Networking is key to finding a geomatics job, to be honest. If your only job-hunting strategy is to apply for jobs you see online, you’re going to have a very tough time. Most recruiters and human resource professionals would agree that a multi-pronged approach is best.

According to authors Mark and Richard Bolles, authors of Job-Hunting Online (Ten Speed Press, 2008), this is the success rate breakdown:

• Posting a resume on an Internet career site – 4 percent
• Randomly sending resumes – 7 percent
• Going to the employment office – 14 percent
• Networking (making connections with everyone you can think of) – 33 percent

So lets look at networking for geomatics jobs in Canada.

There are many ways to network. You are going to have to make an effort to find, and make connections. This could mean finding geomatics related activities to participate in. There are many geomatics related groups in Canada. Try to find one that actually has a benefit to joining like regular meetings and social activities. There is no sense in joining and paying membership fees if there is no value.

If you’re lucky enough to be in the regions of Toronto, Niagara or Ottawa, there are GoGeomatics Canada groups that meet just to network. You will find a mix of business people in geomatics, students, and professionals. It is a perfect opportunity to meet people. Here are links to those groups:

As well there are other groups that are active in geomatics in Canada. You can find a list here:

Conferences and lectures are also an optimal place to meet people. People like to hire people they already know. They also like to hire people that someone they know, knows. It’s just human nature. So if you are willing to make the effort, networking can pay off big time.