Tech recruiters won’t say this out loud, but your resume isn’t the only thing getting you in the door—and it might not even be the most important. Want the real cheat code to landing a tech job? Networking. Good old-fashioned, talk-to-people networking.
Whether you’re pivoting into tech or just trying to land your first big role, who you know (and who knows you) can carry a lot more weight than a bootcamp certificate alone—though we do think ours are pretty snazzy.
Let’s break down some tried-and-true networking tips to land a job in tech—and how GA can help you do it without feeling like a used car salesperson.
Why networking works in tech
The tech world is tight-knit. Everyone’s a Slack message away from someone hiring. According to the 2024 Employ Recruiter Nation Report, employee referrals and career websites each accounted for 35% of hires, tying for the third most effective source of hire.
Also, many roles never get posted online. They get filled before the listing even goes live. So, if you’re waiting to apply through a job board, you’re already behind.
Networking helps you:
- Get referred for roles before they’re public
- Learn insider details about companies and teams
- Build trust faster with hiring managers
And spoiler alert: most people aren’t actively networking. Which means if you are, you stand out.
Start with the easiest win: LinkedIn
Like it or not, your LinkedIn profile is your digital handshake—and in tech, it’s one of the first places recruiters look (so make sure it looks good).
- Add a headline that says what you want to do, not just where you’ve been
- Include a short, snappy summary (AI can help with this—our free AI for job search class will show you how)
- List projects from your portfolio or bootcamp work
- Connect with people you meet in class, online communities, and events
Once your profile’s in shape, start engaging—and stay active. Comment on posts, repost industry news and content you find insightful, post your own original content, and message folks (respectfully) who are in roles you want or who you think would be beneficial to learn from.
Go to events—yes, even the awkward ones
This is one of the most effective networking tips to land a job in tech: show up.
Industry meetups. Online hackathons. GA panels. Free workshops. Even weird virtual happy hours where someone’s dog is always barking in the background.
Start small:
- Our free classes and events are a great no-pressure way to meet other learners and instructors in real time.
- Step it up with a workshop and spend one or two sessions learning alongside peers who may become future classmates or coworkers.
- Bonus tip: always follow up with people you meet. A quick LinkedIn note saying “Loved your point about X” goes a long way.
Make your GA alumni status work for you
If you’ve taken a course or bootcamp with us, congrats—you’re now part of one of the most passionate tech learning communities out there.
The GA alumni network is more than just a list of grads. It’s a referral engine. A sounding board. A job lead generator. And you’d better believe we’ve got a slew of alumni perks to keep your skills sharp, like:
- Access to exclusive job boards
- Alumni-only events and networking groups
- Referrals from peers who are now hiring managers
- Continued learning discounts so you can keep leveling up
Translation: We don’t ghost you after graduation. We’re more like the friend who actually answers your texts.
Social media: turn your scrolling habit into a job strategy
Follow the companies you’re interested in. Engage with their content. Learn their tone and culture before you even apply.
Follow hiring managers and recruiters too. Just don’t immediately DM them your resume with zero context. You’ll end up in the “nope” pile.
Instead:
- Like and comment on their posts
- Share articles or thoughts about the industry
- After a few interactions, reach out with a polite note that shows you’ve done your research
Join niche online communities
Not all networking happens on LinkedIn. Join Slack groups, Discord servers, subreddits, or newsletters where your target audience hangs out.
Show up consistently. Ask questions. Offer help when you can. This is how you build your digital reputation.
Practice your elevator pitch
No, not the “I’m a results-driven team player” nonsense.
What’s your story? Why are you pivoting into tech? What are you learning? What excites you?
You’ll use this every time someone asks, “So what do you do?” Be clear, short, and human. Here’s a rough structure to follow:
- Where you are now
- What you’re learning (ex: taking a Data Analytics Short Course at GA)
- What you’re working toward
By the way, if you haven’t tried our short courses, they’re a great way to learn new skills and make new connections with peers and instructors who’ve been there.
Land referrals without being a leech
The best networking tip to land a job in tech? Don’t ask for a job. Ask for advice.
People love to talk about their own experience. Use that. Ask for a 15-minute chat to learn about their path into tech. If they like you and think you’re sharp, they might offer to refer you—without you even having to ask.
If they don’t? You still gained knowledge and made a new contact. That’s a win.
You’re not starting from scratch—you’re starting from GA
Whether you’re coming in fresh from a career pivot or brushing off the resume after a break, you’ve got options.
Start with a free class, upgrade to a workshop, or dive into a full-time or part-time bootcamp if you’re ready for a full career reset. The point is: you don’t have to go it alone.
Between our instructors, career services, alumni network, and partner employers, we’re here to help you build skills and make connections that matter.
TL;DR: Networking might feel intimidating—but it’s way more rewarding (and way less awkward) than you think.
Plus, with a few smart moves and the right community behind you (hi, we’re GA), you’ll be surprised how fast doors start opening.