Election Analysis + How to Avoid Costly Social Media Mistakes and Network Your Way to a New Job
Event Invite + New Essay
<Nov 15> This American election was a battle of narratives. One side won. Dhruva and Utkarsh will debate, analyze implications, and take questions.
You are welcome to join us in listening to the first half and then participating in the discussion. Most media outlets would have you believe that this election was the outcome of a supremely popular candidate vs one who wasn’t. That doesn’t quite capture the essence. Join in to explore the topic with the nuance it deserves.
How to Avoid Costly Social Media Mistakes and Network Your Way to a New Job
Have you ever landed a job through someone you barely know? If so, you're not alone. Research shows that networking is one of the most effective ways to find new opportunities, and in 1973, Stanford Professor Mark Granovetter revolutionized our understanding of how this works with his theory of “The Strength of Weak Ties.” Granovetter demonstrated that acquaintances—those you don’t know very well—are often more valuable in job searches than close friends. However, that was a time when most networking happened offline. Today, technology has reshaped how we connect professionally, with platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and other digital forums amplifying both strong and weak ties.
As the founder of Network Capital, a global mentorship platform, I’ve witnessed thousands of ambitious professionals leverage their connections—both strong and weak—on social media and other digital spaces. While that’s interesting, you should be aware of the pitfalls of social media during your job search. A few months back, someone posted on Network Capital with a detailed description of their experience, skills, and personal context. The post attracted significant attention, and they eventually received offers from two well-known financial services firms. However, their current manager, who was also active on the platform, saw the post. During reference checks, the manager raised concerns about the person’s transparency, noting that they had been seeking a promotion while simultaneously exploring outside opportunities. One of the firms withdrew their offer.
This situation raises an important question: Should we avoid posting about our job searches entirely? Or is there a smarter way to navigate this process? Here are some key dos and don’ts for pursuing your next big professional goal online.