Building Connections as an Engineer

How senior engineering roles are actually filled (what no one tells you) After helping dozens of engineers land leadership positions, I've learned that the traditional approach to networking fails at senior levels. Here's what really works: 1. Stop collecting random connections. Start building a "brain trust" of 5-7 deep relationships with peers at your target level. These become your sounding board, insider guides, and eventually, your advocates. 2. Contribute meaningfully to technical communities before you need anything. Senior engineers who regularly share learnings in Slack groups, contribute to open source, or solve problems on GitHub build credibility that recruitment posts never can. 3. Document your engineering approach publicly. Writing thoughtful posts about technical decisions, architecture patterns, or leadership philosophies gives hiring managers insight into how you think—which matters more than your resume. 4. Master the "problem-focused" conversation. When meeting engineering leaders, avoid asking about job openings. Instead, ask about their current technical challenges and offer perspectives. These exchanges demonstrate your value naturally. 5. Find the "kingmakers" in your desired organization. These aren't recruiters or hiring managers—they're respected senior engineers whose technical opinion carries weight. One referral from them outweighs 50 applications. 6. Develop specialized knowledge in emerging areas where talent is scarce. Becoming the go-to person for a specific technical domain creates inbound opportunities when companies need that expertise. 7. Join technical decision-making forums. Participating in architecture reviews, RFC discussions, or technical design panels positions you alongside senior engineers and makes your transition to their level feel natural. 8. Create leverage through comparative knowledge. Engineers who can speak intelligently about how different companies solve similar technical problems bring unique value to senior discussions. 9. Understand the "hidden org chart" Who actually influences decisions versus who has the formal authority. This insight comes only through relationship building. 10. Be deliberately visible during company inflection points. Major product launches, technical migrations, or strategic pivots create opportunities for external experts to engage meaningfully. The traditional networking advice—attend events, send cold messages, ask for referrals—works for entry and mid-level roles but falls flat for senior positions. At senior levels, you don't get hired through applications. You get hired because the right people already know your value.

I recently worked with a client in the engineering sector - an organisation doing complex, high-value work led by some of the smartest people I have meet. While their company LinkedIn page was active and well-branded, their technical experts were practically invisible online. No thought leadership. No insights. No signs of the incredible work being done behind the scenes. In organisations driven by engineers, scientists, technologists, analysts, and other deep subject-matter experts - the strength of your brand is tied to the expertise inside the business. But too often, that expertise is locked in internal meetings, reports, or project files. When prospective clients, partners, or even future employees are doing their research they’re not just looking at your website or your company page. 👩💻 They’re searching the names behind the brand. In this case, none of the engineers had updated LinkedIn profiles. Most of them still had CV-style summaries from their graduate roles. Their networks were small, mostly internal or peers from university. And they weren’t sharing anything publicly, despite working on major national projects and presenting at conferences. The company knew their people were their biggest asset, but their digital presence didn’t reflect it. Here is what we did: ✅ Profile - We started by rewriting LinkedIn profiles for the leadership team and senior engineers. The goal was to translate what they were doing into something more accessible and credible for people outside their world. ✅ Content - This isn't about posting every day or doing video, it's about showing what they are already doing. We supported them to: ➡️ Share one-paragraph reflections after speaking at events or conferences ➡️ Break down why a specific approach or methodology was used in a project ➡️ Add context to industry news or innovations and link back to their real-world experience ➡️Comment meaningfully on relevant conversations happening in their field ✅ Connection: Finally, we helped them to expand their networks. Most had connections limited to their immediate teams or university classmates. We helped them connect intentionally. As a result, the business’s credibility increased. Not just through a logo but through the people delivering the work. 💬 Technical experts don’t need to become influencers or marketers. They don't need to post daily. They don't need to create videos. But they do need to show up with clarity and credibility. If your team of engineers, technologists, analysts, and other deep subject-matter experts are still invisible on LinkedIn, I’d love to help bring their expertise forward because in today's digital-first world, being findable and understood is part of being trusted. #linkedin #tech #marketing

