[owinebarger]

I agree with your assessment of learning a new language != getting better at programming, as well as how you become an expert in a particular field.

After reviewing these comments, it seems the interesting aspect of Giles Bowkett's paragraph is the emphasis on networking your way to a person with a need. It's easy to get blinded by the easy access to openings posted on job boards to the existence of non-advertised positions and enterprises you may not be familiar with. Rather than "job-getting" skill I'd call it "opportunity-finding" skills. Getting past HR can be a bear.