How to Network for Tech Sales Roles

‼️ Most People Job Search Backwards—Here’s How to Fix It When I broke into tech sales, I didn’t have SaaS experience. No recruiters were reaching out to a college grad with a finance degree. ⚙️ So I reverse-engineered my way in. Since graduating, I've helped dozens of friends land jobs at companies like HubSpot, Microsoft, Databricks, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). I can confidently say: 🚨 Most people job search backwards. They apply first, network later, and wonder why they get ghosted. The reality? The best roles are filled before they ever hit a job board. Here’s how to flip your approach and get ahead of the hiring process instead of chasing it: 🔥 Step 1: Identify the Right Companies Before They’re Hiring Instead of applying blindly to 100+ open roles, build a targeted list of companies that match your ideal career path. ✅ Use RepVue to find the best tech sales orgs based on compensation, culture, and growth opportunities. ✅ Follow funding rounds—companies that just raised $$ are actively building their sales teams. (Check Crunchbase & TechCrunch for updates.) ✅ Look at company LinkedIn pages—if they’re hiring AEs, they’re about to hire more BDRs. 🚀 Pro Tip: If a company just promoted multiple SDRs to AE roles, guess what? They’re about to backfill those SDR seats. 🔥 Step 2: Build Relationships BEFORE a Job Opens Up By the time a job is posted, you’re competing with 500+ applicants. But if you’ve already connected with hiring managers, you get early access to opportunities. ✅ Follow & engage with sales leaders at your target companies—comment on their posts before you ask for anything. ✅ Set up 10-minute “curiosity calls” with reps on the team. Ask them: “What’s one thing you wish you knew before joining?” “What makes a top-performing rep at [Company]?” ✅ Leverage referrals—hiring managers prioritize candidates who come recommended by their team. 🚀 Example: Kevin "KD" Dorsey & Richard Harris™ frequently share what sales leaders actually look for in candidates. Following & engaging with insights like theirs could give you an advantage. 🔥 Step 3: Apply Strategically (And Skip the Black Hole) Most people submit the same resume everywhere and pray for a reply. That’s why they never hear back. ✅ Tailor your resume for each role. Use ChatGPT or tools like TealHQ to match your experience to the job description. ✅ Send a cold email to the hiring manager. A great BDR doesn’t wait for leads to come to them—treat your job search the same way. ✅ Be proactive about follow-ups. No response? Follow up with value, not just “checking in.” 🚀 Example: At Gong, outbound-driven candidates stand out because that’s exactly what the job requires. Prove you can sell yourself first. Most people chase job postings. The best candidates create their own opportunities. 🧠 If you had to start over today, how would you approach your job search differently? #TechSales #JobSearch #CareerGrowth #SalesDevelopment #BDR

🚀 Don’t wait for job postings to apply! 🚀 Many of the best job opportunities are never posted on LinkedIn—they’re filled through internal networks and referrals. So how can you position yourself to hear about these roles before they’re advertised? Here’s how to build a network of allies at your target companies and get ahead of the competition: 1️⃣ Identify Key Players Start by researching people at your target companies who work in roles or departments you’re interested in. These could be managers, team leads, or even peers who could eventually refer you. 👉 Example: If you’re targeting a marketing role at a tech company, find key people on LinkedIn by searching for titles like “Marketing Manager,” “Head of Digital Strategy,” or “VP of Marketing” at that company. 2️⃣ Engage with Their Content Regularly Before reaching out, engage with their posts on LinkedIn. Like, comment, or share their updates with meaningful insights. This helps you get on their radar in a non-intrusive way and shows that you’re genuinely interested in their work. 👉 Example: “Great post, [Name]! Your thoughts on data-driven marketing really resonate with me. I’ve been working on similar projects and would love to hear more about your approach.” This kind of engagement opens the door for future conversations. 3️⃣ Reach Out for an Informational Interview Once you’ve built some familiarity, send a personalized message requesting a short chat. This isn’t about asking for a job—it's about learning more about their experience and the company culture. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I’ve been following [Company] for a while, and your work in [specific area] caught my attention. I’d love to hear more about your journey and what it’s like working at [Company]. Would you have 15 minutes for a quick virtual coffee?” Building relationships through these conversations will keep you top of mind when new roles open up. 4️⃣ Stay Connected and Add Value Keep in touch with the people in your network by sharing relevant articles, offering your help, or simply sending an occasional check-in message. This keeps your connection warm and maintains the relationship. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I recently came across an article on [industry trend] and thought you might find it interesting based on our previous conversation. Hope all is well!” By adding value to the relationship, you’ll increase the chances of being referred or hearing about opportunities before they’re posted. 💡 Final Tip: Remember, networking is about relationships, not just job leads. By investing in connections with key people at your target companies, you’ll be positioned to hear about hidden opportunities and make a lasting impression before the job even hits the market. Have you ever landed a job through networking? Share your story below! 💬👇 #Networking #JobSearch #HiddenOpportunities #LinkedInTips #CareerGrowth #Referrals

