After announcing my job loss, I received so much support from you all—thank you for the kind words! Now, I’ve found a new job in what many say is one of the toughest job markets for software engineers in 2024. In this video, I break down how I landed this role and share actionable tips that go beyond coding. Whether you’re a software engineer or in another field, these strategies can help you in your job hunt and career.

I dive deep into the power of networking—building real connections over time without even realizing it. I share stories from my early career, when I had no network or internships, to how I learned to turn casual conversations into career-changing opportunities. Plus, I’ll explain what I mean by “super connectors” and how organizations can be just as valuable as individual connections.

If you’re feeling stuck in your job hunt, this video is for you. Stick around until the end to see how I used these tactics to land my latest role, and learn how you can start building a meaningful network, too.

Key points:

My journey from a bartender to software engineer during the 2008 recession
The value of informal networking conversations
Why some connections (“super connectors”) are more powerful than others
How organizations can act as connectors in your professional network
How I secured my latest job using these principles
If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to check out my other content, where I dive deeper into career strategies, the job market, and more.

Tags:
#SoftwareEngineer #NetworkingTips #CareerAdvice #JobMarket2024 #SuperConnectors #ProfessionalNetworking #CareerGrowth #JobHunt #SoftwareEngineering #TechJobs #CareerDevelopment #HowToNetwork #ConsultancyJobs #JobSearch

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I've been a software engineer since 2008 and with over a decade of experience, the industry is as crazy and as varied as ever.

I continually get asked for career advice and how to navigate writing code for a living and I wanted to share everything I've learned in hopes that I can help someone who is just starting in software engineering, who has been in it for a while and is too afraid to ask, or the seasoned vet to either agree or argue with me.

The intent of this channel is to have multiple series that include the following topics:
💰 Compensation
📈 Negotiations
📚 Career advice and guidance
📈 Stocks, RSUs, Stock options, and ESPP plans
👨‍🏫 Engineering interviews

I've done just about everything in software from working for 3 person start ups, 300 person start ups, silicon valley companies, Fortune 500 companies, small teams, big teams, W2 employment and 1099 contracting, full time contracting and moonlight part time work, independent development, launching my own web apps and iphone app.