Hiring Is Social. Buying Is Social. So Why Aren’t You?

We don’t like to talk about it, but let’s be honest—hiring is social.

Yes, companies will tell you they hire based purely on qualifications, experience, and skills. They’ll emphasize structured interviews, competency-based assessments, and the objectivity of ATS systems. But in reality? The people getting the interviews, the ones landing the roles,are those with a strong network and a visible brand.

The job market isn’t just about what you can do; it’s about who knows you can do it.

Why Hiring (and Buying) Is Social

Think about how companies make buying decisions. When faced with multiple options, do they always choose the cheapest or the most feature-packed? No. They choose based on trust, brand, and reputation. Who has credibility? Who has a proven track record? Who feels like the safest bet?

Hiring works the same way. Employers are risk-averse—they don’t want to take a chance on an unknown. They want to hire someone they’ve seen in action, someone who has been vouched for, someone they feel confident can deliver.

And in a crowded market where thousands of resumes flood job postings? The people standing out aren’t just submitting applications—they’re positioning themselves as known entities.

Your Network and Brand Are Your Greatest Assets

The reality is this: Resumes are fading. Not overnight, but slowly, steadily, we are shifting toward a skills-based, network-driven hiring model.

✔ Hiring managers are looking at LinkedIn posts before resumes.

✔ Recruiters are reaching out to people they see speaking at conferences, engaging in industry conversations, or sharing insights online.

✔ Referrals, aka personal recommendations from trusted sources, continue to be the single most powerful way to land a job.

This isn’t a trend. It’s the future.

So if you’re still sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the perfect job description to pop up, relying solely on a resume you update once every five years? You’re falling behind.

Break Up with Imposter Syndrome—Your Voice Matters

Maybe you’re hesitating because you think:

🚫 “I’m not good enough at anything to speak about it.”

🚫 “There are way more qualified people than me.”

🚫 “What if I say something wrong?”

But here’s the truth: You have expertise. You have experience. You have insights that are valuable to others.

Not everyone is your audience, and that’s okay. Speak to the people who get it. Share your perspective. Engage in conversations. Start small—comment on industry posts, share an interesting article with your take, write about a challenge you’ve overcome.

Visibility builds credibility. Credibility builds trust. Trust gets you in the room.

Build Your Brand Now—Because the Market Won’t Wait

The people thriving in this market aren’t waiting to be picked. They are positioning themselves as leaders before the opportunity arrives.

So start now. Break up with imposter syndrome, put yourself out there, and own your expertise. Because whether you’re job searching, growing in leadership, or even considering consulting or entrepreneurship—your network and personal brand will always be your most valuable assets.

It’s time to stop watching from the sidelines. Build your voice.