Aimless networking won’t get you an interview: If you’re reaching out to people with: ❌ “Hey, are you hiring?” ❌ “Can you refer me for a role?” ❌ “I need a job—can we chat?” Then, you’re doing it wrong. Networking isn’t about ASKING for a job. It’s about BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS that create opportunities. Here’s how to have networking conversations that actually lead to job interviews: 1️⃣ Start with Genuine Interest and Intention of Building the Relationship After some research on the connections, reach out with curiosity, not desperation. Example: “I admire your career path in [industry]. What are some challenges you’re seeing within this space?” 2️⃣ Focus on Their Experience People enjoy sharing their journey. Ask thoughtful questions: ✔ What expertise have you developed in this role? ✔ What are the 2 biggest challenges you’re working on now? ✔ What skills have been most valuable for finding workable solutions? 3️⃣ Share Your Value—Naturally Instead of asking for a job, share what you’ve been working on (or had success in) that is relatable. Example: “I’ve been leading [specific projects] and applying my expertise in [industry]. Sometimes that experience can be a solution to X (one of the challenges they mentioned). 4️⃣ End with a Soft Ask and offer to be a resource for them. Don’t force a referral—invite guidance. Example: “Based on what I’ve shared, who else in your network would be appropriate to be introduced to?” 5️⃣ Follow Up & Stay Visible Keep the relationship alive—send a thank-you note along with a resource for them. Engage with their content, and if you met with a person they referred,  update them on your progress. The best networking is an exchange. It’s strategic and relational. Networking can be challenging if you view it one way.  Make it mutual. Let me know in the comments if you agree that both parties need to benefit from networking conversations and how you prepare to make that happen.

I’ve worked for Meta and now Salesforce. I have interviewed with Google, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest so I know how competitive it can be. Here’s what they don’t tell you about landing a role at these #companies:  1. Your resumé gets 6 seconds of attention. #Recruiters skim quickly. If your key achievements aren’t visible at first glance, you’re out.  ✔️Quantify your results.  ✔️Use action verbs.  ✔️Keep it clean, clear, and concise.  2. #Networking > applying blindly. Most hires come through referrals. I landed #interviews at top companies by:   ✔️Attending events ✔️Connecting with hiring managers ✔️Reaching out to people in roles I wanted Focus on relationships, not just applications.  3. Interviews are more than just technical skills. Yes, you need to know your stuff. But what really sets you apart?  ✔️Your ability to collaborate  ✔️How you handle feedback  ✔️How well you understand the company’s challenges  4. Follow up (but don’t stalk). Sent your application? Had an interview? Follow up ✔️ A thoughtful, polite message keeps you top of mind—just don’t overdo it. Tech hiring is competitive, but if you play smart, you increase your chances dramatically.  I’ve done it, and so can you. If you’re applying to top tech roles, what’s been your biggest challenge so far? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to help! #Techcareer #Techlife #Meta #Salesforce #Linkedin #Google #TikTok #Pinterest

