In the past, when there is steady opening / structured hiring programs, it makes sense to connect with people working in the firm you want to join, to find potential referrals.
But now, many firms are freezing headcounts, and delaying hires. I've sent out a lot of application without hearing back, and I think I should try to network. There's 2 possible approach:
1. Reach out to selective firms and see whether they have openings at this moment: the challenging part of this is about the reason of requesting to connect (to learn their experience?). Also, spending time to network with firms that you don't know whether there's a job opening may be a waste of time. However, there might be “luck” - many positions are not posted publicly.
2. Look through positions that are hiring and match my interest, and then reach out to people at that firm to seek referral. The downside of this approach is that, many firms seem to have already filled positions before they post the position on Linkedin.
Could you advise on how to network in an efficient / effective manner, under such tight labor market? Thanks!