Who you know matters.

The end.

Well, not the end, but that's the takeaway. It's nice to think that we get jobs based on our skills and experience, but that's almost never the case. With thousands of applications being submitted to companies and organizations every day, you're gonna need some connections.

Luckily, you don't need to know someone in the mob; it's just a matter of networking: connecting with lots of different people.

Let's break it down into two scenarios:

Scenario 1

You find your dream job: entry-level marketing for Google Spaceship. You apply. A robot reads your resume, doesn't see the letters HTML on it, and tosses it in the virtual shredder. The end. No job.

Scenario 2

You find your dream job: entry-level marketing for Google Spaceship. You remember your dad talking about one of his friends who works in the, uh, spaceship industry. You ask Dad for an email introduction, and it turns out, spaceship guy knows someone at Google. You then chat with Google guy (impressing him with your firm handshake) and he gives your resume to his boss, who—not being a robot—is able to look past the lack of HTML and gives you an interview.

Congrats on the new job, dude.

5 Tips for Networking

1. Don't be shy.

Everyone networks. If you ask someone for a connection, the absolute worst case scenario is that they say no.

2. Ask for informational interviews.

Don't ask for a job; ask for an informational interview. Chances are the person you're talking to won't be the one who can get you a job—it'll be their boss or their boss's boss.

What you want to do is ask them about their job: How'd they get into it? What do they like about it? What don't they like? What suggestions do they have for someone wanting to get into that industry?

The more you learn, the better your networking skills will be.

3. Always follow-up.

If someone has taken the time to email you, talk to you on the phone, or even meet you in person, send a thank-you email to let them know you appreciate it. They're much more likely to tell their boss what a rockstar you are if they can see that you're grateful.

4. Be yourself.

People can tell when you're being a phony—and they won't like it. Plus, you wouldn't want to have to put on a show for the rest of your life, right? When you're networking, be yourself; you're much more likely to find a good fit that way.

5. Be ready with a resume.

Before you start networking, make sure your resume is in tip-top shape. You'll want to be prompt with everyone you talk to, and if they ask for a resume to pass along to someone they know and you don't have one ready, you might miss out on an opportunity.