Why THIS Might Matter More Than Your Resume

Author

Jerome Chandler
July 15, 2025

We all want to be prepared. We take courses. We work late. We polish our LinkedIn profiles. But what if the real secret to stability isn’t more skills—it’s stronger relationships?

Columbia business professor Dorie Clark puts it plainly:

“The thing that is going to get you to the front of the line when jobs are scarce is interpersonal relationships with people who are willing to go above and beyond and expend political capital to help you.”

In other words—who you know, and how you treat them, might matter more than what you know.

This is one of the hardest things for me to do. Honestly.

God Designed Us to Belong

Scripture agrees. Proverbs 27:10 says:

“Do not forsake your friend… better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.”

Even Jesus didn’t walk alone. He traveled, prayed, ate, and served with people. He knew the power of community. Even while balancing that with moments of going to mountains to pray.

Science Says It Too

Harvard's 80-year study on happiness and success found one major predictor of health and long-term well-being: strong relationships. Not wealth. Not education. Not job title. That is nearly unbelievable to hear. I once also heard that lack of community is like smoking a pack of cigs every day.

People with close connections:

  • Handle stress better

  • Recover faster from illness

  • Are more likely to get job referrals and support during tough times

Don’t Wait Until You’re in Trouble

The time to build relationships isn’t when you’re jobless or overwhelmed.

It’s now.

  • Send a check-in text to an old colleague

  • Ask someone new to coffee or tea

  • Join a small group at church or in your community

  • Offer help before you need it

Start with Love and Respect

Philippians 2:4 says:

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Be the kind of person others want to support—generous, encouraging, and present. It’s definitely not easy. AT. ALL. There’s so much we have to do and so little time. Work leaves us tired, worn out, frustrated and more. So often the last thing we want to do is, spend more time reaching out to people. But, we must!

Here’s a Quick 3-Step Relationship Builder

  1. Reach out to one person this week without needing anything from them.

  2. Thank someone for something they did, even if it was years ago.

  3. Pray for one friend by name today.

It’s soul work, not just networking.

Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about being the smartest or most skilled—but rather being the most connected in love.

And that’s a win in any season.