This blog was written by Next Stop Canada mentor Tyson Dimayuga. 

Networking is vital for job search and professional growth in the Canadian labour market. We’ve emphasized this various times, but it’s important to remember to land a job in Canada successfully. Not only is this true for newcomers, but also for those who were born in the country. You might have already updated your LinkedIn profile and started to connect online. Your efforts may have even led you to a potential network that has agreed to connect with you. But how do you maximize the chance to know more about your desired field and profession? Here are some essential tips on taking advantage of this exciting opportunity you have created for yourself.

An excellent first impression matters in an initial meet and greet, and you want to make it right. Start with small talk and make it casual. For example, ask how their day or week is going. Extend appreciation for the time the other person has given to you. Do a quick refresher on why you wanted to connect; this may include your professional background and personal details. Do not jump into questions right away. This gives the impression that you are interviewing or interrogating the person. Instead, point out something on their LinkedIn profile that stood out to you and let them lead the conversation to their professional experience.