Job Hunting: The Networking Game
I hate networking. But ignoring it was a mistake. Here's what I learned.
My Bias
I'm an introvert. "Networking" sounds like schmoozing at cocktail parties. Gross.
But networking isn't that. It's building genuine connections with people who share your interests.
What Actually Works
Online Communities
The Coder Life Discord has been huge. Not because people directly gave me jobs, but because:
- Job leads get shared
- Interview tips get exchanged
- You stay motivated seeing others succeed
Find communities around your tech stack. Participate genuinely, not just when you need something.
Building in Public
My blog posts and GitHub projects lead to conversations:
- "Saw your post about React hooks, had a question..."
- "That ZipDrop project is interesting, how did you..."
These conversations sometimes lead to referrals.
Former Colleagues
People you've worked with know your skills. They can vouch for you.
Don't reach out only when job hunting. Keep in touch:
- Congrats on their new role
- Share an article they'd find interesting
- Ask how their project turned out
Build the relationship before you need it.
What Doesn't Work
Cold LinkedIn Messages
"Hi I'm looking for a job can you refer me?"Delete.
People refer people they know and trust. You can't shortcut that.
Quantity Over Quality
100 shallow connections < 10 real relationships.
Focus on people you genuinely want to know, not a numbers game.
Transactional Thinking
If you only reach out when you need something, people notice.
Give value first. Help others. Share knowledge. Be useful.
Practical Steps
1. **Join 1-2 relevant communities** - Discord, Slack, local meetups 2. **Participate regularly** - Answer questions, share resources 3. **Reach out to former colleagues** - Just to catch up 4. **Share your work** - Blog posts, projects, learnings
It compounds over time.
The Mindset Shift
Networking isn't about extracting value from people.
It's about being part of a community. Helping each other. Making friends who happen to work in tech.
The job leads are a side effect of genuine connection.