Why Networking Beats Job Portals

Introduction

Have you grown tired of applying for jobs on job portals but not getting any responses, and receiving rejections everywhere after applying?
So, why rely only on job portals?

You can try job portals, but your first preference should be networking. Networking is a very effective solution for job seekers. Many people have found jobs through networking. This article will explain how to network, how it helps in finding jobs, and why it is more important than job portals.

Networking could be overwhelming for a job seeker, but if you follow a step-by-step approach, then it will become easy and effective. First, you need to set your career goal, like – in which industry do you want a job, which role do you prefer, and which company is your priority. Then, accordingly, you have to use your network, like a school or college benchmate, a colleague, a teacher, or family friends.

Why Networking Beats Job Portals?

1. 80% of Good Jobs Are Never Posted on Job Portals

Some opportunities which does not post publicly on any websites or portals such as LinkedIn. People get to know about these jobs, when they talk to any employee of the company, if someone has refer., or if anyone has talked directly with HR. Many companies hire candidates internally through their network., without posting officially. That’s why it is important to start networking, do cold emailing, and stay active on LinkedIn to know about these hidden jobs.

Networking is very important in job hunting because, with the help of networking, you can reach those hidden job that are sometimes unavailable on job portals. Many companies hire candidates internally or through referrals, which means that if you have a strong network, you will be aware of those jobs. You get real industry insight from networking, like which skills are in demand, what the company’s culture is, or what the expectations of a specific role are.

2. You Get Referred — and Referrals Get 3x More Interview Calls

Referrals can increase your chances of getting hired faster. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people in your network — former colleagues, friends, mentors, or even LinkedIn connections — and politely ask if they can refer you for a role in their company. A referral not only boosts your credibility but also helps your application stand out in the sea of online applicants. Make sure to personalize your message and explain why you’re a good fit for the role. A simple, professional request can go a long way!
So instead of competing with thousands of applicants, a referral lets you skip the long queue and reach the hiring manager directly.

3. Networking Builds Real Human Trust

In today’s competitive times, only sending a resume is not enough. Chances of getting a job increase only when you have a strong network and make contact with people who can help you grow in your career. Networking is one of the smart and strategic approaches that allows you to connect with those people who can offer you a job. Whether you are a fresher or an experienced person, the right network strategy works for everyone. Connect with new people, show your value, and build a relationship- all these steps can be a game-changer. Now, let me give you some practical networking strategies that you should follow.

Networking shows your:

• Personality
• Communication
• Work ethic
• Knowledge
• Growth mindset

Trust is what gets people hired — not just a PDF resume.

4. You Learn Insider Information About the Company

One of the biggest advantages of networking is that you get access to information that is never available on job portals. When you talk to employees, ex-employees, or people connected with the company, they share real insights that help you make a smarter career decision.

A positive work culture is one of the strongest reasons to accept a job offer quickly. When employees feel respected, supported, and valued, they are more productive and happier at work. If the company promotes teamwork, open communication, and a healthy work-life balance, it shows that the environment is good for your growth.

Reading employee reviews or observing how the team interacts during interviews can help you understand whether the company culture is truly supportive and employee-friendly.

This gives you a huge advantage in interviews.

5. Networking Helps You Stand Out From the Crowd More Than Job Portals

When you apply through job portals, you become one among thousands of applicants. Your resume may be strong, but it often gets lost in the pile. Networking changes this completely. When you connect with professionals, talk to them, comment on their posts, or share your insights, you create a human connection. This makes you unique and memorable.

How networking helps you stand out:

• You become a real person, not just a PDF
  Recruiters are more likely to recall someone they’ve interacted with, even briefly.
• Your personality becomes visible
  They see your communication skills, enthusiasm, and attitude—qualities that a resume cannot show.
• You get noticed before openings are posted
  When a role comes up, your name naturally comes to mind.
• Your online activity acts as proof of skills
  Sharing content, commenting thoughtfully, or engaging professionally shows your knowledge and confidence.
• You build familiarity
  People trust those they recognize. Even small interactions help you stay top-of-mind.

A simple conversation can make a recruiter remember you more than 100 CVs.

6. Networking Gets You Faster Feedback

Getting rejected after a job interview never feels good. You prepare for days, you hope for the best, and then suddenly an email arrives from job board saying, “We decided to move forward with another candidate.” A job rejection doesn’t have to be the end. If you ask for feedback the right way, it can actually become your biggest career advantage.

Most people never ask for feedback because no one replies quickly on job board. They stay confused, repeat the same mistakes, and keep getting rejected. But the people who finds job through networking they ask for feedback learn fast, improve fast, and eventually get hired faster.

This saves time and makes your job search more strategic.

7. Networking Opens Long-Term Opportunities

Connecting with industry professionals is very important for the growth of your career. Participate actively on Online platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or professional forums. Start commenting on posts, give valuable insights, and post updates or articles that show your expertise. It will increase your visibility and people will see you as a serious professional in your field. It is equally important offline as well you should do meet-up, networking lunches, or attend a small discussion group. Trust is built with face-to-face interaction, and it is possible to create a professional relationship for the long term, which creates opportunities. A combination of both modes is important.

Even if you don’t get hired immediately, people from your network may:

• Recommend you later
• Inform you about other roles
• Introduce you to someone else
• Offer freelance or part-time work

Opportunities keep coming automatically once your network grows.

8. Networking Builds Your Personal Brand

Networking is not just about finding jobs—it’s also about building a strong personal brand that helps you grow throughout your career. Every interaction you have, every comment you post, and every conversation you join online shapes how people see you professionally.

How networking builds your personal brand:

• People see your expertise in action
  When you share insights, join discussions, or help others, people start recognizing you for your knowledge and skills.
• You become visible in your industry
  Active networking on platforms like LinkedIn puts your name in front of recruiters, founders, and industry leaders.
• You show your personality and communication style
  Your posts, comments, and conversations show who you are—not just what you do.
• You get known for something specific
  Whether it’s content writing, marketing, tech, designing, finance, or productivity—people begin to associate you with your niche.
• You establish trust
  Consistent and meaningful networking shows that you are serious about learning, growing, and adding value.

9. Networking Teaches You More Than Job Portals

Through networking you stay relevant to industry trends because the market and audience keep changing. If you use outdated ideas and styles, then you will fall behind the competition. Through networking you can easily research the market, observe competitors, and take feedback from your audience. But do remember that following every trend blindly is not important; follow only those trends that match your brand values and the interests of your audience.

For example, if there is a trend of eco-friendly products and your brand is about the fashion industry, you can start using sustainable materials from this, and you will be seen as modern and relevant.

This knowledge makes you more confident and job-ready.

Conclusion

While job portals make it easy to apply for roles, networking gives you real access, faster results, and better opportunities. Through networking, you learn insider information, get referrals, stand out from the crowd, receive faster feedback, and build a strong personal brand.

In today’s competitive job market, who you know—and how well you connect—often matters more than just sending out resumes. Focus on meaningful relationships, engage actively, and let your network open doors that job portals cannot.

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