3 ms·

Every time one of those "Ask HN: How do I get a job" comes around, I comment on the importance of networking over throwing resumes into an abyss. Inevitably, so

Every time one of those "Ask HN: How do I get a job" comes around, I comment on the importance of networking over throwing resumes into an abyss. Inevitably, someone talks about how they got a great job with a cold application. It's not that it is impossible, it is that it is less probable. It's great to see articles that can support and explain this fact. As engineers, we tend to want to see raw brain power and experience be the yard stick for hiring. But for better or worse, "people" get involved, and suddenly there are a whole bunch of other metrics. The reality is that the 100+ year old phrase is still largely true today: "It's not what you know, it's who you know" (http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/its_not_what_you_know_but_who_you_know/ http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/its_...).

antisthenes 10y ago
It's because not knowing anyone is a catch-22. You can't start networking if your baseline of knowing anyone is 0. For example, I know of 0 people in the finance industry. The barrier to entry for me to start networking in it is orders of magnitude higher than sending out cold applications online. This is additionally compounded that networking is extremely dependent on factors entirely unrelated to your actual skills: attractiveness, charisma, social skills, class signaling, quite possibly race and sex. And you wonder why people don't "just network!".
- azurelogic 10y ago
  Usually these posts are in regards to programming or related jobs (data science). While I know that many devs are not wired up to be super outgoing, it is not that hard to find a proper meetup in your area (as long as it exists). And I have also found that even shy developers tend to relax and get to know people once they realize that they're in a place that they can be themselves. Just getting to know people and being nice can be enough to plant the seeds.

antisthenes 10y ago

It's because not knowing anyone is a catch-22. You can't start networking if your baseline of knowing anyone is 0. For example, I know of 0 people in the finance industry. The barrier to entry for me to start networking in it is orders of magnitude higher than sending out cold applications online. This is additionally compounded that networking is extremely dependent on factors entirely unrelated to your actual skills: attractiveness, charisma, social skills, class signaling, quite possibly race and sex. And you wonder why people don't "just network!".

azurelogic 10y ago
Usually these posts are in regards to programming or related jobs (data science). While I know that many devs are not wired up to be super outgoing, it is not that hard to find a proper meetup in your area (as long as it exists). And I have also found that even shy developers tend to relax and get to know people once they realize that they're in a place that they can be themselves. Just getting to know people and being nice can be enough to plant the seeds.