[brudgers]

Talk to everyone you have worked over, under, and beside.

There is a common expectation that senior people should be able to get senior positions through networking because it implies that the person is someone people want to work with again.

The more senior the position, the more this expectation exists, e.g. corporations don't list CEO on the we-are-hiring link.

Know all there is to know about the platform

That's table stakes. People skills are how to consistently win the pot. Good luck.

[mooreds]

This is great advice. These folks know you and are (hopefully) impressed by your skills and teamwork. They may be able to point you or intro you to people.

If you do this, one way to make it less awkward is to ask the person "do you know anyone who needs my skills that you'd feel comfortable introing me to" rather than ""do you need my skills" which puts them on the spot.