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What is networking?

Networking means meeting and talking to people. You will create a network of people to share ideas with and eventually support you during your job search.

In some cases, that means people who can help advise you about your job search, where to find more information about a company or where certain jobs are more likely to be posted.

In other cases, it means building a network of people with similar jobs and interests or who work in the sector where you want to work.

Why does networking matter?

Networking can help you find job opportunities that are not publicly advertised. Successful networking can help you to access the hidden job market. The hidden job market means available jobs might not be advertised online.

In Canada, who you know can be just as important as what you know when looking for work.

Sometimes, employers contact people they know to ask if they know anyone who is right for the job. If you have made an impression through your networking or during an informational interview, you might be contacted about the job.

As you do labour market research and conduct informational interviews, you learn about organizations, associations, and individuals who can help you find employment in your field.

Networking Doesn’t Have to be Formal

Any social interaction, such as waiting to pick up your child at school, attending extended family gatherings, or participating in community programs, can be a networking opportunity.

Simply put, these are the basic steps:

Meet people
Ask questions
Listen to advice
Keep connected

If the idea of networking makes you nervous, you can make it more formal with plans and introduction talking points to help start conversations.

In some cases, formal groups are set up to network, share information and resources, and meet regularly. You can make personal contacts through volunteer work, community involvement, taking an educational class, cooperative education, or joining a sports club.

In some cases, ethno-specific organizations have groups for newcomers that meet to support each other and share information. You may want to consider joining a group like this for support and advice.

For More Information

Hidden Job Market - What is the hidden job market? List 10 helpful tips you can use to access it successfully. From Indeed.
What is the Job Bank? - A website that contains job postings from across Canada and information on the current labour market.
Find a job in Canada as a newcomer - Find tools and services for newcomers to ease your integration into the Canadian labour market. From the Job Bank.