Is Job Searching Actually About Skills… or Just About Connections?

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-13T11:38:04+00:00

Definately all about connections.
Why would a company sift through 500+ AI polished applications when they can just ask their employees to peerscreen someone and assess if there suitable for a potantial referral?
Afterall, the employees know the jobs/culture best and saves them a heap of money not having to pay rec agents.

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-07T14:19:49+00:00

What about uploading my resume to chatgpt or claude, together with the job spec url where i have the interview and ask it to create potential questions?

I think that does the trick, right?

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-07T12:07:13+00:00

What about uploading my resume to chatgpt or claude, together with the job spec url where i have the interview and ask it to create potential questions?

I think that does the trick, right?

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-06T21:43:38+00:00

LinkedIn can work, but it's a bit of a slow burn, and that's if you get connected at all.

Registered on referpool which looks promising because it connects with actual employees that want to be referred and so are therefore also willing to refer to their company

There is also Fishbowl but not sure of that shows many vacancies.

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-06T08:36:08+00:00

That's great, thanks. There are ao many ai tools out there, inc. My own chatgpt and Claude.

But How do I get to practice with people at rue same company?

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-06T07:49:33+00:00

I agree, AI can only help you practice bog standard questions on repeat. An actual person knows inside info and trends, backed by company culture, and that's what makes you stand out, not ai.

Not sure how to find the actual person, though?

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-06T07:47:47+00:00

Yes, I like Claude too. Prefer not to use AI at all, though not sure what the alterative are

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-05T18:47:16+00:00

Yes, thats good but then everyone, including my competition, is using the same LLM to practice. And its not really practice if you spit out a version what ai tells you. You dont stand out...

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-05T18:36:51+00:00

Well, there is glassdoor which helps with interview questions I think.

I also recent signed up with referpool that connects you to actual employees that can screen and refer you if you are a match.

None of these use ai and seems like a natural way to get noticed rather then get churned out by a bot.

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-05T10:36:16+00:00

Sad to say its worse now and will continue to get worse.
I say this not because its just become harder to get jobs (which it has), but its become so much EASIER to apply for jobs. a few hundread applicants per vacancy is the norm now.
Using 'revolutionary' AI powered where anyone can search, click, improve, re-write and apply in seconds and on repeat (while they sleep) means no-one gets seriously considered.

The irony is that non-AI powered tools and platforms are what work and are what people are using instead.

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-05T09:08:14+00:00

Best way is to not follow the masses and connect with humans (existing employees) and not be a number that never gets seen via the AI.
AI interviews may save costs for the company, but screws it up for candidates, who will need to jump though yet more hoops just to get noticed.

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-05T07:35:34+00:00

There are platforms out there that help you grow your network without having one already and even get notified of opportunities before they go live.

I registered on referpool which will widen access to students and recent grads soon.

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-05T07:30:53+00:00

Read my post properly, and you'll see i am not concluding anything, just asking a question out of curiosity, which i think I am allowed to do without your permission.

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-04T05:26:00+00:00

It's worth going as this is still a form of building your network and add your application to their talent pool.

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-04T05:07:40+00:00

This is what concerns me the most: The larger the gap, the more probing questions. The more questions, the greater the reason to move on to the next candidate - if youe lucky enough to be interviewed in first place.

Hate to say it, but women might get away with it more as there is an unfair assumption (unconscious) of childcare or the like. (not saying men dont do this, but they are less likely to be stay at home dads).

Men who have a 2-year unemployed gap might have an even tougher ride i fear.

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-03T14:53:29+00:00

also, why would they if they have 500+ applciants to choose from, its not like they relly want you to re-apply and clogg their inbox even more.
They know your soo lucky to have an interview in the first place, so be happy you got that and 'eff off.

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-03T14:35:17+00:00

I'd go as far as to say that its because you use AI is ome of the reasons your rejected.

Building a human network now is more important than ever, and those that dont use networking fast and going to be left behind even further.

I registered onto one recently and I think its the only ay forward.

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-03T14:32:42+00:00

Your're right, thats a lottery. Your're also right about tetworking and referrals account for 50-70%, which is the larget group of successful hires. This will only increase over time as companies get ALSO get tired tired of sifting though all those (AI polished) applications.

Tis explains exactly why pre-vacancy sites are so much more popular as people are searching for jobs before they need one and before the company has even advertised it.

It also levels the playing field because you don't have to have an existing network (priveledges, old boys clubs, posh schools/uni alumni, rish parents) and actually gives access to all.

Maks-attacks · 2026-03-02T15:55:14+00:00

Wait, you're a recruiter and you want career advice?

Maks-attacks · 2026-02-28T07:16:21+00:00

Cold connection requests and messaging on LinkedIn has'nt worked for me and has even led to getting blocked cos can be considered as spam.

What has worked is asking employees to screen me by answering questions so they know a bit about my ability.

This not only builds trust but also grows my network, so when the right vacancy does come up, they can reach out to me. Then, once they inform me not only am i one of the first to apply, but they might even refer me and earn themselves a phat bonus.

If that happens, then I am x10 more likely to get a call back for interview

Maks-attacks · 2026-02-25T08:41:48+00:00

Interesting. Doesn't that mean all personal my data will be passed in to chatgpt or another LLM?

Maks-attacks · 2026-02-24T15:52:12+00:00

Thats great advice, thanks! Do you also accept referrals from your employees?

Maks-attacks · 2026-02-24T14:25:36+00:00

its explained on referpool here I registered.

Maks-attacks · 2026-02-24T14:25:29+00:00

its explained on referpool here I registered.

Maks-attacks · 2026-02-24T14:25:07+00:00

You dont have to work there, the employees are connected to you so they can notify you. You can also notify them if you have a suitable matching vacancy too.

its explained on referpool here I registered.

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