Today's Question: I met a networking contact and we had a great conversation about my career interests. Now I'm wondering how to keep the relationship going without making it seem like I'm continually asking for job leads. What should I do?Answered by: Susannah Krenn, Tufts Career Services
Do you know anyone - family member or friend - who only contacts you when he or she wants something? How do you feel when you see an email in your inbox from that person? Perhaps a little annoyed?
The same principle relates to networking. You don't want to be the person who only checks in every now and again to ask about new leads for jobs or internships.
In our Networking and Informational Interviewing packet, we discuss the process of networking as a G.E.M. (Goal, Exchange of Information, Memorability). Today's question relates to memorability, so here's a preview from the packet:
MEMORABILITY
How will you maintain contact so you’ll be remembered? If you’re told, “we’re not hiring now,” it’s not up to someone else to track you down if that changes in the future. You need to follow-up to stay top-of-mind. Your first follow-up should be a thank you note, by email or handwritten. If your writing is legible, the latter creates a more memorable impression. (Why not buy Tufts note cards for corresponding with alumni?) Future communication should be carefully planned so that it is judiciously timed, informative rather than favor-seeking, and based on mutual career interests.
So, how might you craft your communication so that it's informative rather than favor-seeking?
Here are some specific things to consider incorporating in your follow-up:
Updates - Depending on how comfortable you feel with the person, let him/her know where you've been looking and how the search is going
Something interesting to share - "I read an article that I think you'll enjoy" or "I thought you might want to know about this event"
Thank you - It's always nice to say "thanks again for talking with me" or "thanks for your continued support" (this can be added to any message)
As you've probably guessed, networking conversations/informational interviews and the corresponding follow-up are NOT the appropriate venues for questions like "Do you have any open jobs?" Why? Well, there are many reasons why this is inappropriate, but ask yourself this question:
If you have developed a good rapport with someone, he/she knows about your career interests and goals, and you're staying in touch regularly, isn't it reasonable to assume that the person will tell you if he/she hears about an opportunity that matches your interests? (Hint: The answer is YES)
