In the corporate world, if you have connections and don't use them you're a fool! Well, unless you can achieve the same ends just as easily without them of course.

I've used connections, but never without the knowledge that I have the talent and skills to back it up.

Sure, and I would be happy to help them in return. It's a two-way street, not all self-serving.

Always and I always make sure they have a good reputation in the industry no one wants to be associated with someone unethical.

I don't think I use my connections to get ahead....I use connections to get the job done fast and of course for networking the right and influential people.

I frickin wish. The only thing i've used(if you could even call it that) is my friends for references.

I've definitely used my connections to get job interviews. It works so much better than applying for random jobs on Craigslist and Monster.

I also try to do a lot of networking by attending networking events on a regular basis.

i would if i had any good connections!

I don't have connections.

i cant say ive used any connections to ahead.. but i would.
its about who you know these days. so start networking!

i cant say ive used any connections to ahead.. but i would.
its about who you know these days. so start networking!

um all of my comments posted twice today. whats wrong with this thing?

In fashion, that's pretty much the ONLY way to advance in your career.

It's not using them though. it's almost like some unwritten oath. You know, "i'll scratch you back, if you'll scratch mines".

you HAVE to have a network of ppl in this industry or else you're gonna be waiting around for scraps.

If I had any connections, I'd use them.

(Anyone looking to hire a litigation associate in Chicago?)

Network, network, network. Who you know can definitely help you get your foot in the door. But you'd better have the goods to back it up and not make your connection look bad.

I've mentioned certain people in a round-about way to garner favor with others, yes. It's like the saying, "A friend of so & so is a friend of mine!"

I use connections all the time!
I'm also not beyond name-dropping.
My boyfriend's parents are very well connected and I know there are some circumstances where I could name-drop for money-off/a higher place in a queue.

Haven't had cause to do that yet!

Of course I do!
I worked hard to make those conncections and I am not about to loose them!

It's hard for people who don't know you to see your strengths right away. That's why it's ok for friends/connections to pull strings for you. They know you and know that you are capable of doing the job before the interviewer ever could.

I have a career in business and it is all about connections. I definitely think that it is important to develop, maintain, and use these connections. However proper connections should not mean you are getting a promotion or anything else simply handed to you. Any connection worth having and maintaining requires a certain level of trust in the other person's ability. I would never recommend an individual for a job if I didn't think he or she was capable of doing that job, because if that person does poorly it negatively reflects on my reputation. Therefore usually if you have good contacts both individuals are worthy of whatever that connection affords you.