Is it all about references?
I am a recent graduate with over 4 years of experience. I have been applying for the last few months for a full time job but it seems like the things are not working out. I see others getting a job who are less experienced and even sometimes they do not have all the skills required for the job as reflected in their resume. They land up the job just based of references which is sometimes someone they met in an event or a close friend already working in the company. I know I have the potential and can do really great if given a chance. This brings me to the question- Is is all about the references and nothing about what I really know or what I am capable of? How should I approach further? I just need a push to put my foot in the door.
References are definitely important, but to get your foot in the door your resume is usually the first thing a potential employer will see. They will look over this before they even ask you for references. Check out these resume [tips] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/596c18f2-664b-5584-816e-ef1860520181?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity) and [here as well] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/2b48f801-0c8d-52da-bb06-0c6a6f6a6ad0?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity) to see if your resume needs a bit of tweaking. Also, even though it may be difficult, try not to pay attention to how others are doing. Just focus on you. They may be getting those jobs with less experience because their interview process was just a bit better than the other candidates. In general a company is looking for someone that will benefit them and not the other way around. I suggest making a list. On one side write the company name and the job title, and on the other your skills/experience. Then connect the two that match up with a line and see how YOU best qualify for that job. Bring these qualities to their attention during the interview to highlight your strengths. I hope that helps. Wishing you the best!
I would say this has more to do with referrals than references. In today's job market, having someone refer you to the position carries a greater weight than in the past. Who you know is beginning to more closely align with what you know when it comes to landing the job.
If you can secure the perfect mix of connections and experience, then your chance of landing a meaningful job increases exponentially. Utilize sites like LinkedIn to form valuable connections with others in your industry. Be active, interact with your industry peers, share articles, opinions and valuable insights with groups.
Additionally, meet up with business peers locally. Attend conferences and events that are tied to your industry and make connections there. Talk, get to know people, exchange contact information. Provide them a link to your online resume.
Be assertive but professional. You have to make the effort to be seen and heard. Networking is the perfect way to do this. Once you have built connections then you can leverage those connections to get your foot in the door.
It's all fairly new in the grand scheme of things, but it is quickly becoming the new way to land a job.
Good luck to you!