Steve's barking it's not what you know

In America we have this myth that the more you know the better the your chances to land that great job.

This maybe the case in many jobs but I've noticed that it's better to be in the know with the hiring person and or have an in with the company.I used to pride myself that I was a civil servant and I had to take a test to get the jobs I had, unfortunately that is turning into a myth by default. It's the default of outside contractors. It's the default in some parts of civil service like the New York City Fire Departments Legacy rules were having a relative in the fire departments gives you extra points on the test.*

I ask the question, would someone have a large edge if they belong to right fraternity or sorority then the person with the right resume?

Doesn't the person from the Ivy league school with a lower GPA get the nod over a state school alumni?

Doesn't the person who has connections with the board generally get the position in the firm over the person who doesn't?

How many times have I heard of wavering of requirements in civil services and even the private sector to do some one a favor?**

* In my opinion doing away with legacy points would do away with discrimination in the fire department in New York City.

** The waving of requirements to do a favor brought Kathy Black to the board of education which was a disaster. Mayor Giuliani had several heads of agencies who were not qualified including a police commissioner.

The general rule to get the right job is to go to the right school, the fraternity, sorority or being born to the right parents.