If you’ve been job searching for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard some version of this advice:
“Nobody gets jobs the old-fashioned way anymore. It’s all about who you know.”
As a recruiter, I want to be very clear about something: That idea is bullshit.
Most jobs are not about who you know
The vast majority of roles are still filled the same way they always have been:
Someone sees a job posting
They decide it’s a strong fit
They submit thoughtful, well-positioned application materials
They interview well
That’s it.
Yes, once in a while someone’s nephew gets hired. Yes, sometimes knowing someone can give a candidate a slight edge. And yes, you’ll occasionally hear a story about a friend-of-a-friend landing a job through a personal connection and assume that’s the norm.
It’s not.
Most of the time, the offer goes to the person who is most qualified and does the best job making their case, both on paper and in the interview. There’s no secret handshake. There’s no hidden job market conspiracy. Just preparation, clarity, and follow-through.
So… should you network?
Yes. Absolutely. Of course. But probably not for the reason you think.
Networking isn’t magic fairy dust that replaces applying for jobs. It is useful, just in more grounded, practical ways.
Here’s why networking is worth your time:
It helps you understand roles before you apply.
Talking to people in similar jobs can clarify whether a role actually matches what you want. It can also give insight into what hiring managers care about most.It sharpens your story.
Good conversations help you describe your experience more clearly and confidently in applications and interviews. The more you talk about yourself, the easier it becomes.It occasionally creates warm intros.
Not guarantees. Not shortcuts. Just slightly better odds.It builds momentum and confidence.
Job searching is isolating. Networking reminds you that real humans exist on the other side of the process.
A few quick tips for doing it well
If networking feels awkward or performative, you’re probably doing too much.
Don’t ask for a job. Ask for perspective.
Be specific about what you’re curious about.
Respect people’s time. 20 minutes is plenty.
Treat it as research, not a transaction.
And most importantly: networking works best when it supports a strong application strategy — not when it replaces one.
The real takeaway
Most jobs are still secured the old-fashioned way:
You apply.
You prepare.
You interview well.
You repeat the process until it works.
The secret is that there is no secret.
P.S. Got a question you’d like answered in the next newsletter? Reply to this email.