I recently experienced a tough job market after my company laid off almost everyone, and it really opened my eyes to how hiring works. During my time there, I noticed that most job openings were filled internally before they were even posted publicly. This meant that the majority of new hires were people who were already part of the company. It made me realize that networking is crucial; knowing someone in the company can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. I also observed that many promotions went to individuals who were more about being friends with decision-makers rather than having the right qualifications. This made me rethink my job search strategy. Instead of just sending out countless resumes, I plan to focus on companies I admire, even if they don’t have job listings. I’ll try to connect with current employees, perhaps by attending social events where they hang out. It’s a grim reality for external candidates, but I believe building relationships could be the key to finding a job.