Canadian Job Seekers Recognize Networking Value, Yet Lack Skills and Guidance
Event summary
- An Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey reveals 82% of Canadian job seekers and 86% of hiring managers believe networking is essential.
- Younger job seekers (Gen Z and Millennials) are significantly more active networkers, particularly online, than older generations.
- Men network more extensively than women, with a notable difference in participation in in-person and online events.
- 66% of job seekers lack knowledge of where to network, and 48% feel they lack the necessary soft skills.
- Hiring managers express concern that networking has become transactional rather than relational.
The big picture
This survey highlights a growing disconnect between the recognized importance of networking and the ability of Canadian job seekers to effectively navigate the evolving landscape. The trend underscores a broader challenge for the workforce: adapting to a digital-first environment while maintaining genuine human connection, a dynamic that staffing agencies like Express Employment Professionals must address to remain relevant.
What we're watching
- Digital Divide
- The disparity in digital networking proficiency between younger and older job seekers will likely widen, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities in career advancement.
- Soft Skills
- The reported lack of soft skills among job seekers, particularly Gen Z, suggests a need for targeted training programs and a potential shift in educational curricula.
- Authenticity
- The perception among hiring managers that networking has become transactional could lead to a renewed emphasis on authentic relationship-building and a potential backlash against superficial online networking practices.
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