One thing I am learning for myself this semester as I continue to apply for jobs is the importance of people in your network. Not just that you know them, but that you trust them (and they trust you) and are dependable.
Thinking about the goal of an interview process on behalf of an organization, they are not only trying to answer the question, "Is this person capable of doing the tasks at hand?" but more importantly, they really want to know, "Can we trust this person to take responsibility for the tasks we are hiring for?" and answering that question in a matter of one or two, one hour conversations, is difficult.
As I continue my job search, it has been super helpful having people in my network who know me and trust me, as well as know those hiring and trust those hiring, to be able to say, "Yes, I have known Tanner for _ years and he is trustworthy and can get the job done." It gives hiring teams that much more confidence in the trust they can have for my ability to take responsibility, and while it won't ensure the job or an interview at every opportunity that arises, it sure helps.
While this is a short blog, the message is this: know your network and use it. People matter, and a word of recommendation from a trusted peer will always outweigh a solid resume or cover letter. Make friends and build relationships - it will only help.
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