Online job portals versus networking: Which is more effective for early career professionals?

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

job portals and professional networks are among the channels used today to apply for a job. Both these options come with their own set of advantages and limitations. Let’s delve a little deeper to understand which option individuals prefer more and how you can leverage both to boost the chances of getting hired.
Sarbojit Mallick, Co-founder of job search platform Instahyre, says portals are invaluable tools for early career professionals, offering access to a plethora of job opportunities, essential resources and connections that can significantly increase their chances of landing a dream job. These portals serve as networking hubs, connecting job seekers with potential employers and allowing them to interact directly through application portals or messaging features.

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The experience of the professionals also play a role in them deciding to select a channel.

Elaborating on her experience with both online job boards and networking, Mahima Taluja, an English as an additional language facilitator at a private school, says: “Online job portals have worked pretty well for me until now. I've had two jobs and I found both of them through Linkedin. I haven't had much of an experience with networking as I'm at the very initial stage of my career. I am in the middle of creating a network which might prove to be fruitful someday.”

One of the benefits of online portals that she has experienced was that it gives opportunities to