A software engineer I coach told me recently: “I’ve shipped code that runs in a global tech company. But on LinkedIn, I feel invisible.” When I asked, “Do recruiters reach out to you?” The answer was no. He had 300 connections, a bare profile, and no posts. Meanwhile, equally skilled peers were landing interviews because their presence spoke for them. 👉 In 2025, your LinkedIn is often your first interview. In ANZ, hiring managers check it before your CV. If it’s blank, you’ve already lost valuable ground. Here’s how to start (without feeling like an influencer): 1. Define your audience. Don’t post for “everyone.” If you’re in engineering, product, or data, your audience is hiring managers, tech leads, and peers in your craft. 2. Build daily (weekly or even monthly) micro-visibility (15 minutes). - Connect with 1–2 relevant people (e.g. heads of engineering, PMs). - Leave 2–3 thoughtful comments. (Tip: instead of “Great post,” try: “We tried this at X but hit Y challenge — curious if others saw that too?”) 3. Post one breadcrumb of expertise each week (or month). You don’t need polish. Try prompts like: “One thing I learned debugging [tool] this week…” “A mistake I made with [framework] and what I’ll do differently…” “The best question I got from a teammate and how I answered it…” This isn’t bragging. It’s documenting. And recruiters aren’t scanning for influencers, they’re looking for proof of how you think, solve problems, and work with others. Here’s the recruiter truth: when I scan profiles, skills alone aren’t always enough. Some signals rarely show up on a CV. They show up in breadcrumbs, recent posts, thoughtful comments, or evidence you’re engaging with your craft. ↳ Are you sharing what you’re working on? ↳ Are you contributing to conversations in your field? ↳ Are you leaving proof that you’re still learning and growing? Those tiny signals give me confidence. They tell me you’re not just qualified, you’re active, relevant, and someone worth talking to. Takeaway: Your LinkedIn isn’t just a CV. It’s an active portfolio that works for you while you sleep. Start small. Show up weekly. Build trust before the interview even starts. If you’ve felt invisible online, test one of the prompts above this week. And if you want more recruiter-side insights from inside the ANZ tech hiring market, hit Follow. I share them here every week.

Struggling to get noticed on LinkedIn? You’re not alone. Here are 8 actionable insights to help you build a real, high value network. ➤ Authenticity Over Everything People see right through fluff. Share genuine challenges, from debugging nightmares to leadership lessons. Yes, it takes longer, but authenticity creates stronger trust. ➤ Quality Engagement Beats Quantity Thoughtful comments and real conversation matter more than vanity metrics such as likes and follows. Focus on sharing insights that help others solve problems or learn new skills. ➤ Building a Real Network Great connections can turn into collaborations, meetups, or Slack groups. Look beyond big names. Find peers who share your drive or tech stack for more meaningful relationships. ➤ Consistency and Routine Show up regularly. Post short updates, respond to comments, and engage with others. Consistency signals you’re active, professional, and open to new opportunities. ➤ Beware of Growth Hacks Pods and automated engagement might boost numbers, but they rarely yield genuine leads or referrals. Aim for organic growth rooted in authenticity. ➤ Mixing Personal and Professional Engineers are people too! Share a career pivot story or highlight a big coding win. Blending professional insights with personal anecdotes shows the real you. ➤ The ROI of Being Generous Offer free resources, cheat sheets, or mentorship tips. Showing genuine care for others’ growth naturally attracts collaborators, recruiters, and mentees. ➤ Final Words of Wisdom Stop chasing “viral.” Focus on honest interactions, consistent sharing, and helping others. That’s how you truly grow and find the opportunities that matter.

𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 🅻🅴🆂🆂🅾🅽 8/10 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 Connections are invaluable in the tech industry—they can open doors to opportunities, provide insights into the field, and accelerate your career growth. Here's how to build a strong professional network: 𝟭. 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 Industry events are excellent places to meet professionals, exchange ideas, and stay updated on the latest trends. Look out for: • 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀: Often hosted by tech communities or organizations in your area. • 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀: These might focus on topics like AI, cybersecurity, or software development. Examples include DEF CON, PyCon, or Hackathons. • 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀: These provide a hands-on way to learn while connecting with like-minded peers. When you attend these events, don’t just be a passive observer. Introduce yourself to speakers, interact with participants, and exchange contact information. 𝟮. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗶𝘁𝗛𝘂𝗯 • 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻: Create a professional profile that highlights your skills and projects. Share your achievements, follow influential professionals, and actively engage by commenting on posts or sharing useful content. • 𝗚𝗶𝘁𝗛𝘂𝗯: Showcase your coding skills by contributing to open-source projects or uploading your own work. Engaging in open-source communities allows you to learn from others and build relationships with developers worldwide. Building your online presence makes it easier for others to discover your work and expertise. 𝟯. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 • 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: They offer real-world experience and introduce you to professionals in the industry. Treat every internship as a chance to prove your skills and expand your network. • 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Reach out to experienced professionals, professors, or alumni for guidance. Many are happy to share their journey and advice, which can be a source of inspiration and direction. Always follow up with a thankyou note or email after meaningful interactions—it leaves a lasting impression. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗽: 𝗕𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 Networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about building genuine relationships. Be approachable, respectful, and consistent in maintaining connections. Over time, this network can become a support system that helps you learn, grow, and succeed in your programming career. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘪𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. #Students #ComputerScience #Programming #SelfImprovement

The old approach of sending resumes and hoping for the best isn't working anymore. Thousands of talented engineers are competing for fewer positions. In this market, being skilled isn't enough. You need to be visible. The engineers who are landing roles fast aren't necessarily the most qualified. They're the ones who know how to promote themselves and stand out from the crowd. That's why I created this 5-𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲: 📍 Step 1: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile ↳ Your headline should immediately showcase your specific expertise. ↳ Quantify your achievements. ↳ Make yourself discoverable when recruiters search. 📍 Step 2: Build a Killer GitHub Portfolio ↳ Create 3-4 production-grade projects with detailed READMEs. ↳ Show your thinking process. ↳ Prove your skills instead of just listing them. 📍 Step 3: Write Technical Content Document what you learn. ↳ Share project walkthroughs. ↳ Write about common mistakes. 📍 Step 4: Share Strategically Post your insights with context. ↳ Explain why topics matter. ↳ Document your learning journey consistently. 📍 Step 5: Grow Your Network ↳ Connect with recruiters proactively. ↳ Engage meaningfully with posts daily. ↳ Build relationships before you need them. The result: Instead of competing with hundreds of identical resumes, you become the engineer they already know and want to hire. This system works because it positions you as a known solution, not an unknown candidate. 📌 Want the complete breakdown with actionable tips? Download the full guide here: https://bit.ly/4mZk17A I really hope this is useful. Share this with someone in your network who could benefit from these strategies. 💬 What's the biggest challenge you're facing in this competitive market?

