Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Networking still matters, maybe more than ever. A new Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll found 84 percent of U.S. job seekers say networking is important to getting a foot in the door, but more than half don’t know where to begin. And for many workers, the whole thing feels less like relationship-building and more like a transaction.
Networking. For some people, it sounds like a room full of name tags, small talk, and business cards.
Eighty four percent of Gen-Z’ers say networking matters, but 59 percent say they don’t know the best places or websites to network in their field. Experts say networking isn’t just evolving, it’s being rewritten.
“It’s word of mouth,” said Jenna Watson, Executive coaching, LMHC.
So, what does that look like? First: stay visible. That doesn’t mean posting your whole life online. It can be as simple as commenting on a connection’s post, congratulating them on a new role, or sharing an article they’d actually care about. The more familiar your name is, the less cold your outreach feels later.
Next: go niche. Instead of trying to “network” with everyone, zero in on the few industries, roles, or problem spaces you actually want to be part of. When you do reach out, make the ask smaller. Skip “Can I pick your brain?” And try one specific question instead. Something short, easy to answer, and clearly connected to that person’s experience. And finally, lead with what you can offer.
“Figure out how you can be useful to others. When you’re in conversation and when you’re meeting new people or if you’re at a networking event, never enter into the relationship going ‘what can this person do for me?’” explained Watson.
Another smart move? Reconnect with what career experts call dormant ties, people you already know, but haven’t talked to in a while. An old co-worker, a former classmate, an ex-intern supervisor. Sometimes those looser connections are the ones who open new doors.
Contributors to this news report include: Cliff Tumetel, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2025/07/08/new-networking-rules-effective-connections/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2025/07/08/new-networking-rules-effective-connections/
https://www.trinixnexus.com/blog/beyond-the-business-card-the-new-rules-of-networking-in-2026
