Why professional networking is a job search asset that AI can’t replace

NEW YORK — Canned rejection emails. Job interviews conducted by AI chatbots. Hundreds of employment applications submitted with no response. Online applications have made it easier to apply for jobs, but they don't always make it easy to get noticed. With employers increasingly using automated screening tools to evaluate large numbers of applicants, having inside connections from professional networking can help job seekers stand out, employment experts say. “Networking is important whether you’re searching for a job or not,” said Catherine Fisher, vice president of communications and a career expert at LinkedIn, the professional networking platform. “It’s not just a nice-to-have. It does set you apart and give you an edge.” Yet not everyone knows how to make professional connections, even when they recognize the value of networking. While in-person events still are valuable, online communities, social media platforms and virtual meetings are where building professional relationships frequently takes place. From an initial approach to asking about job openings, here's what career experts, hiring managers and job seekers suggest for developing and maintaining meaningful professional relationships. Use online platforms to make new connections The shift to working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic changed how many people interacted with colleagues. Although most employees returned to offices at...