I have found that referrals can be extremely biased. This doesn't lead to an equitable process for other qualified candidates already under consideration. I’m a true believer that merit, experience, meeting the minimum qualifications, and knowledge of the discipline are stronger indicators of success than simply knowing someone and hoping they can learn on the job.

Navigating Today's Job Market: Focus on Your Strengths, Build Your Future

Embrace the opportunity to join an organization and commit to the role for at least 18-24 months. Use this time to deeply understand the company, build internal networks, and contribute to impactful projects. Once you've established yourself and gained valuable insights, you'll be in a much stronger position to pursue internal growth opportunities and eventually target your desired role.