As in, to obtain a job through someone in that network. That's my situation at the moment. I'm a software engineer who doesn't have any peers that work a similar job. I also lost my job, and socially I mostly keep to myself as an introvert. Also, I am not entry-level in this. I have been in the field since 2007.<p>I was laid off from my last job and my ex-employer doesn't know anyone else that is looking to hire a software engineer. He just sometimes messages me saying "I might have some work for you to do" as short term gigs but it's nothing full-time and not sustainable at all to make a living of.<p>With that said, I started submitting job applications as a total stranger, but also tried hitting up the people I already know. It is then that I realized none of my local friends are in software engineering.<p>I posted an announcement on my Facebook wall saying I'm currently in the market and that if anyone knows anyone that's hiring for a SWE to send me a message.<p>I didn't get replies from the post (have 120 or so FB friends). One of my friends re-posted it with similar wording, but he didn't get any replies either.<p>So now I'm thinking that I'm approaching my network wrong. There has to be a better way to find the diamonds in the rough. If you had to find a new job and don't have one, in what way would you approach a network if it was like mine?
I think you may be confusing friend network and business network. After 10 years in the field, it is <i>inacceptable</i> that you don't have at least a dozen of past colleagues to call to get an internal referral. I personally don't use Facebook but it doesn't strike me as the best platform for that. Your buddies and college friends are one thing, your ex coworkers/reports/managers are another.<p>TBH, it should be easy to find a gig simply by applying to open positions that you find on interesting companies websites. However, I strongly recommend that you start working more seriously on your professional network in the future. Make sure you keep in touch with good colleagues, make sure you remain in good terms with everybody, etc.
Have you tried:
angel.co
triplebyte.com<p>they are both great resources for software engineers looking for jobs!<p>angle.co is a great place for finding a job in a startup (of all shapes and sizes).<p>I have personally never tried triplebyte.com, but I have head good things about it.<p>Also, go to meetups (meetup.com) around your area and start networking, it's never too late to start networking and meetups are a great place to start networking if you are new to it...<p>You can also start a blog+portfolio and go freelancing for a while. Most times freelancers get hired as full-time employees if they are working on large projects and the client recognizes the value you bring to the table and wants to retain you.
Type up your CV and find recruiters.<p>They sometimes get a bad name, but that's also sometimes undeserved, and the good ones are like gold; they will often know people in their clients' business well. That's your pre-made network.<p>No need to show loyalty to one recruiter at the start. Get in touch with a few, and continue with the ones you like. You'll also be in their rollerdex forever more.<p>As you're still on good terms with your former employer, mention, emphasise this - you're laid off because of circumstances out of your control, not performance related.
Play the numbers game. You definitely have software development experience so apply 'as total stranger' to as many places as you can through their jobs section. With the giants (Google, FB, Amzn, etc) it may be harder to hear back from this way, but mid-sized and smaller companies are more likely to respond to you. While applying for internships and new grad positions, overall I applied to more places 'as total stranger' as opposed to via referrals from friends and received responses.
Maybe you're looking at it a little wrong. Maybe some of your friend run a business and need some IT help, maybe they need a website?<p>Try reframing it from their perspective, not what they can do for you (tell you if people are hiring) but what you can do for them (make them a website, sort out their IT etc)