Networking Is Not Cheating: A Career Story That Matters
When I give presentations or workshops on career development, one of the most powerful takeaways people mention comes from the stories I share. Networking is not cheating—it’s how real opportunities are created, especially during difficult career moments. These stories are meant to illustrate that lesson in a practical, relatable way and help others rethink how they approach their own careers.
To respect privacy, I use fictitious names unless I’ve been given permission to share real ones. While the names may be changed, the stories themselves are very real.
A Real Career Story From the 2008 Financial Crisis
During the financial crisis of 2008, an acquaintance of mine—let’s call him John—was laid off from his IT role. I don’t know for certain whether John is an introvert (no personality test was administered), but if I were a betting person, I’d wager that he is. At the time, John had been unemployed for nearly ten months. He was frustrated and discouraged after applying to hundreds of roles, receiving rejection emails, hearing nothing at all, or making it through interviews without landing an offer.
What bothered him most was being interviewed by people ten to twenty years younger than him—individuals who, in his view, had far less experience and fewer skills. Over time, that frustration turned into bitterness.
I asked John if I could review his résumé. I explained that I had connections at several local companies and would be happy to share it on his behalf. His response surprised me. He said something along the lines of, “Oh, the networking approach—I think that’s cheating.” In an ideal world, I understand the sentiment. It would be nice if everyone were evaluated purely and objectively based on their résumé.
But we all know that isn’t how hiring works.
What Networking Actually Does for Your Career
Recruiters and hiring managers evaluate candidates using many factors: résumé content and layout, experience, personality, references, and more. Networking is not cheating—it’s a requirement. I explained to John that sending his résumé to someone I know doesn’t get him the job. It simply lifts his résumé out of the pile and gives it a second—or sometimes third—look.
That referral adds context and credibility. The person forwarding the résumé essentially acts as a soft background check. However, networking only opens the door. John still had to interview well, demonstrate his value, and—importantly—shed the embittered chip on his shoulder.
Building and maintaining a professional network is a critical part of managing your career. It requires time, care, and intention. A strong network must be nurtured, expanded, and maintained—and it must be reciprocal. If you expect others to help you, you must also be willing to help them.
That’s not cheating. That’s how careers actually work.
About GLSA
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