I was wrong about networking events for a solid 4 years

I always thought networking events were just awkward small talk and business card swapping. Then I went to a local tech meetup in Austin last month and actually had a real conversation with a hiring manager named Sarah. She gave me a tip about their company's internal referral program that nobody talks about. Has anyone else had a random stranger actually help them land a job?

3 comments

3 Comments

casey161mo ago

Austin tech scene is pretty friendly though, most cities aren't like that.

tyler615d ago

Yeah it's wild how that friendliness often disappears when you actually need something. Reminds me how people are nice at the grocery store but suddenly too busy if you ask for a real favor, you know?

the_thomas1mo ago

Is it really that serious though? I mean, sure, people in Austin might be polite at a meetup, but that's not the same as a real tech community. Most of those friendly vibes disappear the second you ask for help with a hard problem or need a job lead. I've been in this business long enough to see the same fake friendliness in a lot of cities - everyone smiles until they need something from you. The real test is when you're up against a deadline or out of work, and suddenly those friendly people are busy every time you call. So I'd take the Austin tech scene talk with a grain of salt until you actually need something from them.