Networking Statistics: General Stats, Benefits, Face to Face, and More!

Looking for a job? Thinking about that next career switch? Networking is the way to go!

Networking is used all over the world by professionals who want to advance in their careers and generate interest in their business. Whatever it is you’re networking for, there’s no doubt that you’ll see positive results.

Join us as we unpack the recent statistics on networking. It’s going to be an interesting read, so sit back and relax! 

Top Networking Statistics: Editor’s Choice


  • One in four people doesn’t network.
  • 48% of professionals keep up with their network.
  • Looks and handshakes influence 72% of networkers.
  • Networking helps fill 85% of positions.
  • About 35.5 million people received a job through LinkedIn.
  • Almost 100% of workers believe that face-to-face meetings build strong long-term relationships.
  • Around 40% of people network more online than in person.
  • Getting co-workers to network reduces the likelihood of turnover by 140%.
  • More than 810 million people are on LinkedIn as of 2022.
  • Approximately 38% of professionals say bars and restaurants are effective places to network.

General Networking Statistics


In this section, we’ll look at the latest trends in networking and see how this practice affects people. It all depends on how you use it!

1. One in four people doesn’t network.

Surprisingly, 25% of people aren’t using networking to their advantage. However, studies show that around 41% of workers would spend more time networking if they have the opportunity. Networking could be inaccessible to some due to busy schedules and days packed with meetings.

2. More than 80% of professionals say networking is essential to their career success. 

Networking facts show that starting a successful career doesn’t stop with submitting your resume across career sites. Networking increases your chances when applying for your next job. About 80% of workers attest to this, demonstrating that networking is a boon to any young professional.

3. Around 41% of people want to network more often.

Although one in four people haven’t tried networking yet, the research found that more people want to network regularly. Unfortunately, it seems that their schedules are just too jam-packed to accommodate networking. Though time is not on their side, the fact that they want to network speaks to their belief in the career-advancing potential of this practice. 

4. 48% of professionals keep up with their network.

The reason networking is so valued by workers is that it enables them to build and nurture connections. The importance of networking is evident in the statistics, making this practice a must for young professionals looking to find their place among their colleagues.

5. 55% of millennials use their network for their next job opportunity.

It seems that millennials are getting up to speed with networking lately. While members of this demographic have trouble maintaining their network, studies show that 55% of this age group turn to their network for their next job opportunity. Interestingly, millennials often find a new job through a casual conversation with someone from their network.

6. Looks and handshakes influence 72% of networkers.

Networking trends show that face-to-face networking increases the likelihood of a positive result. Thus, making a great first impression helps significantly, as it influences people’s perceptions and determines how networkers view their network.

Benefits of Networking


Let’s take a look at how networking can help you succeed!

7. Networking helps fill 85% of positions.

The research found that more people find jobs through their network. While getting a job isn’t that difficult, getting access to job opportunities through networking increases your chances of success.

Shockingly, most jobs aren’t posted on the internet but are communicated through word of mouth. In light of this, building and maintaining a vast network in your field of interest is an effective way to keep up with recent vacancies. 

8. About 35.5 million people received a job through LinkedIn.

LinkedIn grew exponentially over the last couple of years. More people now use the social platform for networking within their industry. Finding jobs through LinkedIn has never been easier. More than 122 million people scored interviews, while 35.5 million were hired. Job interviews can be difficult; that’s where networking saves you. Scoring an interview through networking reduces the stress you would experience otherwise. 

9. Networking saves time and money.

There are many reasons why networking works so well. A recent networking survey shows that 92% of people praise its potential to save time, 88% find that it cuts costs, and 76% believe it grants them more flexibility in terms of when and where to meet. Respondents also highlighted its compatibility with multitasking, its positive influence on productivity, and its ability to reduce peer pressure.

10. In-person meetings result in a 40% close rate. 

Networking isn’t reserved just for finding your next job opportunity. Instead, many professionals use networking to generate sales and increase revenue. Networking for this purpose is most effective in-person since it produces a 40% close rate. Pitching a product or service has never been easier with networking. It’s all about the connections built. 

Face-to-Face Networking


The Covid-19 pandemic hit networking pretty hard, forcing people to transition to making virtual connections. Nevertheless, the benefits of on-the-ground networking far outstrip those of online alternatives. Here, we’ll cover the most interesting facts about networking in person. 

