Networking is key. Networking relies heavily on communication So keep your focus narrow technically. Strengths and Interests. Strengths and interests. Let go of everything else. And practice commuicating your skills in new ways. Express yourself authentically. The more you do that, and start to get comfortable doing it in public settings (online or in-person), eventually the people who need your skills will find you.
Joey, when you are networking, how did you introduce yourself? Did you mention you are a developer and look for a job? not sure it is suitable
Did you mention you are a developer and look for a job?
Nope not at all. Networking is something you can be doing at any time. For the position that I did find, I created a profile on y-combinator co-founder matching and just started meeting people. A bunch of people I didn't keep in touch with, but I'd say out of the 20 people I met, I made strong long lasting connections with 3 of them.
The goal of networking is not "I have a problem I need you to help me with". It's more:
"This is who I am. Who are you? Oh, we both share these interests. Oh, you're trying to learn X, I can help you with that". Then months later "Hey I remember you did Y, could you help me with that?" Then months later "Hey I have a position open at my company that you'd be a great fit for".
A network is something you build over a long period of time and it will serve you in ways that you may not be able to predict at first I just introduce myself as who I am. I am a software developer, I've done X, Y, Z. My hobbies and interests are ____. I can help people with ______. Happy to help you find ways you could expand your network based on where you are currently spending your time. It will look different for everyone By signing up for mentorship, you added me to your network The more I get to know you, know what you truly excel at, know what value you can bring to something, the more likely I might come across some opportunity that aligns with you and pass it along