Introduction
Landing a career at Shopify isn’t just about having the right skills—it’s about building meaningful connections. With over 10,000 employees globally, Shopify Careers thrives on collaboration and innovation, making networking a critical step to stand out. But where do you start? This guide walks you through 10 proven strategies to network effectively, tap into Shopify’s unique culture, and position yourself as a top candidate. Let’s turn your career aspirations into reality!
Section 1: Why Networking Matters for Shopify Careers
Networking opens doors that resumes alone can’t. At Shopify Careers, where teamwork and creativity drive success, relationships matter. Research shows that 85% of jobs are filled through networking. By connecting with current employees, engaging in Shopify communities, or attending events, you gain insider insights and referrals. Networking also helps you align your skills with Shopify’s values—like “making commerce better for everyone”—which can set you apart in a competitive hiring process.
Section 2: Understand Shopify’s Culture and Values
Shopify’s culture prioritizes autonomy, innovation, and impact. Before networking, study their core values:
- “Build for the long term”: Highlight projects where you’ve solved complex problems.
- “Thrive on change”: Share examples of adapting to fast-paced environments.
Tailor conversations to reflect these values. For instance, mention how you’ve used technology to empower small businesses—a mission close to Shopify’s heart.
Section 3: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is a goldmine for connecting with Shopify employees.
- Headline: Use keywords like “Aspiring Shopify Developer” or “E-Commerce Specialist.”
- Summary: Tie your experience to Shopify’s goals (e.g., “Passionate about democratizing commerce”).
- Engage: Comment on posts by Shopify’s leadership, like CEO Tobi Lütke, to stay visible.
Pro tip: Join LinkedIn groups like “Shopify Careers Network” to meet recruiters.
Section 4: Attend Shopify Events and Webinars
Shopify hosts virtual and in-person events like “Shopify Unite” (developer conference) or “Commerce+” (retail trends). Use these to:
- Ask thoughtful questions during Q&A sessions.
- Follow up with speakers via LinkedIn, referencing their talk.
Example: “Loved your insights on AR in e-commerce at Unite—how is Shopify prioritizing this?”
Section 5: Engage in Shopify Community Forums
Shopify’s Community Forum and Discord channels are hubs for developers, marketers, and store owners.
- Contribute: Solve coding challenges or share marketing tips.
- Build Reputation: Consistent activity can get you noticed by Shopify staff.
Mention your forum contributions in interviews to showcase initiative.
Section 6: Leverage Employee Referrals
Shopify’s referral program is a fast track to interviews.
- Find Referrers: Use LinkedIn filters to identify employees in your target department.
- Personalize Requests: Instead of asking for a referral outright, say, “I’d love to learn about your journey at Shopify—could we chat for 15 minutes?”
Section 7: Utilize Shopify Alumni Networks
Former employees (alumni) often have strong connections.
- LinkedIn Search: Use keywords like “Ex-Shopify” + your field (e.g., “Ex-Shopify UX Designer”).
- Ask for Advice: Alumni can share interview tips or team-specific insights.
Section 8: Participate in Open-Source Projects
Shopify’s GitHub repositories, like “Liquid” (template language), welcome contributors.
- Fix Bugs or Add Features: Even small contributions demonstrate technical skill.
- Share Your Work: Tweet your pull requests and tag @ShopifyDevs for visibility.
Section 9: Craft Personalized Outreach Messages
Avoid generic “Hi, I need a job” emails. Instead:
- Compliment Their Work: “Your blog on Shopify Apps inspired me to build my own!”
- Be Specific: “I’d love your advice on transitioning from finance to Shopify’s merchant success team.”
Section 10: Follow Up and Nurture Relationships
Networking isn’t a one-time task.
- Send Thank-You Notes: After a call, recap key takeaways.
- Stay Connected: Share articles or job updates relevant to their work.
Example: “Saw Shopify’s new sustainability report—thought you’d find page 12 interesting!”
Conclusion
Networking for a Shopify career isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about fostering genuine relationships. By engaging with communities, contributing to projects, and aligning with Shopify’s values, you’ll build a reputation that resonates with hiring teams. Remember, persistence pays off: One developer landed her role after six months of contributing to Shopify’s GitHub! Ready to take the next step? Start by optimizing your LinkedIn today, and let your journey begin.
