One Skill That Outshines Resumes in Landing Your Dream Job
How mastering the art of networking can open doors to career opportunities beyond traditional job applications..
Watan-A new study conducted by researchers at Harvard University reveals that success in finding a new job does not depend on the number of applications sent but rather on the number of conversations a job seeker engages in.
Over a decade, researchers studied more than 1,000 workers, ranging from executives at major corporations to kitchen managers at Chipotle.
They found that the common skill among the most successful people in transitioning between jobs is their proficiency in building networks.
Michael B. Horn, one of the study’s co-authors, explained that job hunting is a more social process than many people think.
He added: “People like to jump on LinkedIn or job platforms and start sending resumes without talking to people within the companies or roles they’re applying for, but this approach often leads to offers that aren’t always the best fit.”
These findings come at a time when professional networking has become “more important” than ever, amid a labor market filled with fake job postings, automated candidate filtering systems, and AI-generated resumes.
Horn noted that many employers have become less trusting of resumes submitted online, prompting a return to the old-fashioned method of hiring candidates through professional networks.
Recent reports show that candidates referred internally by employees are more than 4.5 times more likely to land the job compared to those who apply through traditional job advertisements.
Tips to Overcome Networking Anxiety
Building networks may seem daunting or awkward, so experts offer tips to simplify the process. Jasmine Escalera, a career development expert, recommends creating a shortlist of open positions that interest you and then reaching out via email or LinkedIn to hiring managers or team members you might work with.
When reaching out, introduce yourself, mention that you’ve applied for the job, highlight your alignment with the organization’s vision, and suggest an informal chat, either in person or online.
Conversations with individuals in the same field or similar roles can provide honest insights into the jobs and industry, regardless of the specific company.
Ethan Bernstein, another co-author of the study, suggests asking a smart question during these conversations: “How would you convince me to take this job? And how would you discourage me?”
This question aims to uncover potential challenges and benefits of the role.
Bernstein emphasized that these conversations are not only to determine if the job is right for you but also to assess if it aligns with your values and priorities.
He added, “If you have dozens of conversations without identifying any red flags, you’re not conducting them properly. Identifying what you don’t want in a job is an important part of the process.”