1:1 coffee chats are the best way to network ☕ Here's how I turned them into interviews at companies like Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Amazon. My 9-step formula for virtual & in person coffee chats: (I did this with acquaintances, old coworkers, and complete strangers at my target companies to get job referrals)  1/ Watch the Clock Before you start the conversation, thank the other person for their time and confirm how much time they have. Don't be the person who goes over the allotted meeting time by assuming. 2/ Nail Your Intro This is your elevator pitch that should include these 3 things: - Brief background on who you are - Why you wanted to meet with them - Your goals 3/ Ask Great Questions Come prepared with questions. Some ideas: - their background/role - challenges they overcame - specifics about their company, culture, product, etc. 4/ Show You're Worth It When you talk about your experience, tie it back to how it relates to the role/team you're interested in at that person's company. Does the role require managing multiple clients? Great! Weave in how you've done something similar. 5/ Ask for Feedback It's ok to ask for feedback and if the other person thinks you're a fit for certain roles or the company. If they think there's a skills gap, ask for their advice on how to bridge it. 6/ Ask for Intros "Is there anyone else at your org or outside the org that would be helpful to talk to?” The best opportunities can come from this ask. The other person might intro you to 1-3 other people in their network. 7/ Offer to Help Them Don't just ask how you can help. Ask them what their goals are for the year. Then use that information to see how you can help. 8/ Winding Down At the end of the call, thank them for their time. Then ask if it's ok to keep them updated so you have a reason to reach out in the future. Don’t forget to send a thank you note after the call. 9/ The Follow Up If they gave you any advice (resume tips, resources to look into), do it and follow up to let them know you did it. This is the best way to keep the conversation going beyond the first call and establish trust. Important: Use this as a guide, not a script. Not all your 1:1 coffee chats will happen this way but having structure is helpful. Don't expect to land a referral on the first meeting either. It may take several interactions before someone is comfortable enough to do that. Give this strategy a try and level up your networking game! --- Reshare ♻ to help someone’s job hunt. And follow me for more posts like this.

Everyone says, “Network your way into a job.” But no one tells you how to make your message actually stand out. I used to send generic cold messages that got zero replies. Then I started attaching specific questions or insights about the company or role. That’s when conversations started. Here’s how to network well: - Don’t ask for a referral in your first message. Start a conversation. - Mention a specific project or product the person worked on that excites you. - Ask one thoughtful question, not “Can I pick your brain?” - Keep it under 3 sentences. Respect their time. Here’s are a few templates you can use: - Hello! I applied to a SWE internship at Meta and had a few questions about the work culture. Would you be open to connecting? I appreciate your time! - Your work in [field/area of expertise] is truly remarkable. As an aspiring [role], I'd greatly appreciate the chance to connect and gain invaluable guidance from your journey. - I'm captivated by your unique approach to [specific aspect of their work]. Could we connect? I'd love to learn more and potentially explore opportunities for collaboration. - Hello! I read the research paper you published on XYZ topic. As a master’s student, I’m interested in pursuing research in similar fields, I’d be thrilled if you could connect! - I'm fascinated by your work on [specific project/initiative]. As an aspiring [role] in [field], I'd love to connect and learn from your expertise. Would you be open to a brief chat? - Your recent [article/interview/presentation] on [topic] resonated deeply with me. I'm keen to explore [related area of interest] and would appreciate the opportunity to connect. Your message should be short, specific, and easy to reply to. Most people just say, “Hi, can you refer me?” Be better than most people. #networking #techcareers #jobsearch #30DaysOfCareerGrowth Day 6 of #30DaysOfCareerGrowth

Did you know that up to 70% of job openings are never advertised online? (It's called the “Hidden Job Market", and how you can tap into it) The "Hidden Job Market" is where many great roles are filled through referrals, networking, and internal recommendations. Here’s how you can tap into these hidden opportunities and uncover roles that others may never see: 1. Leverage Your Network: Reach out to former colleagues, friends, and mentors. Ask them about opportunities within their organizations or fields. Often, companies prefer to hire people recommended by trusted employees! 2. Engage on LinkedIn: Engage with content from companies or leaders in your target industry. Comment thoughtfully, share posts, and connect with recruiters. Consistent interaction can put you on their radar before a role is even posted. 3. Connect with Recruiters: Many recruiters keep a "talent pipeline" of candidates. Build connections, have informal chats, and stay in touch. When a relevant role opens up, you could be the first they think of. 4. Attend Industry Events: Webinars, conferences, and virtual meet-ups are full of hiring managers and professionals who know of internal openings. Strike up conversations, and you may learn about opportunities in advance. 5. Join Professional Groups: LinkedIn groups, alumni networks, and industry-specific forums often post job leads and insider tips. These groups are gold mines for networking and finding unadvertised roles. 6. Cold Outreach: Don’t be afraid to message hiring managers or department heads. Express interest in their team and ask to be considered for future openings. A personalized message shows initiative and can make a lasting impression. Here are the most important networking resources to help you find your next job: 1. Meetup - www.meetup.com 2. Luma - https://lu.ma 3. Fishbowl - www.fishbowlapp.com 4. Blind - www.teamblind.com 5. Iscicle - https://iscicle.com BONUS: Check out BuildML and Break Into Data to find network with Data Science folks. Lastly, remember that being proactive can open doors to roles you’d never see in a job search. Be intentional, consistent, and genuine, and you’ll be surprised at the opportunities that come your way. May you find the right opportunity soon. All The Best! P.S: I post job search tips and resources. Connect with me for FREE resources every week.

