I am not a software engineer, but I am in finance with a solid resume.  I say this because I am still a desirable candidate, but I probably receive about 1&#x2F;10th the recruiter mail that you receive.<p>I am interviewing today with a great company, and meeting with another great company on Friday and I have a bunch of leads in the pipeline for next week.  Here is my advice:<p>1) Figure out what companies and specific roles you want to work for.<p>2) Make sure you have your resume tailored to those roles and make sure you know how to answer the technical questions related to those openings.<p>3) Reach out to 1st, and 2nd connections to companies that interest you and ask to grab a coffee to learn more about the role.<p>4) If you are personable and seem like a good fit, they will ask what you are interested in and they will help make introductions.  When possible, ask to meet someone else in the company closer to the role you are interested in.  For example, if your friend works in sales, but you are in engineering, ask for an intro to someone in engineering. This is important because that other person will be better at vetting you.<p>5) You will enter the formal interview process with people already liking you and wanting you to succeed.  You just walk in, have a good time and answer the technical questions.<p>6) Negotiate an offer.<p>6) When you get there, be a good person, help people out, build relationships and do great work.  5 years down the road, you will have more connections and more opportunities.<p>Don&#x27;t make the mistake of letting leads come to you. That is how you end up in so&#x2F;so companies and situations.  Go after what you want.