Network your way into a Tech Job you actually want

Imagine this, you’ve got the skills, the experience and the drive to land that perfect tech job. Despite sending out countless CVs and tweaking your LinkedIn profile to perfection, you’re still not getting the right interview invites, or worse any feedback at all when it's a no. Frustrating, right? 

Today’s job hunt means looking beyond your CV and what you know, to also capitalise on who you know and how to use your network to your advantage. Standing out from the crowd means finding new ways to catch the right people's attention through - you guessed it - networking. 

First things first, if you’re passionate about what you do and serious about finding that perfect job to match your skills, start by immersing yourself in the tech community itself. This isn’t just about attending one off events or joining online groups to watch from the sidelines; it’s about becoming an active, engaged member of the community. 

Start by checking out your local meet-ups, hackathons and tech conferences. These events are a goldmine for meeting like-minded professionals and potential employers. As well as being a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies so you are constantly up-skilling or growing.

Networking on online platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow and Reddit are bursting with engaged tech enthusiasts. These are great spaces and opportunities to share your projects, contribute to discussions and ask peers for feedback. The more you engage, the more you’ll get noticed.

Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or adding random people on LinkedIn, it’s about building genuine relationships, which takes time and energy. So, how do you do that? By being authentic, when you’re connecting with others, be yourself. Share your interests, passions, career goals and aspirations. People are more likely to remember and help someone who is authentic and relatable.

Networking is a two-way street, so think about what you can offer to others, whether it’s your expertise, a helpful resource or even an introduction to someone in your network. When you provide value, people are more inclined to not just remember you, but also reciprocate. After meeting someone, take the time to follow up with a personalised message. Mention something specific you talked about and express your enthusiasm for staying in touch. This small gesture can go a long way in solidifying and building your connections and network.

Let’s not forget about social media, it can be a powerful networking tool when used correctly. Building an online presence, particularly when looking for new work opportunities, is a great way to increase your visibility, showcase your skills and connect with like-minded peers to name a few. Join the conversation and engage in relevant communities, but be sure to maintain an up to date online profile on any recruitment and connection platforms like One Degree so that hiring managers who want to learn more about you find the most relevant and up to date information they need. 

Sometimes, the best opportunities come from people you already know, so tapping into your personal network is a must. Reaching out to former colleagues, classmates or even mentors is a great place to start. Let them know what you’re up to and ask if they’re aware of any opportunities in the tech space. People are often more than willing to help out if you take the initiative and be clear about what you’re looking for.

And finally be persistent but patient - networking done well and authentically is a long game. It takes time to build relationships and see the fruits of your efforts. Keep engaging with the community and don’t get discouraged by setbacks, these happen. Networking your way into a tech job isn’t just a strategy—it’s an ongoing process that involves being active, authentic and generous with your time and expertise. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start connecting.

Learn more about how we help jobseekers connect with hiring companies in Tech.