Most people treat networking like a numbers game. Send 100 messages. Hope one sticks. That’s not how my clients get into Google, Meta, or Stripe. Here’s the strategy I teach and it works because it’s human. 1. Get specific. Pick a few companies you’re excited about. Find people actually working on the teams you want to join. 2. Start the conversation the right way. Don’t lead with “Can you refer me?” Comment on their work. Ask a real question. Share something you’ve learned from their content. Show you’ve done your homework. 3. Make it easy to help you. Once there’s some connection, send a short message explaining why you’re interested and how your background aligns. Keep it tight and forwardable. This is the exact strategy that’s helped my clients land roles in some of the most competitive teams in tech. Because it’s not about chasing people. It’s about building real momentum one thoughtful message at a time.

(Still more) unsolicited (and unpopular) career advice for job-hunting salespeople.... 1 - Focus your ask. Namely: STOP asking for help with finding a job to suit specific ROLES. START asking for help with finding a job to suit specific COMPANIES. It's not "Do you know anyone looking for salespeople in Atlanta?" Because to those employed, how would they???? Far more powerful and effective to ask: "Who do you know at Coca-Cola, Mailchimp, or Secureworks?" THAT request is likely to trigger the memories of your LI connections in a much more productive way - plus it will probably get you a "side-door" introduction that bypasses the traditional jobseeker. 2 - Lose the side hustle. Not entirely, of course. A person has got to earn. But why add it to your LinkedIn bio? If your most recent position is "MyOwnName Consulting, LLC." for the last 3 months since you have been laid off, it is probably a hard pass by most 1st line job screeners. Hustling is fine, but not to the interviewer. And for most CVs? Less is more. 3 - Partners / Alliance / Channels These three departments (particularly in tech) often indicate the growth plans of many companies. And here is a secret - their initial teams are often built out of internal transfers. This means they often represent opportunities that are never publicly posted! Do some research and network directly into these departments. 4. Change (industry) lanes In tech? Consider leaving tech. The learning curve to leave an industry you have been in may feel daunting, but the unique perspective you bring to a new industry is often appreciated and highly valued. Just like every economy before this one, when some sectors suffer, others prevail. Put your lane-signal on. *** Remember - job search activities that are relatively easy to do (email blasts, "easy-apply" applications, LinkedIn posts, etc.) equally attract hopelessly large numbers of competition. Activities that require more thought, creativity, and stamina often reduce the queue to just you. Just like in sales. ;) Happy searching, Jeff

10 Networking rules to follow if you want to get more interviews: 1. Don't send messages with 0 substance. Example = "Hi, I'm Carly! I'm looking for a job in CS. I appreciate any advice you can share" 2. Always make your outreach SPECIFIC. Example = "Hi, I'm Carly! I applied to the open CSM role on your team and I have a few questions about the specifics of the role (mainly, swim lanes between CS/Sales and what your books of business look like). Would you be open to hopping on a 10 min call with me?" 3. DM'ing recruiters isn't going to move the needle. What does every jobseeker do when they want to stand out? They DM recruiters. HINT: it's not actually making you stand out. 4. DM people on cross-functional teams. Like Sales, for example. You have a better chance of developing a champion when that person isn't inundated with 100s of messages from other job seekers. DO different things to get different results. 5. No one wants to read your autobiography except maybe your Mom. Avoid sending paragraphs and paragraphs of text in your networking outreach. Keep it concise! 6. Phone calls/Zoom meetings > DM conversations. Ideally, your networking outreach results in an actual conversation. It's easier to build a genuine connection that way. 7. Have a plan for your networking conversations. Namely, what you are going to highlight about your experience. (1-2 sentences max). And what questions you are going to ask them. 8. Ask for the referral. Controversial 😱 I know. But I firmly believe if ya don't ask, you're not getting it. If they say no, they say no! 9. Schedule it. In today's market, there's no point in sending in an application if you're not trying to support it with some kind of networking. Schedule in time to network immediately before or after you apply to open roles so your resume isn't just getting lost in the abyss. 10. Shift your mindset Most people are afraid to network because they think, "what stranger is going to help me?". But if roles were reversed, you'd help a stranger, right? There will always be somewhat of a numbers game with networking.. true. But you've gotta dial in the things you CAN control to optimize for referrals. ✌🏻 What questions do you have about networking? __ #customersuccess #jobsearchadvice