11. 100% of employees believe that face-to-face meetings build strong long-term relationships. 

In-person networking helps build deeper connections, making it crucial for building a trusted network. Therefore, it’s vital that employers make sure to support this activity after the risk of the virus has passed.

12. Surprisingly, 23.6% of 16 to 24-year-olds network with family and friends.

Networking isn’t a popular activity among this age group, as only a small portion of young people seek connections in order to improve their career prospects. Networking in college statistics attest to the difficulty of transitioning from personal friendships to career-focused ones. For young people looking to start building those connections, crafting a great resume could give them an edge in the networking world. 

13. Around 40% of people network more online than in person.

Surprisingly, people prefer to network online. Reports show that around 40% of people are networking online as opposed to in person. This trend might be informed by the difficulty of aligning schedules to meet in person or the global pandemic’s impact on networking. 

14. 60% of people are shy.

Extroverts are killing it in the networking game. Introverts tend to be shy, which impacts their ability to network. This is one of the reasons why networking statistics show that not everyone is bold enough to take part in this activity. 

Networking for Businesses


In this section, we’ll look at stats about networking in the workplace.

15. Getting co-workers to network reduces the likelihood of turnover by 140%.

Networking in the workplace is particularly effective, as it encourages co-workers to get to know each other. In doing so, co-workers learn how to work well together, thus increasing productivity. The research found that having a co-worker network reduces turnover by 140%, which makes it a must for any business.

16. 69% of scientists say virtual conferences lack networking opportunities.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the science world has transitioned to virtual conferences. While this enabled researchers to attend from anywhere in the world, their ability to make long-term connections suffered. Research shows that seven in 10 scientists identify the difficulty of networking online as the major drawback of this new meeting trend.

17. More than 810 million people are on LinkedIn as of 2022.

LinkedIn has been around for quite some time. Every year, more and more people sign up after discovering the advantages of networking. The recent networking statistics for 2022 found that more than 810 million people now use LinkedIn. However, only around 40% of users access LinkedIn daily, while the majority spend an average of only 17 minutes on the social network every month.  

18. Approximately 38% of professionals say bars and restaurants are effective places to network.

Networking thrives in any environment, but it’s particularly effective where communication can get more casual. Therefore, informal settings like bars and restaurants are great places to network. It’s no surprise that 38% of professionals attest to this.

Networking Statistics: The Takeaway


It’s clear that networking achieves its intended purpose, whether that purpose is to build relationships with like-minded individuals or career advancement. No matter how you prefer to network, remember to be strategic while considering the interest of others.

Studies indicate that online networking is not an adequate future substitute for making connections in person. When people meet in an informal and warm atmosphere, they can build lasting relationships to help their professional and personal lives. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of jobs are found through networking?

Networking is known to help people find jobs. To date, 85% of jobs were filled through networking, conducted both in-person and online. Instead of being posted online, most vacancies are shared through a trusted network. One can never be certain what the reasons for this practice are, but it seems that hiring managers look to employ trusted individuals.

Why are networking statistics so important?

Networking is commonly used for career advancement. Thus, knowing what the statistics say helps you make an informed decision. Should you network online or in person? Should you network at work or in a casual setting? Should you dress formally or casually for networking events? The list goes on. Knowing the most important networking statistics makes a huge difference.

How effective is networking?

Networking can be incredibly effective when it’s done correctly, and help you achieve your professional aims. While you don’t have to use networking to advance in your career, taking that next step can become much easier when you’ve built connections with people in your field. 

What is the value of networking?

Networking doesn’t just offer a network of trusted professionals, it gives you valuable skills you can use in many aspects of life. Networking also helps you stay on top of trends in a specific industry. Furthermore, networking also helps you build trust with others and build confidence in yourself.

What is the most effective networking strategy?

Many effective networking strategies can be used to your advantage. One strategy that stands out is to reach out to others by seeking advice, information, and resources. Networking statistics show that using this strategy gives you the opportunity to grow your network, as members of your close circle will refer you to their own connections.


Sources

ApolloTechnical, BusinessNewsDaily, CareerExperts, FinancesOnline, FitSmallBusiness, Fortune, Great Business Schools, Kinsta, LinkedIn, LinkedIn, Nature, Sagu, SellingSignals, SoftwarePundit, Zippia