In today’s competitive job market, your qualifications and experience are only part of the equation. The relationships you build through networking often determine how quickly you progress, how many opportunities you hear about and how visible you become in your industry.

The pandemic may have pushed networking online, but as in-person events, workplace meet ups and professional development sessions return, now is the perfect time to rethink how you network and why it matters.

Whether you work in a corporate office, on the frontline in healthcare or within Australia’s growing NDIS sector, networking plays a crucial role in building a resilient, successful career.

What Is Networking and Why Is It Important?

Networking is the process of building and maintaining professional relationships that can support your career goals. It involves connecting with peers, mentors, employers, industry leaders and even clients to exchange information, ideas and opportunities.

According to LinkedIn, 80% of professionals consider networking vital to career success, while 70% found jobs at organisations where they had an existing connection. These statistics show just how important it is to invest time and effort into building your network.

Beyond job searching, networking also helps you:

• Gain fresh insights into your industry
• Learn about trends and upcoming changes
• Collaborate with like-minded professionals

Enhance your reputation and credibility

Types of Professional Networks

Not all networks are created equal. To build a well-rounded and effective support system, it is important to cultivate three types of professional networks: personal, operational and strategic.

Personal Networks

Your personal network includes individuals outside your formal work environment. These are friends, family, sports teammates, university peers or members of local community groups. While these relationships may not be job-specific, they often lead to unexpected opportunities or referrals.

Example: A friend you know through a community sports club introduces you to someone hiring for a role that aligns with your experience. The personal connection opens the door to a job interview you may not have found on your own.

Operational Networks

This group consists of people you interact with regularly in your job colleagues, supervisors, team members, clients and suppliers. These relationships help you get work done more efficiently and collaborate more effectively.

Example: You are managing a project and need information from multiple departments. Because you have built a strong relationship with contacts across the business, they respond quickly and help you deliver the project on time.

Strategic Networks

Strategic networking involves relationships that help shape your long-term career path or business direction. These include mentors, industry leaders, recruiters and professionals in other sectors who introduce you to new markets, ideas or partnerships.

Example: You attend a professional seminar and connect with a recruiter who specialises in placing people in fast-growing industries. That contact eventually leads to a role with more responsibility and better career progression.

How to Network Effectively in a Post-Pandemic World

As workplaces and events return to in-person formats, face-to-face networking is once again a powerful tool. Whether you are attending a conference, workshop or local industry meet up, here are key strategies to make the most of your networking efforts.

Plan Your Approach

Before attending any event, prepare questions and conversation starters. Think about what you want to achieve are you looking for career advice, potential employers or new industry insights?

Some useful prompts include:

• “What inspired you to work in your field?”
• “Have you noticed any recent trends or changes in the industry?”
• “What professional development opportunities have helped you most?”

Do Your Research

Know who’s going to be at the event. Review the agenda, speaker list or attendee profiles. If possible, connect on LinkedIn beforehand. This gives you conversation context and shows you are genuinely interested.

Take Initiative

Do not wait to be introduced introduce yourself. Ask someone what brought them to the event or comment on a recent industry topic. Being proactive can spark valuable discussions and help you stand out.

Look for events through:

• Local business networks
• Professional associations
• Sector-specific conferences
• Community workshops and training programs

Offer Value First

Networking is not just about what you can gain. Think about how you can help others whether it is sharing advice, making an introduction or offering insight.

When you are known as someone who adds value, your network grows naturally and people are more likely to help you in return.

Follow Up and Stay Connected

After meeting someone, send a quick follow-up message thank them for their time, mention something specific you discussed and offer to stay in touch.

Maintain your network by:

• Engaging on LinkedIn
• Sharing helpful articles or news
• Reconnecting periodically with contacts
• Inviting others to events or professional catch-ups

Career Benefits of Networking

While networking often leads to new job opportunities, the benefits extend much further.

Increased Visibility

The more people who know what you do, the more likely you are to be considered for roles, collaborations or recommendations.

Faster Career Progression

Mentors and peers can guide you through transitions, help you avoid mistakes and point you towards high-value opportunities.

Better Access to Industry Knowledge

Your network gives you access to insider perspectives on workplace trends, job market changes and emerging technologies or regulations.

Collaboration and Innovation

When you connect with professionals from different backgrounds, you gain fresh ideas and potential for collaboration, especially in dynamic industries like healthcare or disability services.

Final Thoughts: Make Networking a Career Habit

At Talenthub, we see every day how powerful networking can be. People often find roles, clients, mentors or business opportunities not through job boards or ads but through conversations and relationships.

Whether you are starting out in your career, exploring new job opportunities or building your own team, your network is one of your greatest assets. By staying visible, being helpful and showing genuine interest in others, you set yourself up for long-term success. As the professional world reopens, now is the time to invest in your network. Because the right conversation can lead to your next big break and your next chapter.