New data from an Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey shows U.S. workers overwhelmingly believe networking is essential, yet many feel unprepared, unsure of where to do it and divided on whether digital platforms help — or hinder — the process.
Eighty-four percent of job seekers say networking is important to getting a foot in the door, and hiring managers agree even more strongly, with 92 percent saying candidates should be networking to improve their chances. The findings highlight a national workforce that sees connections as currency yet continues to struggle to navigate the evolving mix of digital and in-person opportunities.
How America Networks Today
Job seekers use a wide range of methods to build relationships in 2026, including:
- Online platforms like LinkedIn or Meetup (73%)
- In-person events ranging from conferences to meetups (66%)
- Informal social settings from coffee chats to dinners (65%)
- Cold outreach through email or social media (62%)
- Virtual events and webinars (59%)
Who Networks and How: Clear Differences Across Age and Gender
Younger job seekers are the most active networkers and the most comfortable mixing digital tools with face-to-face connection, while men generally cast a wider digital net than women.
Men also tend to lean into more networking channels than women.
They are heavier users of online platforms (79% of men vs. 67% of women), attend more in-person events (70% vs. 61%) and are more willing to try cold outreach (70% vs. 54%).
Men also show up to virtual events at higher rates (66% vs. 52%) and are more likely to believe digital networking helps build real relationships, with 51% saying online platforms make authentic connections easier, compared with 38% of women.
Younger workers take an even more expansive approach.
Gen Z and millennials lead nearly every networking method, from online platforms (77% and 76%) to in-person events (74% and 70%). Engagement steadily drops with age. Gen X and boomers trail behind, particularly on virtual and digital channels, where their participation falls as low as 48% and 40%.
Results vs. Reality
Despite clear differences in how people network, the impact is undeniable. Many job seekers who put effort into building connections see real results. Workers say networking has led to:
- 39% receiving a referral
- 36% securing an interview
- 32% receiving a job offer
- 17% earning a promotion
Altogether, 71% report at least one positive outcome tied to the relationships they built.
Even as job seekers recognize networking’s value, many feel unsure about how to navigate it. They say:
- 59% do not know the best places or websites to network within their field
- 44% lack the people or soft skills to make networking worth their time
- 51% of Gen Z feel especially underprepared in this area
Hiring managers echo this shift.
They say networking matters more now than it did 10 years ago, with 61% calling it increasingly important for job seekers. Many agree online platforms help people form authentic relationships, yet younger workers continue to push for a balance between digital and in-person opportunities.
Discover more research and real-world workforce trends from the America Employed series at ExpressPros.com/Newsroom.
Survey Methodology:
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from November 3 to 19, 2025, among 1,002 U.S. hiring decision-makers.
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from November 7 to 20, 2025, among 1,003 adults ages 18 and older.
For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, director of Corporate Communications and PR.
About Express Employment Professionals:
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 492,000 people globally in 2023 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
The Central Oregon Express office is located at 296 SW Columbia, Suite B, Bend, Oregon 97702 and serves Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.
expresspros.com/bendor • 541-389-1505
