Finding a Way In

Even in this economy, there are people who are immune. Maybe it has always been this way.

I know of two manager/director types who were let go from their respective positions in the last year or two. Members of their teams let me know that it had been a long time coming; the sagging economy just gave the company the excuse it needed. Both are described as nice people but ineffective, good with people but not necessarily managing them. Poor project management skills, tending toward reacting to crisis versus planning and driving a group.

Both were let go quietly, no doubt given nice severance, letters of recommendation, et cetera.

Within six months, both were reemployed in similar manager/director positions. These people were, for all intents and purposes, fired, not let go because of the economy. Sometimes companies need a scapegoat and a manager is often the perfect target, but it didn't sound like this was the case. Yet, as millions of others struggle to find openings, people who have proven unable to do something are hired to do the exact thing they failed at over others.

The only explanation I can come up with is connections. Networking.

They know people. How else would you explain it?

In the poll above, I talk about different obstacles we face in moving our careers forward. Education is certainly a real obstacle. For example, I work in higher education, and my bachelor's degree simply isn't enough to move my career forward. Virtually any job I would apply for requires a bachelor's degree, with a Master's preferred. Many have a Masters required, so I am going back for my Masters starting this summer.

But while a degree might be required for someone like myself to move forward, it certainly isn't a requirement for other people. I know of VP's, directors and others who have no advanced degree, but they have experience in PR, marketing or sales, which is where value is perceived, and money can be made.

So life isn't fair, and it is clearly who you know and where. So that leads to marketing events, the elevator speech, all that stuff. In a recent article by Randy Woods on his Hire Ground blog he lists networking events and opportunities.

What are your thoughts on these networking events? Are the for-pay ones worth your time and money? Are the free ones worth your time? Have you made useful connections at these events? Did you learn new things? Do you find these events valuable?

Are connections made at events like these, and if not there, where?

Like the managers I listed at the beginning, people in the club seem to stay in the club. Other people I know, hard-working, smart, up on the latest, networking like crazy, getting their MBA's, doing all the right things, and don't even get interviews.

How do we find the way in?