Networking — easier said than done. It’s a nerve-wracking experience fraught with awkward introductions, stifling business attire and sweaty palms. At least some strangers have filed your resume away with hundreds more into the plastic bin, and you received a snazzy company pen in return. But wait! You forgot to snatch one of the recruiter’s business cards. Great.
Not to belittle the networking experience — it’s the best preparation available to students to develop essential interpersonal and other professional skills that will enable them to be versatile in these uncertain times. But it’s no secret that it can be difficult to meet new people, assign names to new faces and speak confidently about yourself. However, networking need not always entail “new.” What about that employer from some years back who offered you your first job scanning files and fetching coffee? What’s he or she been up to all this time?
You may say, “Why do I even care? I’m focusing on bigger, better things.” True, resumes usually tell a story of professional maturation and of attaining greater responsibility through presumptively more important and prominent positions. We may associate this upward progression with transitioning from small start-ups to big-time global corporations. But it doesn’t have to be at the expense of forgetting those past employers who gave you the first glimpse into adulthood.
Save yourself the sweaty palms. Networking with past employers can be just as effective as networking with new recruiters. Unfortunately, there’s more to reconnecting than emailing a quick, “Hi, any opportunities you’re aware of?” First and foremost, reconnect with a purpose other than asking for a job.
Like an effective cover letter, the message’s primary focus should be kept on the employer. Begin by introducing what you have been up to recently by, for instance, commenting on how you have applied skills gained in your past position to more recent jobs. Most importantly, you should explain what you valued and learned specifically during your time at the organization, acknowledging that it was at least a beneficial, if not enlightening, experience. This will make your old employer feel his or her time was worthwhile.
Another approach can be to comment on changes in the organization, such as notable market trends, shifts in organizational structure or exciting new company ventures.
Either way, you can easily demonstrate an interest in the industry’s fluidity, which can bolster your sincerity in reestablishing communication with an old employer — something that takes considerable tact.
It goes without saying that recruiters love applicants who show an actual interest in the field and in themselves.
Keep in mind that you are laying common ground to facilitate a more sincere dialogue and to build the relationship in the process. This may ultimately amount to scheduling a one-on-one meeting in order to catch up with each other or receiving several leads that can point you in the right direction. The ultimate goal here is not necessarily to secure a job but rather to cultivate your expanding network, just as you would expect with career fairs and related meet-and-greet events. It takes time and patience, but reconnecting can serve as a valuable strategy in your career development. Remember that each person you meet may be the doorway to your coveted dream job.
