Article June 17, 2013 Issue

Inside help

Walter Rodgers

“Who’s your rabbi?” It’s a question often asked in the TV business, theater, and Hollywood.

Although rabbi is loosely used there, for someone looking for a job, it really means: Who do you know on the inside, and are they willing to look at your audition tape, listen to you sing, or watch you act? Who will stick his or her own neck out for you when the corporate doors are otherwise closed? 

Many businesses are so competitive that it’s a given that you aren’t going to get hired unless you have inside help. Without it, getting hired is daunting. You may be brilliantly qualified and experienced, but the operating assumption in today’s job market is that you must have special channels to land the job.