3 ms·

Network needn't mean talk to a million people. You can also value the depth of connections. And just being heads-up about opportunities with that group. Networ

Network needn't mean talk to a million people. You can also value the depth of connections. And just being heads-up about opportunities with that group. Networking doesn't just mean seeking things out for your self interest, but IMO helping and serving others. Which can just be your small friend group. It can also just mean "doing your job really well" which is a big help. Networking can mean that those in your network will actively seek you out to tell you about an opportunity. If you're actively helping others, reciprocity is somewhat natural human response It's not really, IMO, about cold-calling a bunch of randos and asking for help. It's about building deep connections and helping others professionally. What goes around, comes around, often in positive and unexpected ways.

superide 3y ago
I've been aware of the advice that it's better to rely on good referrals for a better chance at getting jobs than applying en masse so I know what you mean. But at this point in life, I lost interest in finding deep connections with the majority of people I meet. My network rarely tells me about jobs. But honestly I don't expect them to. Computing technology is very foreign to the close people in my life and I don't expect them to know much of what my professional needs are. I don't really go out of my way to help others- I am a recluse after all- unless you can count keeping them company for a while as "helping". I hang out with friends very sparingly and don't expect them to help out with a referral. I barely know anyone working in my field and my only friend that worked in tech left mid-career and became a landlord. Cold applying to local jobs on Craigslist from small places has historically been my most reliable source for jobs. More reliable than any recruiters, other job boards, or professional contacts (which have been 0% success with them). Despite the low reputation CL has, it has treated me the best out of the possible sources I've tried. I'm not saying they are quality jobs, but they are jobs. I am impoverished, however and only reason I'm not homeless is savings and a free ride from the government.

superide 3y ago

I've been aware of the advice that it's better to rely on good referrals for a better chance at getting jobs than applying en masse so I know what you mean. But at this point in life, I lost interest in finding deep connections with the majority of people I meet. My network rarely tells me about jobs. But honestly I don't expect them to. Computing technology is very foreign to the close people in my life and I don't expect them to know much of what my professional needs are. I don't really go out of my way to help others- I am a recluse after all- unless you can count keeping them company for a while as "helping". I hang out with friends very sparingly and don't expect them to help out with a referral. I barely know anyone working in my field and my only friend that worked in tech left mid-career and became a landlord. Cold applying to local jobs on Craigslist from small places has historically been my most reliable source for jobs. More reliable than any recruiters, other job boards, or professional contacts (which have been 0% success with them). Despite the low reputation CL has, it has treated me the best out of the possible sources I've tried. I'm not saying they are quality jobs, but they are jobs. I am impoverished, however and only reason I'm not homeless is savings and a free ride from the government.