Why Referrals Trump Applications: The Dichotomy Between Employer & Job Seeker Strategies

Employers prefer to start by promoting or hiring someone whose work they have already seen, progressing towards hiring unknown job seekers who bring proof of their skills and using recommendations from trusted friends or colleagues. On the other hand, job seekers often begin with traditional methods like applying through ads or sending resumes, neglecting the more effective strategies preferred by employers. The implication for job seekers is to focus on building relationships within organizations as temps or contract workers, showcasing tangible evidence of their skills, and leveraging their network for introductions to decision-makers.