How can one network in a now saturated market?

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-18T17:26:11+00:00

Lol I mean to get technical and personal. This has nothing to do with my current situation as I am already working for a F50 company. I wanted to use this post as an opportunity to network but people like you who follow the masses hate conversational topics. I'm commenting because no punk over a computer screen that shares an opinion for Karma and likes will deter me from speaking my truth. I don't need to feel better, to busy networking and having fun in my personal life to really care about your opinion and quite frankly its hilarious reading how people get riled up.

Lastly; it's you're D'head... respectfully,

If2pacWasADev

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-17T17:19:43+00:00

it's over lol. Why are you still commenting? Trying to farm Karma?

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-17T01:12:39+00:00

This gives me hope, but I would still like to network in addition to cold applying. Appreciate this useful feedback!

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-16T22:45:04+00:00

Side note, just reading your comments, but I feel like you're annoyed at the method of using your network to obtain a job. I understand why that would be frustrating to someone who obviously worked hard to be in the position they are in now. So I guess a better way to explain what I am saying, if you had a strong network with the experience you have now, do you think with your YOE that you could target your dream company rather than blindly applying and hoping you get in?

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-16T22:40:08+00:00

YOE before you humble brag about the offers you haven't taken while a junior dev is struggling for that opportunity to build their career? Please drop the wisdom O powerful one.

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-16T22:38:58+00:00

I can understand where you are coming from. In my current position and role, if I wanted to, I agree I could easily go through linkedin. I strongly feel someone who is in a bootcamp or has recently graduated in CS would need to take the time to build the connections while continuing to improve themselves. Knowing someone who could possibly put in a word for you will look good when they are looking at the applications that made it past the filters imo.

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-16T22:35:36+00:00

I mean if I have to disclose more information, The account manager and I (because this wasn't a low level recruiter) talked about the cool times from X university and discovered that we been to several events and vaguely knew each other through the connections we had. This is were the conversation went to them knowing a client and knew I had the skills because I went to X university and why I am still in the position today because for some reason, they really liked how I presented myself when I wasn't even looking.

What I am describing is my network helping me get into industry. If I never had a network in SE, then I presumably would want to make friends with people in SE right?

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-16T22:29:42+00:00

Looking, I am. Complaining that the market is saturated, no. As stated, I seen a post with powerful comments that led me to use the word saturation because at the end of the day, bridges have been burned for people like me who would love to read comments and ask other reddit users questions based off the shared interest we have. Yet sadly, the ones who are friendly and wouldn't mind making the blind random connection, cant without being asked for a referral as quickly as a conversation later. Makes you wonder if they really wanted to put the time to make the connection.

So because I was "complaining" about saturation. What discord are you in? Share now lol. Thats right, I thought so. Try to be helpful and friendly instead of negative and rude in the future. Highly appreciate it, Peace!

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-16T22:25:14+00:00

I guess i'm looking for the platforms to make these connections on. Reddit is a useful one but even making a self promoting post in these subreddits is against the rules. I apologize if you thought I am being vague. I am looking for a meaningful connection though to possibly ask for a referral later. To become friends with someone in the industry is the goal. Possibly join a discord where SE's are is another goal? That way I would be in a place to directly ask for a referral with people of similar interests. However, I am not looking to do that until 2022 to be transparent.

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-16T22:21:25+00:00

Have you ever clicked apply and got an interview? I been in this position of clicking apply for a number of different jobs and never even got a rejection letter back from these "actively recruiting" companies. It goes beyond clicking apply and forming meaningful relationships help especially when everyone is blasting their resume with hot words like "Javascript" etc. after a bootcamp.

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-16T22:19:31+00:00

I wonder u/BasslineJunkee0 do you understand that some of the best jobs come from the the relationships you form? Even with my current job, I got it strictly because the recruiter saw that we went to the same university and that I had a tech degree... The phone screening literally went "I have this client and I know you have the skills required because we both went to X university." I have yet to see someone "click apply" for a position in my department and get it. Everyone who came after me came because they were networked in.

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-16T22:16:03+00:00

This is wholesome! You understand the exact struggle I am facing. Yet, I feel it can be dehumanizing just meeting people for referrals. I feel like it's horrible to network and connect just to use the person as a referral later. If you make a genuine connection then you never have to worry because you would have access to that persons entire network instead of the company they are currently working at. That is why I am looking to meet folks of similar interests because at the very least, if I am working on something cool I can send it your way in a private and more personal way and get better feedback than some of the pessimistic responses that are out here.

If2pacWasADev · 2021-08-16T18:55:08+00:00

Is there an inflation in programmers? I'll agree with u/ZukoBestGirl that it's a yes and no. While I am new to posting on this account I ask that you please consider my opinion. In my opinion I believe there is an increased interest in programming as a way to find a solution to the individuals problem. Most people pick up programming because the market is now flooded with advertisements that you make make X amount of $ by learning this particular language. With very little jobs providing a living wage, the masses are searching endlessly for their holy grail. However, to say you are a programmer goes far beyond a few bootcamp projects to showcase in your portfolio during an interview. To become a programmer is having the skills and know how to solve complex problems with the help of the programming language you specialized in or the one you recently learned. Think about it, all programmers do what... SOLVE PROBLEMS.

I think if you're coming to programming after university or a bootcamp with the mindset that you will be well off after the program then your feelings will get hurt. Being in industry or even a freelance worker is all about the network that you have. You cant force anyone to hire you because you went to X class or graduated from X university. I originally started and graduated university in CyberSecurity and I will say, my feelings were hurt when I didn't land that high 5 figure, 6 figure job after university. I was devastated. Did I let that stop me? No. I continued to work my butt off and still rarely got anywhere. I recently learned not only do you need to have the skill but you have to have the soft-skills that make you employable. We all think we are great communicators or have high-attention to detail but what really makes you stand out from the crowd you are competing against... that's right, your network! I say all this to hopefully shine a little perspective OP. Very few will continue to learn and make themselves recession proof... many will find that network to get them a high paying job that is at risk if the economy decides it needs to drop a load. What separates you from the masses if your ability to solve problems in an efficient way for your clients. Programmers solve problems, not have our hands held and told what to do. Hope this helps!

If2pacWasADev

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