Networking for Tech Jobs: LinkedIn and Beyond

The Networking Funnel

Unknown → second-degree connection → quick chat → referral. Optimize your profile, define a list of 30 target companies, and create legitimate touchpoints.

Message Scripts

1) First Contact

Hi [Name]! I enjoyed your work on [Project/Article]—especially [insight].
I’m exploring [topic] and built [short link].
Would you have 10 minutes so I can ask two quick questions?

2) Post-Chat Follow-up

Thanks again for your time! I applied your advice and did [concrete action].
If anything opens up in [area/stack], I’d love to contribute. Cheers!

Events & Communities

• Meetups (cloud, data, security, Python, JS) and online chapters.
• Mentorship programs and leader office hours.
• OSS issues/discussions—consistent participation.

Metrics

• New connections/week.
• Chats scheduled.
• Referrals obtained.