The Myth of "Knowing Someone"

Lately, I've had a few people approach me about wanting to transition into new fields or roles. They ask for advice, guidance, and - more often than not - a connection to someone in the company they’re eyeing. The assumption is that if you know someone, the door to a new job will open for you.

I understand this frustration - when you're trying to break into a new industry or role, it can feel like you're sending your CV into a black hole. In fact, I've been there. You're way behind the pack without the requisite skills so it can help to have a referral or a connection, but I believe that’s only part of the equation.

I’m also not convinced that a single meeting or introduction will automatically pave the way to a new career. Here’s why.

Networking isn't a shortcut to landing a job

It's true that networking plays a role in the job search process, but it should be seen as part of a broader strategy. Even if you know someone, your experience, skills, and ability to show your value in a new field will ultimately determine your success.

Unless you are able to define your value proposition in that short little meet, and they have a need for that specific value you bring, you can't just meet someone and expect a job to be handed to you. They may not even have the influence and power you believe they do, to help you secure the role you are looking. Instead, think about how you can create long-term relationships and win-win situations.

And even if you do impress them in one meeting, unless it is a small company, you're likely to have to still go through the entire recruitment process to show why you're the right person for the job.

The hard work is in the preparation

Many people underestimate the effort required to transition into a new field - mostly because they've seen others do it gracefully. But trust me, most people don't share the shots they didn't land so you won't always know how hard it has been for them. Career transitions require strategic planning, skill-building, and hard work.

I usually offer to help people map out a career path. Once you know where you want to go, think about the key skills and experiences you’ll need to get there. And then look for opportunities to build those skills, whether through online courses, volunteer work, or side projects.

Craft your narrative

I recently met someone who moved from being a financial planner to account executive at a tech company - all because he understood the value of one his transferable skills - that he has been successfully selling intangible products to people who don't realise they need it. How powerful is that skill in a role when you need to sell tech solutions to solve business problems in a market flooded with companies offering the same services!

Think about the transferable skills that you have - is it influencing, persuading, communication, projecting or data analysis? Whatever it is - highlight these when you're crafting your narrative. In that way, you don't have to start from scratch.

Also, think about how else you can showcase your abilities. How about building a portfolio or showing off other relevant work that you've done, even if it's outside of your day-to-day role. This could be the thing that truly sets you apart from the other candidates.

Take control of your career transition

When I’m asked to make introductions, I always ask people what they hope to achieve by it? A meeting or connection can help open doors, but it's up to you to walk through them. It’s not enough to know someone - you have to show them why you’re the right fit. It takes preparation, perseverance, and proactive effort.

Instead of solely relying on introductions, take ownership of your career transition. Do the research, invest in skill-building, and craft a story that shows how your experience translates into the new field. A connection can amplify your efforts, but it can't replace the hard work you need to do to get there.

My last piece of advice is to be persistent. Changing careers isn’t easy, and rejection is part of the process but don’t let it discourage you. Being resilient will help you continue on the journey towards your goals.

So, while connections can help, it's the hard work you put in that really makes the difference. Don’t underestimate the power of showing up prepared, ready,?and?resilient.