Have you ever been faced with the situation of having to deal with being declined a job, just because another candidate had a friend who works there? Networking may seem all about knowing the right people, but is there more to it?

The British labor market is wider than ever before, meaning there are various jobs on offer. However, with competition in many industries being so fierce, it’s only right for firms to try and seek out the best possible people for the job.

Knowing the right people is clearly a plus in the general scope of things, however if you want a job you can’t expect to get it because you just know someone there. Unless the business believes you are able to either make them money or help them continue success in the long run, they are not going to be interested…

Let’s take the website LinkedIn for example. It has over 400 million accounts, the majority of whom are using it as they are between jobs or looking for a job. If someone needs a new job, connecting to anyone that pops up will not help you, this isn’t a popularity test. Instead, connecting to a select few profiles in your preferred industry who are willing to promote your talents and experiences will prove much more successful.

Studies show that an employer will know if you’re the one within 90 seconds of meeting you, and only 7% of being the right fit is related to what the candidate actually says in the interview.

If no one knows that you are passionate about the job you’re trying to get into, why should the employer even spare the time for you? By having these connections, you can have proof of your experience and qualifications, which will impress the interviewer, if your friend works there, don’t say that it seems more convenient to work with someone you know.

A job is about meeting new people, learning new environments and building up your reputation if the job doesn’t still appeal however many years down the line. So if you’re looking for a job, sell yourself at the interview and make a good first impression, the employer will know whether they like you in the space of a few minutes, good luck!

Written by Harrison Jones

References : https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/infographic-how-interviewers-know-when-hire-you-90-seconds/ http://www.careergeekblog.com/2012/01/06/what-happens-in-job-interview/