In person networking, it still works and the ratio of signal
to noise has only gotten higher post-internet.
SW/Hacker types have this on easy-mode compared to other industries because of how many professional / enthusiast groups we have floating around in every city. We do our jobs outside of work for fun. That's doesn't work for an accountant. Companies seem to vastly prefer recruiting from these events and they get you past the screens. I've never once not gotten the interview emailing or name dropping the event / company rep I talked to.
SW/Hacker types have this on easy-mode compared to other industries because of how many professional / enthusiast groups we have floating around in every city. We do our jobs outside of work for fun. That's doesn't work for an accountant. Companies seem to vastly prefer recruiting from these events and they get you past the screens. I've never once not gotten the interview emailing or name dropping the event / company rep I talked to.