Networking Isn’t Personal Anymore — With Four in Five Professionals Calling It Transactional
A growing majority of Americans say networking no longer feels like relationship building but a thinly veiled transaction — and new survey data shows just how pervasive that discomfort has become. According to a recent Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll survey, 79% of U.S. hiring managers and 75% of job seekers say networking today feels more like a business transaction than a genuine personal connection. At the same time, 84% of job seekers say networking is primarily about identifying job
84% of US Job Seekers Say Networking Matters, but 59% Don’t Know Where to Begin
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
