Your Network Is Becoming Your Career Moat


Hi Reader,

People think a better CV will help them get their dream job.
It won't.

AI has ruined the recruiting industry:

  • People tailor their CVs to match job descriptions perfectly
  • LinkedIn makes applying easier than ever, making the job-seeking game very crowded
  • AI filters candidates before a human even looks at them, leading to strong candidates being eliminated of roles, because others play the game better

Recruiters and hiring managers tell me they get thousands of applications within 1-2 hours of creating a job.

That's a losing game for anyone in the job market right now.

Want to find your dream job? you must play a different game:

  • Go in-person: meetups, conferences, events, meet people where they are
  • Build online presence and brand. Not just slop content creation. Stand for something. It matters.
  • True online engagement: connect with hiring managers and recruiters in meaningful ways to increase your chances
  • Most importantly: NETWORKING.

Your network is the most important lever you have and your new career moat.

The people who know you.
The rooms you can get into.
The introductions you can make and receive.

I've talked about the importance of networking, and my networking philosophy in this video 👇

Your CV Doesn’t Matter. Your Network Does. Your CV Doesn’t Matter. Your Network Does. [28:32]
Networking is the most important lever you have for growing your career. Learn how to do it right.

Have a great weekend!

Regards,
Shachar

P.S. Check out my website – if you’re serious about growing your data career.

♻️ Please share these links with 2 colleagues or friends to help them boost their career:

Shachar Meir

Read more from Shachar Meir
Why Your Data Career Is Stuck (And How to Fix It)

Hi Reader, I onboarded two new mentees into my mentoring program this week. My favourite session is always the first one. People often arrive feeling: Lost Stuck Frustrated Unsure what to do next And they often leave with something completely different:Clarity and direction. That matters more than most people realise. Where you are in your career today is largely the result of decisions you made years ago.And the decisions you make today will shape where you end up 5–10 years from now. The...

Hi Reader, I’m delighted to announce that applications are opening for Season 2 of the Helicopter Data Podcast! What started as an experiment turned into an entire first season.This has been one of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on. In case you missed them, you can watch all the previous episodes on YouTube. Two of the Season 1 guests came from my Career Unblocking Community: The Habit That Separates Top Data Professionals with Jessica Franks Doing More Won’t Get You Promoted. Do This...

Most Data Professionals Avoid This Skill

Hi Reader, In a recent coaching call with a VP of Data, I asked them one question: If I asked your CTO to name one big win they'd attribute to you – what would they say? Their answer: I don't think they'd be able to give you any This is a high performing VP with an incredible track record, and are recognised as subject matter expert of their business.That's not unusual. I hear some version of this at every level. Careers stall, and it's rarely because: The work isn't good The person isn't...