Jonathan challenges the idea that networking starts when you need a job. He advocates for building relationships proactively, citing Jordan Harbinger’s advice: 'Dig the well before you're thirsty.' He shares that he sends quarterly updates to hundreds of contacts to keep relationships alive.

Most people network only when they need a job — that’s too late.
Build relationships before you need them to stand out.
Jonathan sends quarterly updates to maintain connections.
Your network is your best insurance policy.

“The best time to look for a job is when you have a job and you're not even looking.”
Jonathan Javier · 41:00

#networking#relationships#jordan harbinger#career advice

Explainer· 1

Explainer27:00

How to Handle Imposter Syndrome at Top Companies

Jonathan shares how working at Google triggered imposter syndrome because people only valued him for his job title. He realized a company shouldn’t define your identity and left to build his own brand. He advises others to build their personal brand so they’re not defined by their employer.

Imposter syndrome grew because people only talked to him because he worked at Google.
He realized a company shouldn’t define a person — character does.
Left Google to build his own brand and help others succeed.
Build your personal brand so you’re not dependent on a company for identity.

“Do I want to be known for the guy who works at Google or the guy who started his own company and helped other people…”
Jonathan Javier · 28:00

#imposter syndrome#personal branding#google#career growth

Story· 2

Story35:30

Jonathan's Story of Alfonso at Kohl's

Jonathan shares how his manager Alfonso at Kohl's taught him the importance of first impressions, hard work, and relationships. When Jonathan couldn’t afford professional clothes, Alfonso gave him a 70% discount. Years later, Alfonso hired Jonathan’s sister on the spot, proving the long-term value of maintaining relationships.

Alfonso noticed Jonathan wearing ill-fitting borrowed clothes.
He gave him a 70% discount to buy professional attire.
Lessons: first impressions, hard work, grit, and relationship-building.
Years later, Alfonso hired Jonathan’s sister without knowing the connection.

“He took me to the fitting room and said, 'Tell me what do you think of this impression when a customer sees you?'”
Jonathan Javier · 36:30

“He actually hired her on the spot which is crazy — so relationships are so important.”
Jonathan Javier · 38:30

#mentorship#first impressions#relationships#kohls

Story32:00

How Jonathan Got Into Google by Calling Customer Service

To prepare for a Google interview, Jonathan called Google Ads pretending to be a disgruntled customer. He recorded the agent’s responses to common questions and used them to craft his own answers, which helped him pass the first rounds of interviews.

Called Google Ads pretending to be a customer.
Pretended to be disgruntled to trigger standard responses.
Recorded the call and studied how agents answered questions.
Used the same responses in his interview to stand out.

“I called Google Ads... pretended I was a disgruntled customer... recorded the whole thing so I could go back and see how they react.”
Jonathan Javier · 32:30

#google#interview prep#creativity#resourcefulness

Tool· 3

Tool13:00

The 'Common Ground' Networking Hack

Jonathan shares that finding common ground is key to building genuine connections. He used his first name 'Jonathan' to connect with others at Google. He also suggests commenting on shared LinkedIn posts or using visual cues like background posters to spark conversations during virtual meetings.

Use shared names, schools, or backgrounds as icebreakers.
Comment on the same LinkedIn posts as your target contact to create shared context.
Use visual elements (e.g., motivational posters) in your background to spark conversation.
Research people before events to connect early and stand out.

“I'd search Jonathan at Google and networked with all the people named Jonathan at Google because it's like a common ground aspect of it.”
Jonathan Javier · 13:00

“Hey, I saw that you commented on Jonathan's post — I did too. Be great to connect.”
Jonathan Javier · 15:30

#networking#linkedin#common ground#virtual communication

Tool20:00

Use ERGs to Network as a Minority Job Seeker

Jonathan recommends that minority job seekers identify and connect with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at target companies. These groups often list members on company websites, providing a direct path to network with people who share similar backgrounds and are more likely to help.

Find ERGs (e.g., BlackGooglers, HOLA) on company websites.
Reach out to members as they share your background and are more likely to respond.
ERG members often have influence and access to leadership, making them valuable allies.
This strategy builds community and increases chances of referral.

“If you're African-American, go look at BlackGooglers Network — you'll find all the people who are in that ERG.”
Jonathan Javier · 20:30

#diversity#networking#minority#erg

Tool22:30

Use LinkedIn Stories to Get Noticed by Recruiters

Jonathan advises job seekers to use LinkedIn Stories to market themselves. By posting what they’re looking for and checking who viewed the story, they can identify and reach out to people at target companies who are already interested in their profile.

Post your job goals on LinkedIn Stories.
Check who viewed your story — they may work at your dream company.
Reach out with: 'I saw you viewed my story — what did you think?'
Stories are underused, so visibility is high.

“Put on your story exactly what I'm looking for... go look at the viewers and now you go to see exactly who viewed it.”
Jonathan Javier · 22:30

#linkedin#job search#personal branding#recruiting

Takeaway· 3

Takeaway17:30

Why COVID-19 Layoffs Are Not Something to Hide

Jonathan Javier advises job seekers impacted by pandemic layoffs not to be embarrassed or quiet about their situation. Instead, he recommends posting on LinkedIn with a clear structure: acknowledging the layoff, sharing a personal story, and stating what they’re looking for next. This approach invites support and opens doors to new opportunities.

Don’t hide being laid off — share it publicly on LinkedIn.
Structure your post: 1) Acknowledge the layoff, 2) Share a personal story, 3) State your next goals.
Tag people who helped you and are at companies you’re targeting.
Layoff posts can go viral and attract unexpected opportunities due to public sympathy.

“Post about it on LinkedIn 100... but don't just say 'hi I'm open to work please connect with me.'”
Jonathan Javier · 17:30

#job search#layoffs#linkedin#personal branding

Takeaway24:30

Rejection Is Redirection — If You React Right

Jonathan reframes rejection as redirection, emphasizing that the key is how you respond. He shares how he got rejected multiple times but eventually landed roles at Snapchat and Google by doing something different — like creating a project in class and presenting it in a yellow folder during his Snapchat interview.

Rejection only becomes redirection if you change your approach.
Doing the same thing repeatedly leads to the same results.
Stand out with creativity — like building a project tailored to the company.
At Snapchat, he presented a project in a yellow folder — they hired him 30 minutes later.

“Rejection is redirection — if you react to it in the right way.”
Jonathan Javier · 24:30

“I pulled out the yellow folder with my project in it... they literally hired me 30 minutes later.”
Jonathan Javier · 26:00

#rejection#job search#creativity#snapchat

Takeaway56:00

How to Ask for Anything

Jonathan’s final advice is simple: always ask. He believes the worst that can happen is a no or no response, but if you don’t ask, the answer is always no. This mindset has helped him land speaking gigs, jobs, and opportunities.

Always ask — the worst that can happen is a no.
If you never ask, the answer is always no.
Asking opens doors that staying silent keeps closed.
This mindset led to many of his career wins.

“If you never ask, you never know. And if you never ask, the answer is always no.”
Jonathan Javier · 56:30

#mindset#asking#opportunity#confidence

Frameworks in this episode

Dig The Well Before You're Thirsty

Rejection Is Redirection

Reverse-Engineer The Role

The Before-The-Event Outreach Play

The Common Ground Networking Hack

The Employee Resource Group Entry Point

The Engagement Mining Method

The STAR Interview Structure

The Three-Part Open-To-Work Post

The Value-First Announcement Post

Insights & moments

⚡Myth Buster· 1

Don't Wait to Network — Dig the Well First

✶Explainer· 1