Secret Weapon for Landing Dream Jobs: It's Not Just Skills

Juhan Aasaru Author

Mar 02, 2025 |

This blog post emphasizes the importance of a strong contact network for career success, arguing that skills alone aren't enough.

I've been in the tech industry for two decades now, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that having the right skills is only half the battle. The real secret weapon, the thing that's opened doors I never even knew existed, is my network. A strong contact network is absolutely crucial for finding better job opportunities, and I can't stress its importance enough.

Think about it: How often have you seen a job posting online, applied, and then heard nothing back? Probably more times than you'd like to admit. But what if you knew someone at that company? Someone who could put in a good word for you, give you insider information about the role, or even just make sure your application gets seen? That's the power of networking.

So, how do you build a strong contact network? There are a few different approaches you can take. Conferences and all kinds of industry events are great for meeting new people, but let's be honest, how many of those connections actually turn into meaningful relationships? You might and have a brief chat, but then you go your separate ways, and chances are, you'll never speak again.

Online communities and forums can be helpful, but they can also be quite impersonal. It's easy to get lost in the crowd. I've found that the most effective way to build genuine connections is through shared experiences, particularly learning together.

Think about it: When you're learning alongside someone, you're spending time with them, collaborating, and supporting each other. You get to know them on a deeper level, and they get to know you. These shared learning experiences create a bond that's much stronger than a fleeting encounter at a conference. It's a natural way to build lasting relationships that can be incredibly valuable in your career.

And that brings me to something I'm really excited about. I'm launching a new Spring Boot course, and one of the things I'm most passionate about is the community aspect. Not only will you gain valuable Spring Boot skills, but you'll also have the opportunity to connect with other students, learn from each other, and build your network in a supportive environment. I truly believe that the connections you make during this course will be just as valuable as the technical skills you acquire. It's a chance to learn, grow, and build a network that will support you throughout your career.

You can get more information about the upcoming course here: https://www.wisest.dev/courses...