Most career opportunities are never advertised. And yet, many professionals still spend hours sending CVs into the void, hoping for a response. Early in my career, I made the same mistake. I believed that the harder I worked on tailoring my applications, the better my chances. Don't get me wrong, it works to a degree but it isn't the whole package. What I didn’t realise was that I was competing with hundreds of others for the same few roles. The breakthrough came when I shifted my focus from job boards to people. I remember reaching out to someone in an organisation I admired, asking for a short conversation. That 15 minutes changed everything. Not only did I get insights into the role, but I built a relationship that eventually led to an opportunity I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Here’s what I’ve learned about creating opportunities through connection: 👉🏿 Curate your environment – Surround yourself with professionals, mentors, and peers who align with your career goals. Follow their work, learn from their insights, and engage genuinely. 👉🏿 Converse with purpose Don’t lead with “I need a job.” Instead, ask thoughtful questions, share your perspective, and show curiosity. Conversations should feel like two-way learning. 👉🏿 Demonstrate value Be ready to share clear examples of the problems you’ve solved, the actions you’ve taken, and the results you’ve produced. Stories matter more than bullet points. 👉🏿 Expand your community After meaningful conversations, ask who else they recommend you speak with. One introduction often leads to another. 👉🏿 Prioritise relationships over transactions People remember how you made them feel, not just what you said. Build trust, not just contacts. The lesson is simple: your next opportunity is more likely to come through connection than competition. How are you building meaningful professional relationships this year? Comment below 👇🏿 Join my ‘Consultant Mindset’ newsletter here 👉🏿 ⁠https://lnkd.in/eHyiwsmj #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #NetworkingStrategies

Confession: I used to dread sending LinkedIn connection requests. Now? I get excited about each one. The game-changer? Treating each request like a mini cover letter for friendship. Here's my 3-step formula: 1. Find common ground-(shared industry, alma mater, hobby) 2. Highlight why you admire their work - (be specific – mention a post or achievement) 3. Propose a mutually beneficial connection - (what can you offer?) Example: "Hi Tara, Fellow resume writer here! Your post on ATS optimization was eye-opening. I'd love to connect and perhaps exchange industry insights sometime." Remember: It's about building relationships, not just growing numbers. How do you approach connection requests? #LinkedInNetworking #CareerGrowth

Most people tell you to network, but they don’t teach you how. Here’s what you can do: 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: Before attending, study the event's attendee list and identify 2-3 people you want to meet. This focused approach can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve recently done this myself at a TED event. 🔹 Adopt a Giving Mindset: Offer to share your expertise or resources. For example, if someone is working on a project you have experience with, volunteer to provide insights or introduce them to someone who can help. This shows you're invested in their success. 🔹 Research Smartly: Look into their recent projects or publications. If your contact has recently published a paper or given a talk, read it and mention specific points you found intriguing or valuable. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. 🔹 Make the First Move: Send a message acknowledging a challenge they mentioned in a public forum or LinkedIn comment. For example: "Hi [Name], I saw your post about the challenges of remote team management. I've faced similar issues and found that regular virtual coffee breaks helped. Would love to share more if you're interested. Best, [Your Name]" 🔹 Build a Habit: Set a weekly reminder to engage with your network on social media. This could be liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from your contacts. Regular engagement keeps you top of mind and builds a foundation for deeper connections. Tomorrow’s newsletter is packed with actionable insights to turn casual contacts into valuable connections. ➡ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eE-aFmFy 💜 Career Well-being is the best work-life newsletter, according to my readers! Join us! #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #careerbutterfly #CareerWellbeing

Networking tip: Doing your homework can be the key to meaningful connections. Showing up to that first informational meet and greet prepared is a sign of respect—for both your time and theirs. Taking the time to learn about the person you’re meeting before arranging a meet and greet can make all the difference. Why is this so important? Here are four reasons why: 1. Everyone has a unique professional story. By understanding their background, you show that you value their experiences and contributions. It’s a sign of respect that doesn’t go unnoticed. 2. When you’re informed, you can ask more insightful questions that lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. This is where true connections are built. 3. Knowing what’s important to them allows you to better articulate how you can bring value to the table. It’s not just about what you want, but how you can help them achieve their goals as well. 4. In a sea of requests for time and attention, those who do their homework stand out. It shows you’re serious, committed, and professional. Remember, a successful meeting starts long before you sit down together. So take the time to do your research—it’s the foundation of any meaningful professional relationship. #Networking #Professionalism #RelationshipBuilding #CareerDevelopment #CareerReadiness #Connections