{"id":3724,"date":"2025-05-13T10:35:36","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T10:35:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cradior.com\/?p=3724"},"modified":"2025-05-13T10:35:37","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T10:35:37","slug":"the-power-of-connections-how-jobs-are-often-found-through-people-not-papers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cradior.com\/?p=3724","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Connections: How Jobs Are Often Found Through People, Not Papers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\u201cIt\u2019s not always what you know \u2014 sometimes, it\u2019s who you know.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This age-old saying rings especially true in the modern job market. In Kenya today, job seekers are discovering a hard truth: job connections often matter more than qualifications.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Job Connections Matter in Kenya<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Each year, thousands of graduates enter the job market armed with degrees and updated CVs. Yet many of them remain unemployed for months, sometimes years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, some land lucrative roles through a friend\u2019s referral or family member\u2019s tip-off<\/strong>. While some call it luck, others understand it’s the power of networking<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 2023 LinkedIn global report revealed that up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking<\/strong> \u2014 not formal applications. While this data reflects a global trend, it mirrors reality in Kenya too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Real Stories, Real Impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Take Brian, a mechanical engineering graduate from Kisumu. After a year of sending applications with no success, he casually spoke to a cousin at a family event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cShe knew someone at an engineering firm. A week later, I got a Zoom interview. That\u2019s how I got my job,\u201d<\/em> he shares.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This story is not uncommon. Many Kenyans find employment not through job boards, but through word of mouth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is This Fair?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While networking can unlock opportunities, it also raises questions of fairness. Many young people without strong social capital feel disadvantaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI once lost a job to someone less qualified, just because he was related to the hiring manager,\u201d<\/em> says Njeri, a PR graduate from Nairobi.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This experience reflects the fine line between networking and nepotism<\/strong> \u2014 an important distinction to make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Networking vs Nepotism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s crucial to note: nepotism<\/strong> is favoritism without merit. Networking<\/strong>, however, is about forming genuine professional relationships<\/strong> that lead to trust \u2014 and opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI tell students to build their network before they need it,\u201d<\/em> says a career coach at the University of Nairobi. \u201cJobs come to those who stay visible.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

How to Build Job Connections in Kenya<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re wondering where to start, here are practical tips<\/strong> to build real connections that can lead to job opportunities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n