!dev Has networking with people ever efficiently and effectively helped you getting a job? I have my doubts on the method.

It's the only way I've ever gotten a job (through recommendations)

Considering my almost whole career was spent in a single company [well ok, 2], it's not that easy to answer..

But now I'm switching from FTE to freelancing and THAT and all the clients we got through contacts. Lips to lips, so to say

I think both of my jobs in tech have been the result of networking.

Though I tend to just make friends with people in the industry and not try to form transactional relationships. If a job opportunity results from it down the line, great. If not, it’s not like I’m in it for that. I’m in it for the friendship.

Yes of course! I performed well in my first job (which I got by chance) and my boss' boss had pull with my next boss. I might have gotten the gig without, but WITH that guy on my side, it was a sure deal. My new (which is a crazy thing to call him after 6 years) boss has told me this.