people you can interact with wearing the hat you want to be remembered as, the better. Help people using your top skills. Volunteer in professional circles using the skills you want to show off. All of that builds a network that knows what you're good at and values your expertise.

    It doesn't have to be a magic bullet to help your career and your job hunt. The more you can shift the idea of networking to mean something that is easy and part of your routine, the more likely you are to do a little something every day, and the more value you will get out of it.

36. AnonymousJune 5,2023 at 6:21PM UTC

    I like this advice. Just build relationships with people and maintain them without specific expectations for using them for getting jobs.

37. AnonymousJune 7,2023 at 7:19PM UTC

    I had mixed experience. I was let go once and somebody I worked with referred me to their friend who was providing consulting services to a company without even telling me. This friend just so happened to know of an open position and I applied. It was invaluable for me that I also was able to understand who the main players were and targeted my responses in the interview accordingly.

    Later in my career I was caught in a nasty situation at work, which resulted in me starting to look outside. This time no matter how much I reached out, I did not get traction at all. People I have helped in the past did not respond. It was annoying to say the least. I reached to recruiters as well and nothing. So I started applying to open positions. I found a position, it was not great, but gave me a breathing room for now.

38. KarenJune 8,2023 at 9:53PM UTC

    Personally, I hate the term "networking." It feels artificial. While I do go to events and conferences, I don't think of it as networking. I think of it as getting to know peers in my industry and I look to make genuine connections and friendships with folks.

    For example, last year at a conference during lunch I met a couple of women who are in similar roles at other companies. We had a really interesting conversation, found we had genuine things in common and decided to keep it going. We now have a monthly virtual coffee, have invited three others to the group, and we talk about all kinds of things, but mostly work issues. I don't think of these women as my "network." I think of them as friends whose brains I can pick and vice versa. One of them is actually currently looking for work and part of our last call was dedicated to asking how her job hunt is going, offering advice and seeing what she's looking for so we can keep an eye out.

    So the next time you groan at the thought of "networking." Think of it more as when you go to a friend's house and meet someone new at a party. You aren't going to click with everyone, but sometimes you actually end up meeting someone that becomes a friend you want to stay in touch with. Creating a "network" of professional friends will likely pay off more in the long term.

39. AnonymousJune 9,2023 at 1:35AM UTC

    After struggling with networking myself I made it a point to always do my best to answer calls and requests from people I know. I don't appreciate that when I reach out people don't respond. Then you truly understand who your friends are.

40. AnonymousJune 9,2023 at 1:39AM UTC

    There is something truly bizarre with today's job finding process. On the one hand everyone screams that they cannot hire people, on the other hand they rarely bother to really review the submitted resumes. If we need to use networking, why are paying all the money to recruiters, systems, etc. Why the pretense that posting for a job works?

41. AnonymousJune 15,2023 at 3:56AM UTC

    Totally agree with you! I recently submitted a resume for a position that seemed a mirror image of my resume. The next day I received the electronic polite reply that they found d somebody who better fits the requirements of the role!... I just wonder, and who would that be...

42. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 26,2023 at 5:08PM UTC

    Myself and every recruiter I know and network with look at every singe resume that applies to our open requisitions. It's literally our job.

    Unless you're referring to a company paying recruiters, I'm not sure what you mean by your comment. Candidates don't pay recruiters. If you have a recruiter trying to charge you money, please run for the hills.

43. AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 2:15AM UTC

    So nowadays people post on LinkedIn, please hire me type posts. Is this what uou need to do to get a job? Is this the networking now? Frustrated how difficult it is to land a job when you are so qualified... But seems nobody notices.