My network has gotten me every job over the past 10 years, and probably will get me the rest of the jobs I'll ever have. I am fortunate to have gotten into the industry when I did (2013), if I didn't have time to build a network I would genuinely be screwed.
Not finding work since I own a business but do employ two highly senior engineers.
Each time in an interview for new candidates, I ask how did you find this opportunity?
The best ones I hired said they found it through referrals from someone I know. I verified their work and experience by asking a friends of mine, and it certainly increased the likelihood I would hire them.
Obviously we still have to give them a take home challenge, but at the first stage, referrals helpfully filter out the time wasters, inexperienced candidates and AI resumes.
I think referrals and your network will matter a lot more since AI is being used heavily on both sides, the candidate and recruiter side, neither benefiting any side.
Each time in an interview for new candidates, I ask how did you find this opportunity?
The best ones I hired said they found it through referrals from someone I know. I verified their work and experience by asking a friends of mine, and it certainly increased the likelihood I would hire them.
Obviously we still have to give them a take home challenge, but at the first stage, referrals helpfully filter out the time wasters, inexperienced candidates and AI resumes.
I think referrals and your network will matter a lot more since AI is being used heavily on both sides, the candidate and recruiter side, neither benefiting any side.