Networking can help, but it is not a substitute for a competitive application. Its biggest value is context, access, and sometimes a credible referral.

Use networking to understand the office, improve your positioning, and build real relationships. The consulting referrals guide explains where referrals can help and where they cannot.

Do not measure networking success by the number of coffee chats. One person who understands your background and is willing to advocate for you is more valuable than twenty superficial calls.

This. 20 chats with no real relationship is just calendar cardio.

Networking helped me understand which office made sense way more than it helped my resume.