by: Dr. Ramiro Zuniga
Throughout my career I have heard many people utter the words, “It’s who you know.” That is such an easy way to justify a disappointment. Whether it’s because someone did not get an interview, a promotion or a job, it is an easy reach. I personally do not subscribe to this frame of mind. I think that this way of thinking short changes an individual.
Now, I am not naïve. I know there have been instances in which someone received a promotion or was hired without merit. I know that there is favoritism in the workplace. I just choose not to let that bother me. I also know that networking is a great way to get your name out there, but I don’t rely on that to get me to where I want to be in my career.
Here is advice that I shared with many over the years.
I have gone through my career “earning” my way into a school district. For the most part, I have applied with school districts where I am not known. I do this knowing that I want to get a job through my resume and interview. I never want to be given a job simply because somebody knows me. In my mind, if someone does this for me, I now owe them a favor in return. I refuse to live my life in that fashion.
I have applied for positions where I have not even been called for an interview. It is probably safe to say that we all have. My feeling is that I must not have been what they are looking for.
I have also been passed up for a promotion in favor of someone that I felt was not qualified for the respective position.
I have even been a finalist for two positions only to find that I was not given either of those positions.
Ultimately, my feeling is that I would not want to work in a position that I was not the first choice for. This is true, regardless of the reason for the choice.
If you find yourself in this situation, be confident in who you are and what you know. Yes, there are injustices in the workplace. Remember, nobody ever said that life was fair.
In the end, if things do not go your way, you may have to move on to find a better place for yourself. You may have to work in a different place in the organization. At least, when you do, you can feel proud knowing that you are where you are based on merit
Trust me, this is a better way to carry on in your career.
Norma T Hinojosa says:
I like the title of your group “Perform and Learn” because those are 2 attributes that will keep you employed. In my career I have worked for 3 major companies throughout the last 40 years; 19 years for IBM, 10 years for Apple and now 11 with ProComputing. 40 years of working in the education industry with technology that required “constant learning”, as technology is ever changing, and my employment was also based on how well I could “perform” (what need I could fulfill for a district or what solution or service I could sell). I would add a 3rd attribute which is passion. Being passionate about what you do means you are in the right place doing what fulfills your purpose regardless of title or monetary compensation. Trust me, this is a better way to carry on in your career.
Ramiro Zuniga says:
Norma,
First of all, congratulations on all your accomplishments! Second, thank you for your comments. Very well stated.
Mike says:
Great post. There is a great sense of accomplishment knowing that you were hired based on knowledge and skill set.
Ramiro Zuniga says:
Thanks for the comment Mike. You are absolutely right.
Jesse Gallegos says:
Hey Ramiro. You make many good points. “Be confident in who you are and what you know” is the best one. Well for me. Hard work and persistence will eventually open opportunities. And those around you will know who you are and what you know. Michael Jordan once said, ” I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Failure doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It means you are growing and becoming better. And succeed, you will. Enjoyed your article Ramiro.
perfor76bg says:
Thanks for the kind words Jesse. Very much appreciated.
Arturo Banda says:
I strongly agree I feel that you should be hired for your accomplishments, knowledge. experience not because of who you know. This is the old fashion compadre method when it’s who you know and not what you know. I believe if you work hard and it’s evident that you have core values and work ethics it will show. All I can say is do it for yourself worth and not for the money! Try to get ahead in life by your actions and not by your connections!
Ramiro Zuniga says:
Arturo, Very well said. Thank you.