There's really only one way to get a new job these days Making connections with people is one of the best ways to stand out in your job search, say workplace observers. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Updated 2026-05-11T09:01:01.244Z Networking tends to be more important when the job market remains sluggish in some industries. White-collar workers often don't have as much leverage as they did a few years ago. Fostering genuine relationships can help job seekers stand out in competitive hiring processes . Networking can feel awkward. It can also be one of the best ways to land a job right now. Yet, if you're busy actually doing your job, it may feel like one more obligation competing for your attention. So, you like a few posts on LinkedIn and move on. Unfortunately, that's not going to cut it, workplace observers say. In a job market that has cooled for industries like tech — and where applying to jobs online can seem downright fruitless — making connections matters.…