Networking rules I learned from GoT

Do you watch Game of Thrones? I do and last season I had a revelation: Arya Stark is a name dropping queen. She can navigate the most dangerous situations just by naming a few people she knows. She’s daughter of…friend of…and ally of. She always knows someone who knows someone who can help her get what she wants.

So, would Arya succeed in an interview setting? Maybe. Having a solid network is good, but there’s a fine line between being well connected and being perceived as arrogant.

Use the right context. It’s ok when you’re referring to the person that introduce you to the company or someone you currently work with. Bringing up a name just for the sake of it won’t get you very far with recruiters.

Having a connection doesn’t make you an insider. Most companies have very objective recruitment processes, so even if you were referred by the most beloved of employees you still have to do your homework on the company and interviewers.

Don’t over do it. Not only about the amount of names you drop but also about your relationship with those people. In this day and age finding information is easy, avoid hurting your credibility by making sure the relationship with the person you’re naming is strong and relevant.

Your network is a very important tool and, when used correctly, name dropping can have very positive results, just remember to keep it relevant and in context.