Big differences in networking between generations and genders.
New data from an Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey shows both Canadian job seekers and employers overwhelmingly agree networking is essential to more easily obtaining employment. Yet many job seekers feel unprepared, unsure of where to do it or how to do it in an increasingly digital world and are divided on whether digital platforms help or hinder the process.
More than three-quarters of job seekers (82%) say networking is important to getting a foot in the door. Hiring managers agree even more strongly (86%), with a plurality (45%) saying networking is even more important now compared to 10 years ago. The findings highlight a national workforce that sees connections as currency yet continues to struggle to navigate the evolving mix of digital and in-person opportunities.
How Canada Networks
Today’s job seekers use a wide range of methods to build relationships, including:
- In-person events ranging from conferences to meetups (83%)
- Informal social settings from coffee chats to dinners (82%)
- Online platforms like LinkedIn or Meetup (75%)
- Cold outreach through email or social media (75%)
- Virtual events and webinars (71%)
Who Networks and How: Clear Differences Across Age and Gender
Younger job seekers are the most active networkers and the most comfortable mixing digital tools with face-to-face connections.
Catch more HRTech Insights: HRTech Interview with Bernard Barbour, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Skillsoft
Gen Z and millennials lead across all networking methods, but especially when it comes to online platforms (83% and 77% compared to 72% for Gen X and 66% for boomers) and virtual events or webinars (79% and 71% compared to 74% for Gen X and 54% for boomers).
There are also significant gender differences, with men networking significantly more than women. For example, men are much more likely to attend in-person networking events (92%) compared to women (72%), use online platforms (83% compared to 65% for women) and attend virtual networking events or webinars (78% compared to 63% for women).
Results vs. Reality
Despite clear differences in how people network, the impact is undeniable. Job seekers who put effort into building connections see real results. Altogether, 60% report at least one positive outcome tied to the relationships they built.
Workers say networking has led to:
- 37% receiving a referral
- 23% securing an interview
- 21% receiving a job offer
Networking struggles
Even though job seekers recognize the value of networking, many struggle with how to navigate it:
- 66% do not know the best places or websites to network within their field.
- 48% lack the people or soft skills to make networking worth their time.
Gen Z feel the most underprepared, with 57% saying they lack the people skills to network effectively and 75% saying they are unsure of the best way to network.
Hiring managers echo this shift. While 2 in 5 hiring decision-makers (38%) feel online networking platforms make it easier to form authentic connections, the majority say networking feels more like a business transaction than a personal connection (70%) and is primarily about exchanging value rather than building relationships (64%).
“The data shows a workforce caught between intention and uncertainty,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “People know relationships can open doors and many already benefit from them, yet too many lack the confidence or clarity to navigate today’s fast-changing networking environment. As the way we connect continues to evolve, workers need guidance that helps them turn those connections into real career opportunities.”
Read More on Hrtech : AI-Native HRTech: Embedding Intelligence At The Core Of Workforce Strategy
[To share your insights with us, please write to psen@itechseries.com ]