| Connections can always help, but they're never a substitute for actual "substance" in a candidate. Connections can help a bit in the earlier stages of the process (such as getting an interview), but generally don't count for too much when it comes down to final decisions. To get hired you have to prove yourself in the earlier stages of the process or during your internship.
There are generally far too many people involved in the hiring process for one person to be able to just say "yeah I know that person let's just hire them" if the others weren't impressed with the interviews or other factors. Obviously there can be exceptions, but generally speaking a connection might get your foot in the door but after that you've got to prove your own worth. |