NETWORKING
The importance of networking
The importance of networking cannot be understated. Navigating the ocean of fellow applicants is a losing battle without effective networking, this distinguishes you from others and makes you "human" and not just a name on a CV.
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Companies receive thousands of applications every year and most won't even reach a human, this is where having a connection with someone related to the hiring process of the company is vital.
What can you do?
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The best thing to do first is figure out if you have any friends or family close to the industry, even in the most obscure way possible, this can be a game changer for building a network. Failing that there are still routes forward, "Meet the Team" sections on company websites can have contact details for professionals within the teams. Sending an email explaining your situation as well as asking about their experience within their company and role will put you in good stead for making yourself heard and sounding enthusiastic.
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At the end of the day most of your networking interactions won't lead to a job, but what it does do is gets your name out there and establishes a reputation for yourself. And you never know who might know who, if you get an interview with a certain company it is very possible that someone within your network knows or knows of someone within the team you are interviewing for and can either provide you with advice or put in a good word for you.
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A key take away is that you need to try and distinguish yourself from thousands of applicants and that networking is the back bone to doing so.