8 Ways to Make Sure Your Network

Doesn't Forget You!

When I speak to those who network with job hunters, they are always amazed that they “never hear from the person (you!) again”. Or they assume you’ve landed and no longer need help. These are people ready to help you but they are busy – so don’t let them forget you! These are your hard-won contacts; don’t lose them. Remind them you are out there.

1. Respond to them on LinkedIn, IF they are checking it regularly. One way: if they post something there, be sure to comment on it. And comment more than “You’re right, Susie.” Instead, use 5-10 words, which the algorithm looks for, that includes keywords that you and Susie share about your profession. Want others to see Susie’s post? Share it (repost it) to your network. Susie will see that, and will be very thankful to you for doing so. 

2. Mention them in a post on LinkedIn. Post a link to an article you know would interest the person, tagging their name.

3. Facebook: if you have a profile on Facebook that you can dedicate to your search, use it for that. If your profile there is very active socially already, and you want to keep career and job search separate, create a business page for you, and use that so that your network sees you there. Recruiters look to Facebook for candidates AND your network is likely checking in there, too, every day, unlike LinkedIn which still suffers from the “I’m not in job search so why go there” syndrome. 

4. If the contact has a business page on Facebook or other social media, make supportive comments there, too. 

5. If you are in a LinkedIn group (or Facebook group) that has been beneficial to you, and your contact and you share work interests, extend an invitation to them to join. They’ll see your posts there AND you can do a supportive reaction to THEIR posts there, as well.

6. Post in response to companies that interest you AND them, on LinkedIn or other social media. They’ll likely see your post.

7. Invite to in-person groups that you belong to. Even if they cannot make the meetings, they’ll remember you inviting them. 

8. This is my favorite method: To stay in touch with contacts you’ve made, regularly send an email update. Every 3-4 weeks is plenty: it will keep you on their minds yet it won’t be too much. Use email rather than LinkedIn mail because not everyone checks their notifications or mail on LinkedIn. Do this even after you land your new job!

This little “ping” every few weeks reminds them of you and your talents, and lets them know you’re still looking. That way, they’re more likely to think of you when they’re with their network, or when they hear about that opening that you fit. 

Keep it short, simple and upbeat, so that they open it.

Gather your contacts’ email addresses into a spreadsheet that will be your “update broadcast email” database. In your email, put all email addresses into the blind copy (“bcc”) area of the email header so as to keep them private, visible only to you. You don’t want to alienate your network contacts by showing everyone on your mailing list everyone else’s email addresses.

A last word: An upbeat message each time means they will be thinking of you even in between your emails and are much more likely to connect you with others - which is exactly what you want!