TikTok user @jessicaps85, a Cuban woman who has been living in Florida for 13 years, sparked a debate on the platform by sharing her views on the difficulty of finding a job without having connections within companies. "If you don't have a friend inside a job, inside a company, inside a market, they won't hire you even if you apply 20 million times in 20 million places. They won't call you, they won't hire you even if their website says they need workers," she says in a video, recorded while driving.
"I don't understand it, these markets, these places say they need people, but they don't call you. If you don't have a friend inside, you can't get the job, even if you qualify, even if it's a job carrying boxes in a warehouse, where all you need is physical availability to do the job, it doesn't require any intellectual skills or English, just to perform that function," she lamented in her reflection, reiterating that without a reference or connections, you can't land the job. She also asked other users to share their experiences.
"It's the same in Phoenix, Arizona"; "That's right, they don't call you"; "That's exactly how it is in Georgia"; "I live in Las Vegas, and it works just as you say, you’re absolutely right"; "It's the same in Tampa, it's the same"; "In Miami, it's the same"; "That's exactly how it is, I've applied to a bunch of places here in Florida and they don’t call me, you have to know someone"; "I live in Los Angeles, and it's the same"; "It's true, if you don't know someone, forget about it, hello friend"; "100% true"; "Friend, it's the same everywhere, I live in Las Vegas, NV and it's the same," agreed some users.
However, other users shared different experiences: "I lived five years in NC, and over there you apply, and they call you right away"; "Look, I lived in Texas, I applied to work in schools, I didn't know anyone, and I got in quickly, and after a few years, I moved to Virginia. I applied and got my job within five days"; "In Kentucky, you apply through staffing agencies and get work without knowing anyone"; "I lived seven years in New Jersey, and it doesn't work like that there. You apply, and they call you, no need to know anyone at that job. I moved to Cape Coral three years ago, and it's tough to find a job here"; "Well, I'm in Houston, and that has never happened to me either. I've never worked in places predominantly populated by Cubans, so maybe it's a Cuban thing"; "In Austin, TX, you don't need connections, and there's plenty of work"; "Come to California, here you’ll find the real USA."
What do you think about this debate? Have you had similar experiences when looking for a job?
Understanding Job Hunting Challenges in the U.S.
This section addresses some common questions and answers related to the difficulties of finding a job without connections, as discussed in the article.
Why is it difficult to find a job without connections?
Many companies rely on employee referrals to ensure trustworthy and competent hires. This practice can make it challenging for outsiders without connections to get their foot in the door.
Is networking the only way to get a job in the U.S.?
No, networking is not the only way. While it can be beneficial, many people successfully find jobs through online applications, job fairs, and staffing agencies without any personal connections.
What can job seekers do to improve their chances?
Job seekers can enhance their chances by tailoring their resumes to specific job descriptions, practicing for interviews, gaining relevant skills or certifications, and expanding their network through professional organizations and social media platforms like LinkedIn.