Jobseeker top tips
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. 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. Here’s some easy to apply top tips to turn connections into opportunities.
1. Immerse yourself in the Tech community
If you’re passionate about what you do and serious about finding that perfect job, start by immersing yourself in the tech community. 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.
- Attend local Meet-ups, Hackathons and Tech Conferences. These events are a goldmine for meeting like-minded professionals and potential employers. Plus, they’re a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
- Engage on online platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow and Reddit, they are bursting with engaged tech enthusiasts. Share your projects, contribute to discussions and ask peers for feedback. The more you engage, the more you’ll get noticed.
2. Build genuine relationships
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 investment.
- Be authentically yourself when connecting with others. Share your interests, passions, career goals and aspirations. People are more likely to remember and help someone who is authentic and relatable.
- Offer value, networking is a two-way street. 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.
- Keep in touch 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.
3. Use Social Media to raise your profile
Social media is 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.
- Keep your online profiles up to date especially on recruitment and connection platforms like One Degree, profiles that aren’t up-to-date are often overlooked by hiring managers searching for your skills and expertise.
- Be part of the conversation. Engage with industry leaders and companies you admire. Comment on posts, share content and join in on conversations to increase your visibility and stay informed on industry trends.
- Share your achievements and insights demonstrates your expertise and insights, attracting the attention of potential employers or collaborators.
4. Tap into your existing network
Sometimes, the best opportunities come from people you already know. Reaching out to former colleagues, classmates or even mentors is a great place to start.
Reconnect with old contacts to 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.
5. Be persistent but patient
Networking done well is a long game. It takes time to build relationships and see the fruits of your efforts. Stay persistent, keep engaging with the community and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.
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.