[unemployedinSF]

I wish I was trolling, but this is the reality of my life. I did apply for one of the investor demo days at Hacker Dojo, but was rejected. I'll admit I am somewhat antisocial, and have not attended any networking events, which is totally my fault.

[gruseom]

As you know, lots of programmers are anti-social, so that's less of a problem than it seems. It may well be easier for you to get a good-paying programming job than a lower-paying normal-person job. If I were you I'd find something interesting to hack on and then talk to other hackers about it. That doesn't require much social skill and is as least as likely to lead to work opportunities as the resume/interview grind.

[aDemoUzer]

Investor demo means you are still talking about your startup. The poster meant you go to Hacker Dojo not to pitch your startup but to network and get hired.

From what I can tell, you first need to say to youself, "I am done with my startup, now to get a job." Then your talking should be focused on getting yourself a job. Only look for minimum wage job if you are financially desperate.

Otherwise, spend the time figuring out which start-up to apply for. I graduated last May and it took me 8 months to land my first "real" job. The key component I learned is that out-of-college will have a hard time landing contract or a job at big companies. Your best place to land a job at is a start-up because they are more willing to look over lack of work-experience for having actual skill set. As long as you are good at programming, you will be able to land a job.

I also took a different approach than you. Instead of going directly into start-up, I decided to first work at a start-up and learn how the start-up world works. I realized early on that I am more of the type who likes to learn from others experience, as to avoid making same mistakes and to do things that would actually make my startup successful. For me, learning on-the-job at a startup means figuring out your own way of doing things that work, but it also means you don't get benefit of taking into account how others dealt with the same issue.

On a side not, AppMakr is hiring! http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/web/2230975872.html If you feel you are up for the job, don't be shy to apply/

[stcredzero]

The nice thing about networking in general, is that most people are trying to keep you from losing face. That's as uncomfortable for them as it is for you. This makes networking for someone who is open, considerate, and honest a very safe social activity to engage in. In fact, it's also true that people in networking situations are looking for help. They need something, otherwise, why are they networking?

Just do your best to be a nice person, and look for opportunities to create value for others.

If you have any skill with 2D game animation, I'm looking for some short pieces that have to be done with panache. Send me email at my HN username at gmail dot com, if you are interested.