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4Network to Build Relationships

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.

—African proverb

Networking Is an Awesomely, Ridiculously Unfair Advantage. Use It!

The world isn't fair. Many times even if you have the right skills, you don't get the job and the most common reason is “somebody had an in.” Somewhere between 60%¹ and 85%² of jobs are filled by networking. It's how the world goes round. People don't make hiring decisions on the best resume and qualifications alone. They put a lot of weight on who you know and who will speak well of you.

The job search, and much of life, is about relationships. Those relationships are built upon a foundation of networking. Unfortunately, a lot of people are as uncomfortable networking as they are with public speaking or asking someone on a date. It raises the specter of rejection without a clear idea of what success looks like.

But like it or not, afraid of it or not, a strong network is often what sets the person who gets hired apart. If you aren't building a network, not only may you lose out to someone less qualified than you today, but you are missing out on opportunities in the future. Many job openings never get posted or announced because the hiring manager creates the role internally to bring a specific known candidate in.

The bias toward “known individuals” is something everyone has. It's tribal and coded into our DNA. Don't think you have this bias? Ask yourself if any of the following sentences ...