Why Is Networking Important for a Job Search and Tech Career?

Networking has long served as a key element for many successful tech professionals, allowing them to grow their careers and develop longstanding relationships with friends and colleagues. Moreover, the opportunities to network are vast, ranging from industry events to social media.

The art of networking can seem complex and intimidating. However, honing your network skills can bring you major benefits, especially in the hybrid work era where you may be seeing colleagues and higher-ups less often than before. Even for those who work remotely, networking is an important skill to develop.

“If professionals don’t focus on networking or building a network, it lessens their chance of being considered for a role, with many that don’t even make it onto the job boards,” says Jenna Spathis, senior unit manager of Technology recruiting services, LaSalle Network.

Networking can introduce you to professionals who can later become mentors who can serve as a sounding board for professional advice or when evaluating career moves. In other words, the payoff for good networking is massive.

Effective Strategies for Attending Tech Job Fairs & Career Events

“Don’t dismiss a position you haven’t been hired for yet,” Spathis says. “Meaning, don’t skip out on learning about different companies and positions, even if it’s not directly what you want to do.”

Just because you have a conversation doesn’t mean you’re being interviewed for the position, or that you must accept that role; it’s simply a great way to learn about different industries and positions. When at job fairs and career events, Spathis says, do your best to be an active listener, a willing participant in the conversation, and draw connections between work or your personal life.

Exchange business cards and follow up with a LinkedIn connection after the event, including a personal message based on something you discussed at the event. “Maintaining your network is just as important as building it,” she says. “Make an effort to touch base with people in your network on a quarterly basis.”

Thomas Vick, senior regional director at Robert Half Technology, suggested that, when going into job fairs, tech pros should research who will be attending and what topics are likely to come up in conversation.

“Make sure you’re adding something relevant from that perspective—you want to be ready to add value,” he said. “This is not just a one-way street. Don’t think about going to a networking group to get something out of it just for yourself. Look to add value in your attendance.”

Unlocking the Power of Online Job Boards & Networking Platforms

Spathis calls LinkedIn one of the most powerful tools for networking. “The interface is intuitive, easy to navigate, and helps you visualize your network,” she says. “It also helps you to stay up-to-date on who in your network may be hiring, who recently made a career move, or who is looking for new opportunities.”

As she points out, many organizations, associations, and user-groups have pages on LinkedIn to foster community and connection and serve as another way to grow your professional network.

Building a network and being connected to others on this site can be instrumental during a job search. “If you are connected to someone at the company you are hopeful to join, reach out to that person to learn more about the role or the company,” Spathis says. “If you have a second-degree connection, you may ask the person you are connected with to make a warm introduction.”

In some cases, they may be able to introduce you more directly to the person hiring for the position.

Vick advised taking a proactive approach of reaching out to an individual or the target company, connecting via LinkedIn and learning about their values, company mission, and how that relates to whatever you’re doing at the moment. “It’s about personalizing your approach as you reach out to people within the company,” he said.

Mastering the Informational Interview: Learning from Tech Professionals

Cody Wheeler, senior manager of employer relations for U.S. and Canada at CompTIA, said informational interviews can offer valuable insights to help you determine if a company or role is truly the right fit for you.

“Often, job descriptions and company portrayals can be misleading,” he said. “An informational interview allows you to hear directly from employees about their actual experiences, helping you uncover the reality of the job.”

For example, a role advertised as innovative might involve more mundane tasks like working on legacy code, which is not highlighted in the job description. Wheeler said these interviews are crucial to avoid the disappointment of securing a “dream job” only to find it doesn’t meet your expectations.

“By making connections through platforms like LinkedIn, you can get honest feedback about the job and company culture,” Wheeler said. “However, it’s important to approach these professionals thoughtfully.”

Simply sending a generic LinkedIn message is unlikely to get a response. Instead, find common ground—whether it’s a shared alma mater, interest, or certification—to make your request more personal and engaging. “Persistence and creativity are key,” Wheeler said. “Set a routine to reach out regularly, using different methods such as LinkedIn messages, emails, or social media interactions.”

For example, if you notice someone shares an interest in a hobby or just celebrated a milestone, mention it in your message to create a connection. “Quality over quantity is essential,” Wheeler added. “Focus on a few companies you are passionate about and target specific individuals within those organizations.”

This approach increases the chances of a meaningful response and can lead to further introductions and opportunities. Even if an initial response is “no,” it might open doors to other valuable connections.  

The Art of the Referral: How Your Network Can Open Doors

Wheeler also emphasized the importance of leveraging your professional network for job visibility and networking. “Even acquaintances in your network can be valuable for introductions,” he said. “Simply ask if someone knows a connection well enough to introduce you. This approach can open doors to new opportunities.”

Additionally, Wheeler highlights the value of attending tech association meetups and networking events. Meeting industry leaders and asking them to mentor you can exponentially increase your network: “As mentors become comfortable with you, they may recommend you to their connections, further expanding your opportunities.”

Networking for Tech Career Growth: Building Beyond the Job Search

While online resources—aided by GenAI tools—are streamlining the job search, making connections and building your network goes beyond submitting applications or even attending job fairs. Mentors, advisors, and learning to leverage your existing network can open additional doors and unlock more opportunities for growth.

