Networking for Tech Professionals: Why it matters and how to do it right

90% of job offers in my career have come through personal connections. That number might seem surprising, but it reflects a bigger truth about how the tech industry operates: networking is widely recognized as a key catalyst for career advancement in tech. 

Studies show that 70–85% of positions get filled via networking or referrals. Many openings never even reach public job boards – CNBC reports that 70% of jobs are never published externally, suggesting that networking is more important than ever.

I’m Attia, Software Engineer at GetYourGuide, and in this blog post, I’ll explain why networking is crucial for tech professionals, along with some quick, easy, and actionable tips on how to do it effectively.

Why should I network?

• To boost your growth (and probably your salary)

There’s solid evidence backing the power of networking. This longitudinal study shows that professionals who actively networked enjoyed higher salaries and a faster growth rate than those who didn’t. Building and maintaining connections pays off, literally, as friends and mentors can guide you toward better opportunities, negotiate raises, and become strong advocates for your skills.

• To find your next opportunity

Networking is the fast track to the hidden job market. Firms frequently rely on internal referrals and employee recommendations, so if you have a robust network, you tap into these opportunities early. The Harvard Business Review estimates that up to 85% of jobs get filled via personal networks, especially in IT and tech. 

How can I network efficiently?

• Give to receive

Effective networking is about relationships, not transactions. As organizational psychologist Adam Grant puts it, “Successful networking is about being a giver, not a taker.” That means focusing on how you can help others — whether by sharing a job lead, solving a technical problem, or offering advice.

• Be genuine, be a resource

When people see you as a helpful resource, you’re more likely to receive support and referrals. This cycle of goodwill often yields long-term benefits, and you make valuable connections along the way from a place of authenticity. This is much more valuable than going in with a view to focus only on your personal gain.

Do I need a strong online presence?

• 1000% yes. Start by optimizing your LinkedIn profile
  
  Spend time crafting your headline, listing key skills, and writing a better summary in the “About” section that really highlights your expertise. Use a professional (but approachable) photo, and include major accomplishments or projects so people can quickly understand your background.
• Engage regularly online
  
  Like, comment, and share industry news or personal insights. It signals that you’re active and engaged. For instance, you could post a brief reflection on a new tech trend — like “Why I believe AI is vital for modern apps” or “Three things I learned about user-centric design this week.”
• Share your learning
  
  Write or share an example of an industry trend or a personal learning moment. If you attended a webinar on AI ethics or discovered a useful productivity hack, share a summary and ask for others’ thoughts. These genuine conversation starters can lead to valuable new connections.

What about industry events?

Online presence is critical, but in-person interactions build trust much faster. Dedicate time each quarter to attend meetups, hackathons, conferences, or workshops in your domain. Prepare a brief introduction — a short “elevator pitch” — to explain who you are and what you do in a few sentences to get you started.

• Use event hubs like these:

Lu.ma: A platform listing local gatherings and workshops; each city has its own calendar

Meetup.com: Search for topics like “Berlin Tech,” “Product Management,” or “Python Developers.”

Tech Event Newsletters: In many cities (Berlin, London, Amsterdam), newsletters like Ampli or FOMO aggregate upcoming gatherings, panels, and hackathons.

• Practice active listening

Many of us get nervous talking to new people, so we default to a sales pitch about ourselves. Instead, prepare some questions and then truly listen to the responses. Showing genuine interest in someone else’s work or project is far more memorable than rattling off your own resume. This approach also helps you learn new perspectives and uncover collaboration opportunities.

• Get yourself a mentor

In addition to events, platforms like adplist.org help match mentors and mentees in tech. Mentorship can greatly accelerate your career by offering personalized guidance, feedback, and support.

Life gets in the way. How can I stay consistent?

• Schedule ‘networking’ in your calendar

Set aside time each month to reach out to people in your network, whether it’s a quick check-in, sharing a relevant article, or even scheduling coffee. Check your messages and ensure you’ve followed up.

• Introverts: use strict time-management

Plan your networking time and your recharge time. If you find large events draining, schedule short stints at events or join smaller meetups. The main goal is consistency: an hour a week of online engagement or one event per month goes long way!

Call to action: Start Now

Building a powerful network doesn’t need to be complex. Here are some simple steps you can take immediately:

• Text two former colleagues
  
  Reach out to catch up—maybe set up a quick coffee or a remote call. Even a simple “Hey, it’s been a while—how are things?” can restart a dormant professional relationship. You never know where the conversation may lead.
  
  
• Update your LinkedIn profile
  
  Log in right now and tweak one element of your profile: update your headline, add a recent project, or rewrite your summary to reflect your current interests and goals. Small steps keep your profile fresh and let people see your most recent achievements.
  
  
• Schedule a coffee chat 

This handy growth hack is laid out really simply by a fellow engineer here, with email examples and a detailed description of how arranging chats with more experienced engineer led to new opportunities.

• Berlin-based? 

Click here to find and join the top tech communities in your area.

Final thoughts

Networking is not about superficial small talk—it’s about forming authentic connections that can benefit all parties involved. Being proactive, helping others, and staying visible online and in person opens the door to opportunities you might never have otherwise known about. 

Whether you’re seeking a job, looking to learn from a mentor, or hoping to meet a future co-founder, the power of your network can make all the difference.

So reach out, attend an event, and let your curiosity guide you. Each new conversation is a chance to build relationships and invest in your tech career. Who knows? Your next big career leap may come from the person you chat with today.

Think you have what it takes to help us revolutionize the travel experience industry? Check out our open roles.

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