How important is it to 'know the right people' in IT?

snowchick7669

Hi guys,

In my current job role I work closely with the IT security team and on occasion I've managed to impress the guy who manages the team and get my name out there a bit.

Recently I've had a chat with a guy on my team, who is quite close friends with the manager of the IT security team and mentioned that I'd love to get into IT security within the company. Initially I was just asking for advice, but he suggested that he would have a chat with his friend and see whether there is a chance a junior role would be coming available any time soon. If not, then he said he would ask what he looks for when hiring etc etc.

I know it's a bit cheeky and I wouldn't be qualified enough anyway to apply for any IT security roles at the moment, but I guess I just thought that it couldn't hurt to at least express an interest and you never know what might happen. If an opportunity came up to do volunteer work on his team then I'd 100% jump at it.

How many of you have had experiences where you've managed to get a job or a promotion by knowing the right people. Or even the fact you knew certain people helped you out massively?

Jon_Cisco

I think who you know expands your opportunities to make connections. So if you didn't know the right people in IT then it would be harder to make that connection.

In many companies this is just human nature at work. Teams are built with human interaction and if someone recommends another employee that takes a bit of the pressure off managers to make all of the decisions themselves. You can't always hire the recommended employee but if all other things are equal it might make for a better team. You can't know what every manager thinks but adding a new member to a team involves risk and most managers are not allowed the time needed to make perfect choices. They often do the best they can with what they have.

Keep in mind there are plenty of people that will put a friend in a position even if they can't do the job. In this case you might get a job you don't deserve. Just make the best of it because it happens all the time.

verbhertz

I got my first job in It because someone I interacted with a few times each year knew that I was technical and reliable. They mentioned someone just left their group and that I should apply. A few months later, I've taken and am studying for more certs.

lsud00d

From my experience, your connections help you get your foot in the door (or even in the door), but it's up to you after that to make a name for yourself.

It's the same way that I don't recommend many people at all because it's putting your name and reputation on the line as well.

It's a two way street for knowing the right people.

Verities

I got my current sysadmin job from knowing the right person. I was on a VMware team for almost 2 years as a contractor, and decided to move along because I didn't think the company would hire me on as a full time employee. The next job I went to sucked hard, so I reached out to the supervisor for the VMware team and he found a spot for me as a direct hire. I'm now working with Linux, which is what I want to specialize in.

broli720

At some point in your career it really all comes down to who you know and that is a result of how you expand/manage your network. The impressions you leave on them could be personal in nature or be as a result of past performance. Either way, you'll find that the majority of filled positions are a result of people networking. This is especially true with senior roles.

snowchick7669

Thanks everyone! You confirmed what I thought. I'll keep networking and getting my name out.

Codyy

Definitely network, network, network, and then when you're tired of networking, network some more. I honestly believe in the "it's who you know, not what you know" phrase. As unfair as it may be.. having the gift of gab, being well liked, and knowing the right people will get you much further than being the technical expert that nobody knows outside of "the IT person". If you can combine both, you're gold.

kriscamaro68

I have never known anyone at any of the jobs or interviews that I have had and it has never been a problem for me. If you can handle yourself in an interview I think that is what really matters.

fcp4life

Not gonna lie I do have some pulls at Mass Mutual a pretty big insurance company out here in Western Mass, was nervous when they suggested it try being a contractor but I was told it would give me experience and I would learn most of the job if not all of it on the spot, they'd train me. I feel any job is about who you know or who you know, knows who

NOC-Ninja

Its a big deal if your friends know that you are very knowledgeable. An example,I know a few CCIE's and network engineer that will hire me if i go to certain states.

101010

If, during my brief tenure (1.5 years) in my helpdesk role, I had not reached out and expressed interest in areas outside the scope of my role at the time, I would have never been offered the position I hold now. I spent a good 6 months talking, questioning and offering assistance to our Network Administrator at the time. He could see my eagerness and aptitude (after Security+ and CCENT) for the work. So when his Junior Network Admin gave notice he offered me the role because he knew my personality and capabilities.

So for a couple hundred dollars on certs and a little social elbow grease, I landed a Network/Security position with an 80% pay raise, security clearance and a foot in the door for future roles.

So yes, network away.

snowchick7669

Well I may have answered my own question ha. Got a heads up to a potential job openinig within the next 12 months and some advice on what they would be looking for. Could be nothing, but at least now I've managed to get my name out. Fingers crossed!

lsud00d

12 months is a bit down the line but it's never too early to start expanding your skillset. Keep networking and sooner or later it will pay off--

https://imgur.com/aBGztFD

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Edit: Just realized you're a Brit so the image might not make much sense, but...the sentiment still applies

Kai123

I've had good success finding clients on linkedin after resolving a problem with them (currently working at a ISP for corporate customers), send them a small message. I was offered a role this way which I had to decline but I still have great correspondence with the manager.

Even working in helpdesk, you will always have contractors coming and going who you can get friendly with who would be happy to add you on linkedin.

mikeybikes

In all fields, networking is hugely important, and I don't mean the TCP/IP variety.

Fortunately, IT is a field where networking isn't required. You can break into it, find jobs, and move around in it without knowing many people. It doesn't hurt to know a few people though.

I got my current gig from a friend I went to college with. I've been discussing with the guy running a study group that I'm in about finding my next job.

Chitownjedi

It's very important. It is something everyone should make an effort to have (reasonable networking connections) as my first 6-7 contracts I had to push, scratch, fight, and be insanely overqualified just to be considered and get the position...

my last position I actually for the first time had a former colleague and now friend at the location... was pretty much told during the interview it was my job because my buddy recommended me. Don't even think we reviewed my resume. So it's nice to have, and I for once was happy as hell that all that helping others and looking out for others was actually rewarded with someone helping me out for a chance.

yeah yeah

It ALWAYS pays off to know the right people, regardless of work, home, personal, school, etc. Having connections period is always a win.

Lamini

Its not always what you know, but who you know.

John-John

Example A: The mother of a friend of mine makes a ton of money in Silicon Valley as a programmer. She started out trying to get her CS degree when she was young but wasn't great in math and was struggling. When a family friend of hers hooked her up with a job at oracle she left and never finished her degree. She has been raking it in ever since.

Example B: A guy came into my class at school who was an alumni. He was there to tell us about his job at a biotech firm and how it all started. He was a student assistant working at the server lab for our school. One day a guy came through who worked for Paramount, the motion picture company. He was getting a tour around the facilities. He saw how well the lab was run and asked who was working there and he was introduced to this guy. Shortly after he got a call to work at paramount as a system admin while he was just a Junior. He quit school, never looked back, and is now making big bucks. A little luck and getting to meet the right people does wonders to a persons career.