Comment by whstl
4 days ago
> On the flip side at my work (FAANG, not remote) we barely get any CVs from people who can pass the technical screening. Most the candidate fail so badly it’s not even funny
Same experience in multiple YC startups whose payment isn't even that competitive. Half of the resumes don't match the qualification, and on top of that the freelancing recruiter doesn't even seem to care. Lately I resorted to hiring from my own network.
How do you build a network? I have a few previous employers, but they don't have any help for me directly, and I haven't had any luck by applying or reaching out to recruiters or agencies.
If it's "previous employers", it might already be too late. Networking basically comes down to "being confortable about people who you know will vouch for you". Especially helpful if they are in power to hire or you suspect they will be one day.
As the other reply said, it really comes down to "hang out with them outside of work". Not often, just enough that you know more about the person than what's related to the job. Working colleagues already work with you so they can speak to your technical skill.
Outside of work colleague, you gotta meet people. So find soke tech communities locally or some FOSS projects you can contribute to.
In any case, it's a slow process and stuff rarely happens immediately. It's something best to do when you don't need a job.
If you're an individual contributor: keep in touch with colleagues, especially senior level and technical managers, or people going to other companies.
Managers: keep in touch with the best people and just hire them on your next job for more than they were getting paid. Win-win.
It's not easy for everyone, if you don't interact with colleagues outside the job it's probably impossible.