Many professionals find networking and job hunting stressful and intimidating. LinkedIn, social media, and online job boards have eliminated the literal legwork, but networking can still be challenging. 

With these networking tips, you can eliminate the stress from the process and make your network work for you.

While networking can lead to new career opportunities, it offers so much more. Your network can give you support, advice, and confidence, along with role models and professional guidance. Digital networking may be less personal than traditional face-to-face methods, but it's also more convenient, flexible, and accessible.  

Here, we look at the benefits of building a network and provide our top networking tips to guide you along the way.

Why networking can get you farther than submitting job applications

Sending out unsolicited resumes or applying for positions on job boards may be the easiest way to apply for a job, but it is not the most effective. 

Big tech companies get thousands of applicants for each of their positions. Candidates who simply submit a resume have only one chance at making an impression and landing a tech job interview. 

Here are several ways that networking can improve those odds:

• References can get your resume past the screener and into the hiring manager's hands, bypassing one of the most difficult steps.

• Strong references and professional networks lend you credibility.

• A reference helps paint a complete picture of you better than a resume alone.

• Many employers prefer candidates who have a connection to the company