It helps to have connections. Everybody knows it’s true. It’s not what you know, the cynic says, but WHO you know that makes a difference. Unfortunately in some regards that’s true. In this competitive world where it is so difficult to land a job, it does pay to know somebody who can help you on your way. Oh, your mother’s friend is president of a company? Good for you. Being connected may not help you actually land the job, but at least you are more likely to be considered if you know the person in charge. And that is important. You can see how difficult this might make things for people who are not connected who do not know people in strategic places. Nevertheless, there is no use fighting it. That’s the way things are. It pays to be connected.

About thirty years ago there was a wonderf…