Let's call spade a spade. Bad news: situation on the tech job market is complicated.

Good news: individual influence building strategies might help you to sail through these murky waters. Some action steps below.

For your consideration - one of the KEY personal strategies: NETWORKING.

Why it is important?

• The more people you know - the more information you have access to, including the news about the fresh job opportunities.
• The more people you know - the more people know you, are aware of your talents and might keep you in mind for the next hiring decision.
• The more people you know - the higher the chances that you will hear "yes" when you will ask for help or advice.

Are you doing a good job in terms of networking? Some diagnostic questions to check:

1. How recent is your networking list (people you want to get in touch with in the coming month)? Do you have such list to start with?
2. How influential are the names of the people on this list? How big is the impact that they might have on your career?
3. How tailor-made are your messages to the people that you want to get in closer touch? How often do you use personalized flattery?
4. How much time each week you are dedicating to networking?
5. How you are leveraging daily opportunities (lunch breaks, job meeting, cold calls) to make new connections?

If you need help getting started on the above or stepping up your game - let me know!