Connecting with Mentors & Advisors: Find Your Tech Career Guiding Light 

To connect with mentors and advisors, start by identifying individuals who have achieved what you aspire to in their careers or hold positions you aim to attain. “Seek out these individuals and ask if they are willing to mentor you,” Vick said.

If direct contact is challenging, use your network to find someone who knows them and can facilitate an introduction on your behalf.

Additionally, Vick advises tech professionals to explore mentorship opportunities within their own organization: “Many companies have formal or informal mentorship programs… Proactively seek out these opportunities and work with your company to identify potential mentors.”

From Vick’s perspective, taking a strategic approach is crucial: Do your homework in advance to determine who would be a good fit as a mentor, and use your network to facilitate introductions or make direct contact yourself. “Finally, remember that mentorship should be a two-way street,” he said. “Consider what value you can bring to the mentor, making the relationship mutually beneficial.”

Leveraging Networking for Career Advancement and Promotions in the Tech Industry

Spathis says LinkedIn offers employers or managers to post updates, oftentimes that are to share they are hiring for new roles, with messages that often end with the phrase, “Do you know anyone?”

“This is the employer’s call to action for their connections to leverage their networks if they know good people for the opening,” she says.

Building Your Tech Brand Online: Social Media Strategies for Success 

The use of social media channels, from Substack to LinkedIn to more informal platforms like Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) can help you build your personal brand and expand your network in multiple directions simultaneously—but it comes with some dangers.

Vick advises being intentional and strategic about building your social media brand. “Start by defining what you want your brand to represent and how it will add value or interest others,” he said. “Ensure your content is relevant to your current job, desired career, or other value-added topics that will attract and retain the interest of your audience.”

He advised focusing on creating a cohesive and targeted brand image that demonstrates expertise and value, rather than being sporadic and unfocused: “This strategic approach should guide the content you produce and share.”

He added that discipline is crucial: Consistently post content that aligns with your brand goals and avoid controversial topics that could negatively influence perceptions. While a general rule would be to avoid hot-button issues, there is also opportunity in demonstrating outside-the-box thinking.

“Just make sure they’re still relevant to the brand you want to represent,” he said. “You want to comment in a manner that stays professional and stays on script with what it is you’re looking to accomplish within your career.”

The Power of Collaboration: Partnering with Peers for Growth and Innovation

Wheeler explained that collaboration among IT professionals, especially those working in different companies, significantly expands job visibility and networking opportunities: “Think of it as widening your net to access more resources and opportunities.”

Relying solely on job boards or LinkedIn limits your reach, especially in the current job market where many postings might be speculative or aimed at building a future pipeline rather than filling immediate positions.

For example, your collaborator might hear about upcoming job openings or internal changes before they are publicly announced, giving you a competitive edge. “This insider knowledge can include details like when a company’s fiscal year ends and when they typically start hiring, allowing you to time your applications more effectively,” Wheeler explained.

Additionally, working cross-functionally with peers can provide insights into industry trends and best practices, enhancing your professional growth and making you more attractive to potential employers.

“This collaborative approach not only broadens your professional network but also keeps you informed about the job market dynamics and opportunities that might not be visible through traditional channels,” he said.

Networking Toolkit for Tech Professionals

Wheeler said creating a compelling elevator pitch relies heavily on the individual’s personality.

“Whether you’re humorous, extroverted, or detail-oriented, tailor your approach to catch the recruiter’s attention,” he said. “In a crowded field where recruiters may review hundreds of resumes, standing out is key.”

He recommended starting with something engaging and relevant: If you have a humorous streak, a light-hearted joke can break the ice. “Otherwise, dive straight into a unique insight about the company,” he said.

For example, if you know the company is upgrading to an API-driven architecture, mention your experience with similar projects. One could say something along the lines of; “I noticed your company is transitioning to an API-driven architecture. I led a similar project at my last company and would love to share my GitHub where you can see some of my work.”

Wheeler said it’s important to keep your message concise and focused: Highlight why you’re a good fit by linking to your portfolio or specific projects that align with the company’s needs: “This demonstrates not only your technical skills but also that you’ve done your homework and understand their current initiatives.”

Wheeler added demonstrating thorough preparation and genuine interest in the company can make a significant impression: “Research the company, understand its culture, and if possible, connect with team members to get an inside scoop… This preparation allows you to tailor your pitch effectively.”

Conclusion

Networking takes multiple forms and offers potential benefits beyond just finding your next gig: honing your networking skills helps you build a supportive community of peers and mentors where ideas are shared and unexpected pathways to new professional opportunities unfold.

“Remember, it’s often the candidate who is best prepared and can clearly align their skills with the role who gets the job,” Wheeler said. “This means not only showcasing your skills but also understanding the company’s needs and culture.”

Whether through industry events, social media platforms, or online networking forums, the ability to meet new people and forge strong connections is indispensable.

From sharing insights and experiences to receiving referrals and mentorship, a robust network empowers tech professionals to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and chart a fulfilling career path.