Getting the Job - It's not WHAT you know it's WHO you know

Some years ago, Joan Rivers was asked to give a speech to the new graduates at Harvard. Much to the chagrin of the Dean of this fine institution, Ms. Rivers bluntly spoke the truth about education, jobs, social status, and everything in between.

To paraphrase, she stated that while this graduating class has a top notch education, do not expect to have jobs and other benefits handed over on a silver platter. You may have excellent credentials and have the highest grades in your chosen field, but that doesn't guarantee success. As she looked out upon the sea of graduates and observed thier puzzled faces, she clarified her statement:

To make it perfectly clear: IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, IT'S WHO YOU KNOW. Do not expect to get the plum jobs simply because you are qualified and have the expertise. That will most certainly assist you with a foot in the door, but let's face it, if you know a senior level manager or have a friend of a friend in the company, that is your ticket to getting hired. It wasn't the Harvard education, nor the expertise, the studies, or grades. It was the friend of a friend that could vouch for your competence.

Ms. Rivers was never asked back to speak at another graduation function. I think that is a shame because if newly graduated adults don't learn the truth early, they will spend alot of time and energy focusing on the wrong elements of their expertise. I can almost see the newly graduated sneering at this column. So you are saying that I can't get a good job on my own merit? Not quite. Read on.

What I AM saying is that it takes knowing the right people to get hired. Staying employed depends on your expertise, knowledge and a myriad of other items. So how do you get to know the "right people"? It's a little thing called "networking" among business folks.

Here are some ideas for networking: Are you on summer break from school? Try interning for a company that you would be interested in working for upon graduation. This is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door and is a win-win for both parties. You, the potential employee know what the day to day environment is like, what the management is like and whether you will prosper in this company structure. The company has had a chance to see your work, handle stress, interact with management and other staff members and other important unspoken facets to the job.

Second idea: Work part-time while in school doing the same thing

Third idea: Attend business functions such as networking business breakfast meetings, lunches, cocktail mixers and the like. Carry LOTS of business cards and practice your elevator speech (a short intro of yourself and your chosen field of expertise).

Fourth idea: Join the Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau or other business related affiliation. Do you strive to be a freelancer? Join the Freelancer's Union.

Fifth idea: Check the newspaper for updated business listings, if someone got a promotion doing exactly what you would like to do, write them an email or a letter asking for advice or perhaps to setup a meeting and bring a writing tablet with you. They will most likely be very impressed that you had the gumption to put your best foot forward.

Remember, education is a great tool, but experience and knowing the right people is a must.