I keep hearing about the importance of networking and while I've tried to utilize mine, it hasn't resulted in a job.

5 Comments

1. AnonymousDecember 9,2024 at 2:18PM UTC

   Some networks are more chatty than others. At this point it sounds like it shouldn’t be your top strategy, but it might yield something down the road. Good luck with your search!!

2. AnonymousDecember 9,2024 at 3:13PM UTC

   Keeping up with and leveraging your networks is helpful, but it doesn't always work for everyone. Spread your time across searching/applying, networking, and branding/upskilling/posting. Gravitate toward what is yielding results. It sounds like you're reaching out to folks and giving instructions. Feel the disappointment, then in time and as you wish, I'd suggest to let it go. Some folks have reasons for not helping (some good/some not), some don't have any reasons. I've found that the people who help the most are those on the periphery. Not your closest colleagues, but someone in the office who was nice enough and just wants to help.

   Numbers game and who you know. Keep plugging away.

   Good luck!

3. AnonymousDecember 10,2024 at 10:43PM UTC

   From my experience, the advice to network is really MUCH easier said than done. I'm trying the networking, but no dice. Lots of people don't have roles open right now, or at least nothing I'm a strong candidate for when there are many other people with a closer background to that job looking for work.

4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 11,2024 at 4:08AM UTC

   I'm sorry that you're struggling with your job search. It can be disheartning when you feel like you've done what you could to help others and now you feel they're not there for you. They may be in a similar situation or have no help to offer.

   Who is telling you that most jobs are unlisted?

   My guess would be job coaches or resume writers trying to separate vulnerable job seekers from what money they have left.

   That is not true that most jobs are unlisted

   Networking is great. Referrals are awesome. But applying absolutely works too. Almost 100% of the positions I've filled in the last 3 years have been from people who either applied or who I sourced.

   A small percentage were 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.

   It's only a very small fraction of total positions that are not listed. The only positions that typically are not listed are those where someone is being replaced but doesn't know it yet or if they are so very senior that word of their leaving the company would do something like actually move the stock price.

   This is one of those things that I say to job seekers - does that even sound like it makes any sense?

   A company has a job they need to fill and they're keeping it a big fat secret? No. We're always looking for new ways to publicize our openings.

   I have multiple meetings every week where I have to report out on the status of where we are in every single search. Recruiter are under enormous pressure to fill their open positions. You think we're keeping them secret? We are not.

   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.

5. Vanessa LontocJanuary 8,2025 at 3:05PM UTC

   I understand your frustration. What you're experiencing with the lack of responses is understandably disappointing, especially given how generously you've supported others in the past.

   I use networking partly to practice conversations - they often spark unexpected ideas beyond just job opportunities. When applying to companies, I check if my contacts know someone who could forward my resume internally. This approach has successfully led to interviews through second-degree connections. For me, networking is about meaningful engagement and nurturing relationships, whether they lead to immediate opportunities or not. Sometimes we can even help others in our network. Everyone has their own challenges, and some contacts may be struggling themselves.

   Keep reaching out and building new connections - the process itself builds valuable skills, regardless of job outcomes. Keep cultivating meaningful professional relationships - the practice builds valuable skills and the right opportunity may come through an unexpected connection. Wishing you continued strength and resilience in your search.