Canadian Job Seekers Say Networking Is Becoming More Transactional and Technology Is to Blame
TORONTO, March 25, 2026 — A significant majority of Canadian professionals now perceive networking as a transactional exchange rather than authentic relationship-building, according to new survey data that highlights widespread discomfort with how career connections are formed in the digital age.
Survey Reveals Widespread Perception Shift
According to a recent Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll survey, 70% of Canadian hiring managers and 76% of job seekers report that networking today feels more like a business transaction than a genuine personal connection. This represents a fundamental shift in how professionals approach career development and relationship-building.
At the same time, the survey found that 69% of job seekers and 64% of hiring managers view networking primarily as a means to identify job opportunities rather than build meaningful relationships. This reveals a growing disconnect between what professionals want networking to be and what it has evolved into in practice.
Technology's Role in Eroding Authenticity
Online platforms that were designed to facilitate professional connections have instead introduced new layers of artificiality to networking interactions. The survey data shows that 76% of job seekers and 78% of hiring managers believe online networking platforms have made professional interactions more transactional in nature.
While 38% of hiring managers acknowledge that these platforms can make initial connections easier to establish, most admit the interactions still feel impersonal and opportunistic. Perhaps most telling is that 70% of hiring managers now evaluate networking contacts based strictly on their influence or usefulness, creating what many describe as a "what can you do for me?" atmosphere.
"The most valuable connections in our professional lives come from showing up with authenticity and a genuine interest in others," said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. "When we approach conversations with openness rather than expectation, we create the foundation for relationships that grow over time. Technology can help us meet, but it's our human commitment to listen, engage and invest in people that gives those connections lasting worth."
The Desire for More Authentic Connections
Despite the transactional nature of modern networking, both hiring managers and job seekers recognize its importance. The survey found that 86% of hiring managers and 82% of job seekers agree that networking remains critical for career advancement and getting a foot in the door.
However, there's mounting frustration with current networking practices. With 80% of hiring managers acknowledging that authentic relationships are difficult to build when networking feels transactional, professionals on both sides of the hiring equation appear ready for a different approach to career connection-building.
The challenge lies in balancing the practical need for professional opportunities with the human desire for genuine connection. As technology continues to reshape how professionals interact, many are calling for a return to more authentic, relationship-focused networking practices that prioritize mutual understanding over transactional exchange.
