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June 08, 2006

Advice for New Graduates

Curt Rosengren asked for contributions to his new group blog, Collective Genius. He asked for advice for new grads. Here's mine ...

Cliches are cliches for a reason - they're so true that people say them over and over until they become overplayed.

This is certainly true of the phrase "it's not what you know, it's who you know." We've all heard it so many times that it barely registers anymore. But it should. Because it's a fact.

Sadly, I am much older than you (as my brand new eye wrinkles will testify!) and during my former career as an HR executive, I heard the same thing thousands of times: "how did he/she get that position when he/she is such a [insert abusive word of your choice here]?"

The answer, of course, is that they knew the right people.

Over on Career Hub, we highlighted two recent surveys about executive job search. One found that 43% of positions were filled as a result of networking. Another surveyed headhunters and found an even higher number filled their openings through networking - an astounding 63%.

So, while it's important to work hard and develop your skills, the single most effective thing you can do to ensure future success is to build and maintain a thriving network. Stay in touch with everyone. Look for ways to help others. Share your goals with friends, family, neighbors, hairdressers, random strangers in the street. Always be generous with your time and ideas. Ask for help when you need it.

It really is all about who you know.

Posted by Louise at June 8, 2006 12:04 PM