Build Your Career By Networking in Canada

This guide will show you how to face your networking fears head-on, build relationships, and take simple steps toward career success. We’ve broken it down into actionable advice so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and start making progress today.

Checklist for Successful Networking in Canada

• Set clear networking goals.
• Practice your elevator pitch until it feels natural.
• Attend local meetups or online networking events.
• Be proactive—don’t wait for someone to approach you.
• Follow up with contacts after events (within 48 hours).
• Stay active on LinkedIn, and engage with posts regularly.
• Schedule coffee meetings or follow-up calls to deepen relationships.

Read on to learn more about networking in Canada in our comprehensive guide. 

What Is Networking? 

Networking is the process of building and nurturing professional relationships with people who can offer support, information, opportunities, and advice (or to whom we can offer support, advice and information). It involves connecting with others in your industry or field, as well as related fields, to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and potentially collaborate on projects or career opportunities. 

Networking can happen in many ways—through face-to-face meetings, at industry events, via online platforms like LinkedIn, or even through casual conversations. The key to effective networking is creating genuine, mutually beneficial relationships that help you grow both personally and professionally.

6 Tips For Successful Networking

Start with Why: Understand the Power of Networking

Networking isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a vital tool for anyone looking to succeed in Canada’s job market. According to a Yale University study, around 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking, a time-honoured tradition that most people apply every day without knowing it. 

More than just finding job leads, networking helps you build relationships that offer support, mentorship, and opportunities you wouldn’t find on your own. But where do you begin?

Set Your Goals: What Do You Want to Achieve?

Before you attend any events or send that first LinkedIn message, ask yourself: what do you hope to gain from networking? Are you looking to connect with professionals in your field, learn more about a specific industry, or find potential mentors? Defining your goals will help guide your conversations and keep you focused.

Here’s an example of a good starter goal for those already in Canada: 

Make five useful contacts and meet two of them for coffee within the next week.

If you aren’t yet in Canada, ask them to meet up for a quick chat online – 15 minutes or so. You will likely need to ‘warm them up’ online prior to asking for the chat, though. People are busy and many won’t want to commit to the time investment for someone who is abroad.

Master Your Elevator Pitch

You’ve probably heard about the elevator pitch—a quick summary of who you are and what you do. But it’s more than just a few words about your job title. Your elevator pitch should showcase what makes you unique and what you’re looking for.

Example: “Hi, I’m Sarah, a digital marketer with 5 years of experience in SEO and content strategy. I’m new to Canada and looking to connect with others in marketing who have navigated the job search here.”

To develop yours, consider this: 

The focus of networking in Canada, as elsewhere, is communicating your value to others and being a good listener. To do so, you need to understand your strengths and weaknesses. A few questions to help you understand the value you bring:

What are your main strengths? This can relate to your personality or your technical/soft skills.

What makes you different? It’s important to understand what makes you unique.

What are your professional and career goals? Have a vision in mind and be able to articulate it.

Network with Confidence

Networking events can be intimidating, but remember that everyone there is also trying to make connections. Start small—introduce yourself to one person, ask questions, and find common ground. Keep it simple and focus on making genuine connections.

These are our quick tips for making the most of these events:

• Be proactive – If you have a good conversation with someone, don’t be afraid to offer your card and ask for theirs. Inquire if they would be open to meeting for a coffee/lunch to follow on your conversation.
• Introductions – Try to bring others into conversation and connect people with common interests. Wouldn’t you like if someone did the same for you?
• Follow up – This is crucial. Ensure you email/call within a few days while the connection is fresh in your mind, as well as theirs. LinkedIn can be a useful tool for this.

Online Networking: Leveraging LinkedIn and Other Platforms

Not every connection happens in person. Online platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools for connecting with professionals across industries. Join relevant groups, comment on posts, and send personalized messages to expand your network.

Here are some tips for leveraging LinkedIn from inside and outside Canada: 

Connecting on LinkedIn: In Canada

If you’re in Canada, start by optimizing your profile to showcase your skills and location. When reaching out, personalize your requests by mentioning commonalities, like attending the same event or working in similar industries. Engage with content created by professionals working in Canada and join local groups to build your presence naturally. Don’t be shy about asking for a coffee chat or virtual meeting—many professionals are open to it, and it can lead to valuable connections or job leads.

Connecting on LinkedIn: From Abroad

If you’re abroad and aiming to work in Canada, tailor your LinkedIn profile to show your intent to relocate. In your bio, mention your interest in the Canadian job market and target Canadian professionals, companies, and international groups. When connecting, be upfront about your location but highlight your enthusiasm and relevant skills. Engaging with Canadian posts and joining discussions shows you’re serious about making the move and building your network.

Get planning for Canada! Did you know that Canada offers free pre-arrival services for approved immigrants who plan to arrive in the country within the next 12 months? You can get free employment mentorship and more through government-funded pre-arrival services. Find out about pre-arrival services provided by Canada InfoNet here:

Follow Through: Keeping Your Network Active

Making connections is only the beginning. Building a strong network means staying in touch, offering help where you can, and keeping your contacts updated on your job search. Regular follow-ups can make all the difference in maintaining professional relationships.

Other Employment Resources

Now that you’ve mastered the resume format in Canada, here are some more resources to help you win interviews and find a job in Canada.

• Practical advice for finding jobs in Canada
• 57 interview questions you could be asked
• How to master the resume format in Canada
• Write the perfect cover letter

Remember also that not all recruitment is done through formal interview processes. Find out how to use an informational interview as a tool to develop your network in Canada.

For vacancies, be sure to visit our Moving2Canada Jobs Board.

Don’t forget to download the resume and cover letter templates from your Moving2Canada account.