Nepotism and connections: when merit isn't enough

Jobs go to those who know someone? How inequality and nepotism affect you, questions to reflect on and what coaching can and cannot do here.

Society and culture

Jobs and opportunities go to those who know someone, not to those who fit best. Merit alone doesn't seem to be enough.

How it can show up

Jobs go to acquaintances before they are even advertised.
You feel your qualifications count for less than your name or background.
Sometimes you don't even apply because you see no chance.
You wonder whether you should use connections yourself.

Questions for you

There are no right answers. Take the question that stays with you.

Which people around you know ways into the fields that interest you?
How could you build an honest professional network?
Where does merit count more than connections, for example with certain employers or competitions?
What is the difference for you between networking and nepotism?

What coaching can do

Coaching does not change such structures. It can help you build your own honest professional network and find paths that depend less on connections.

When other help fits better

For concrete discrimination in hiring or at work, anti-discrimination services or legal advice can help.

If it is too much right now

Coaching is not psychotherapy and not a crisis service. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact the emergency services where you are right away, or a crisis service near you.