Is networking along with experience the key to getting any job?

nigel_wilson

internship, minimum wage job, or even a high salary job? It seems here in Ireland at least that's the case.

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OMM 0000

Networking helps you get promoted, and opens up more job opportunities.

What I'm about to say will probably sound a bit cruel, but I don't mean it that way.

When I was in school, probably half my class were thick as hell.

But these guys are really successful now. At least, the ones who were charming / confident / had social skills.

So I would argue social skills, office politics and networking are probably the most important 'talents' you can have, but you need skills and experience to get the job.

Tom Dunne

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Same for me.

Lux23

For me, networking isn't just having a chat with someone at an event. It's coming into contact with people from different organisations through your job and them having a good experience working with you. If you end up interviewing with that person or that person's company, then it may be of help. All these 'networking' events where you listen to a panel for a half hour followed by a warm glass of wine are simply marketing tools. They're rarely of benefit to the attendees.

Twenty Grand

Every job I've gotten since my first (3 at this stage) was through knowing people.

I've only sent out CVs once in my professional career.

IvoryTower

Twenty Grand wrote: »

Every job I've gotten since my first (3 at this stage) was through knowing people.

I've only sent out CVs once in my professional career.

Same. 3 times through knowing people and once through applying for job through an ad. I wouldnt call it networking though more luck that i had friends in the industry and they liked me.

benjamin d

I suppose it depends on your industry. My industry is small and in my opinion networking and getting yourself out and about is absolutely vital.

I'm in a position where I have graduates and juniors ask for advice occasionally and I always tell them that turning up to events and getting your face out there is the only way to go. I've been asked by hiring managers and company bosses in social/networking settings what I think of so&so person a good few times as well, and that's with me not even being at management level!

I've also helped people get jobs when I've met them by pointing them in the direction of someone who's hiring or needs a certain job done, purely by virtue of the fact that I know what's going on in the industry because I tend to go to most networking things.

So I think a good personality and a willingness to get out there is almost as important as what's on your CV tbh.

SeanElec1

I'm 30 years working, after university, on my 4th employer. In theory I got all of these jobs based on suitable education, good CV, adequate experience with proof of expertise, increasing responsibility etc. However each time when you get in the door you eventually discover that you managers network of friends and acquaintances overlaps with your own, and you are left with the feeling that your CV got you the interview, your network got you the job.
I also have interviewed and recruited new graduates. Social skills are important and can give an edge when there are multiple acceptable candidates.