Final answer:
Networking is the process of establishing and maintaining relationships with other professionals in order to exchange information and opportunities. It is important when cultivating job leads because it allows you to tap into the hidden job market.
Step-by-step explanation:
Networking
Networking is the process of establishing and maintaining relationships with other professionals in order to exchange information and opportunities. It involves connecting with people you know and making new contacts through various platforms, such as social networking sites like LinkedIn. Networking is important when cultivating job leads because it allows you to tap into the hidden job market, which consists of unadvertised job opportunities. By building a strong network, you can gain access to insider information, referrals, and recommendations that can significantly increase your chances of finding job leads and securing employment.