The new year symbolizes fresh starts and new opportunities, and it’s often the time professionals think about changing jobs or advancing their careers.
However, you don’t need to land a brand-new position in January for the month to be valuable for your career. Sometimes the most important first steps involve building relationships and expanding your professional network.
This is where strategic networking in January becomes a vital career move.
Why January Is Ideal for Networking
1. Hiring Cycles Restart with New Budgets and Priorities
Most companies operate on fiscal years that align with calendar years. This means January brings fresh budgets and renewed hiring priorities. Positions that were frozen or delayed in late fall often get approved for filling in the new year. Managers who spent December planning their team needs for the coming year are ready to act on those plans in January.
With hiring cycles restarting, decision-makers are actively thinking about their staffing needs and more open to conversations about talent.
2. Decision-Makers Are Open to New Conversations
People at every level—including the hiring managers and executives who make employment decisions—feel that new year energy. There’s something about January that makes everyone more open to fresh starts, new relationships, and real conversations. The holiday break gives leaders time to step back and think about what they want to accomplish in the coming year and what challenges they’re facing. When they return to work in January, they’re recharged and genuinely interested in meeting people who might help them reach their goals.
That openness makes January networking far more effective than reaching out in summer or late fall when everyone’s distracted. And these connections really matter—referrals make up about 30 to 50 percent of new employees in the United States, which means nearly half of job seekers who get referred actually land the role.¹
Read more: How to Land Exclusive Temporary & Seasonal Positions Before They’re Publicly Posted
3. Professional Events and Industry Gatherings Resume
After the holiday slowdown, the networking calendar kicks back into high gear in January. Industry conferences, professional association meetings, and business networking events all start up again with fresh programming and solid turnout.
This gives you plenty of opportunities and venues to meet new contacts. It’s also the perfect time to reconnect and strengthen relationships you’ve already built.
4 Tactics to Consider
Effective January networking combines in-person relationship building with strategic digital outreach.
Here are some methods you can use to maximize your January networking opportunities.
1. Attend Industry Events with Specific Goals
According to the 2025 State of Events Report, 78 percent of organizers identify in-person events as their organization’s most impactful marketing channel.2 Face-to-face connections remain powerful, even in our digital age.
Before each event, set specific goals such as:
- Meeting three new people in your target industry
- Reconnecting with two former colleagues
These goals keep you focused and give you measures of success beyond just showing up.
If possible, research who will attend events and identify specific people you want to meet. Prepare conversation starters and questions that demonstrate genuine interest in their work rather than immediately discussing your job search.
Read more: Year-End Job Market Trends: Where the Best Opportunities Are
2. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Discovery
Before expanding your network, make sure your LinkedIn profile positions you effectively for the opportunities you want. This optimization is critical, since 70 percent of employers use social networking sites like LinkedIn to reach potential recruits.3
Your profile is your most visible professional asset.
- Update your headline to clearly state your current role and aspirations.
- Ensure your summary articulates your value proposition and what you are looking for in your next position.
- Add relevant skills and request endorsements from colleagues who can vouch for your capabilities.
3. Schedule Informational Interviews with Target Companies
Identify companies you would like to work at and reach out to people in roles similar to those you seek. Request brief informational interviews to learn about their experiences, the company culture, and what skills are most valued. These conversations build relationships while giving you insider knowledge that makes you a stronger candidate when positions open up.
Most professionals are willing to spend twenty minutes sharing their experiences, especially in January when they are feeling helpful and energized about the new year. Always follow up these conversations with thank-you notes and stay in touch periodically.
Read more: How to Stand Out in the Year-End’s Competitive Job Market
4. Follow Up Within 48 Hours of Meeting New Contacts
The most common networking mistake is failing to follow up promptly after meeting new people. Send connection requests or emails within 48 hours while the conversation is still fresh in both your minds. Reference specific topics you discussed to jog their memory about who you are.
Suggest a concrete next step like getting coffee, having a phone call to discuss a topic further, or simply staying in touch as your job search progresses. By following up promptly, you separate yourself from the majority of people who make good impressions at events but then disappear.
Expand your network with Masis.
Masis Staffing Solutions can be your link to landing high-quality job opportunities. With the connections we’ve built and maintained across industries, we can help you find positions that fit your goals and preferences.
Want to learn more? Contact us today!
References
- Flynn, Jack. “25 Incredible Employee Referral Statistics [2023]: Facts About Employee Referrals In The U.S.” Zippia, 27 Feb. 2023, www.zippia.com/advice/employee-referral-statistics/.
- “2025 State of Events and Industry Benchmarks.” Bizzabo, 2025, welcome.bizzabo.com/state-of-events-2025?utm_source=blog.
- “70% of Employers Use Social Networking Sites to Research Candidates During Hiring Process.” CareerBuilder, 2023, resources.careerbuilder.com/employer-blog/70-of-employers-use-social-networking-sites-to-research-candidates-during-hiring-process.
