I think most people underestimate their networks. Not saying you're wrong, but you've worked with people, right? Hopefully not been a complete ass :) ? Done work on a team with or adjacent to them? That's a start!
This is absolutely spot on advice.
Having a career network is roughly equivalent to saying "I have former coworkers that would say that I am competent and pleasant to work with".
There doesn't need to be some intense relationship that persists past working together. Just shared work experience, and a track record of jobs well done on your part. : )
Totally agree. I'm not a "networking" person in the sense of deliberately cultivating/expanding a network, going to networking events, etc. It's also true that all three jobs I've had over the past 20 years were through personal contacts. (And the only tech job before was right out of grad school via an on campus interview.)
This is absolutely spot on advice.
Having a career network is roughly equivalent to saying "I have former coworkers that would say that I am competent and pleasant to work with".
There doesn't need to be some intense relationship that persists past working together. Just shared work experience, and a track record of jobs well done on your part. : )