A Successful Career Needs A Strong Network—Here’s How To Build One

If you want to advance your career, you’ll need to build a strong network. The statistics make the case: 54% of people report getting their job through a connection, according to a 2025 survey by MyPerfectResume. Despite this, just 10% of people reach out to contacts during their job search.

This is why networking in the first place can set you apart in today’s tough job market. Use these strategies to network successfully and creatively.

First, reclaim your courage. About 34% of people avoid networking because they lack confidence, the MyPerfectResume survey finds. Remind yourself about everything you bring to the job market and know that we all need assistance sometimes.

Second, be expansive in what you ask for. Seek advice, inquire about job openings, request introductions to hiring managers or ask for referrals.

Third, get creative. Host a small gathering over dinner or start a quarterly learning group. Invite people with different backgrounds and ask each to come with a conversation starter. When you connect other people, you build their networks as well as your own.

Fourth, volunteer. You’ll get to know people, build your skills, and can even make more money in the long run, according to studies by Human Resource Management Review and the Center for Economic and Policy Research.

Networking can be intimidating, but when you take an intentional and confident approach, it can return tons of value in finding opportunities and landing your next role!

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WORK SMARTER

Practical insights and advice from Forbes staff and contributors to help you succeed in your job, accelerate your career and lead smarter.

Is being irreplaceable stalling your career? Career coach Sho Dewan shares three reasons why being indispensable at work can trap you in a role and offers advice on how to increase your value instead.

If you want to boost your happiness at work, think about adding more fun into your day with new ways to increase engagement while staying productive, from career coach William Arruda.

Do you ever freeze in stressful job situations? Learn six tips to keep your mind sharp while under pressure, from psychologist Bryan Robinson.

If you need motivation to hit a career milestone, look to Michael B. Jordan and his recent Oscars win to draw inspiration from his road to Hollywood success, from career expert Rachel Wells.

Careers Q&A: How The Power Of Weak Ties Can Open Doors In Your Career

For my new book, Critical Connections, I researched the power of weak ties in networking and career mobility. I discussed the insights with Forbes careers editor Anjelica Tan.

Anjelica Tan: What exactly are weak ties?

Tracy Brower: Weak ties are the people in our network that we know less well and who are further out from our core. They are our second or third order connections: acquaintances or friends of friends.

What role do weak ties play in networking?

Fascinatingly, most new opportunities come from weak ties. By definition, weak ties have access to information that we, and our closest ties, lack. Our further-out connections tend to know about new opportunities or job openings that we are (as yet) unaware of.

What steps can you take to leverage weak ties?

When you start your job search, let your weak ties know that you’re exploring and ask them for advice or information about new openings or opportunities. When you apply for a job, search for connections who may be able to introduce you within the organization or who can provide more information about the job or the person who will be interviewing you.

How do you maintain connections with weak ties?

Staying in touch over social media, for example liking or commenting on their posts, is an effective strategy. You can also reach out to say congratulations or to wish them well on job changes or career milestones. You may even want to invite them for a networking coffee chat. You don’t have to maintain close contact. Instead, just stay on their radar screen.

TOUCH BASE

News from the world of work.

With oil prices rising amid the ongoing war in Iran, the International Energy Agency last week published a “menu” of options to help “shelter consumers from the impacts of this crisis,” Bloomberg reported. One option: remote work.

The Paris-based agency’s recommendation came just days after Resume Genius released its Highest-Paying Remote Jobs report, based on an analysis of more than 78,000 remote job openings. The top roles include psychiatrists, product managers and software engineers—while the highest-paying entry-level remote jobs include data scientists and business analysts.

As job candidates increasingly use AI to write their resumes, more than two-thirds of hiring managers say that the influx of AI-generated applications is slowing the hiring process, according to a new study from HR consulting firm Robert Half. Many also say that skills are becoming harder to verify, which has external recruitment firms more appealing for companies. For job seekers, there are still a number of ways to stand out and AI-proof your search, writes career expert Rachel Wells.

Thanks for reading! This edition of the Careers newsletter was edited by Anjelica Tan and Chris Dobstaff.