Whether you are a recent graduate or someone changing careers, it is important to stay in touch with potential employers. After all, you never know when they might need your skills. With any luck, you might get the job of your dreams or take on new projects that could add value to your portfolio.
In this digital age, keeping in touch with potential employers is easier than ever. But you still need to be proactive and keep an open line of communication. Zoom, Skype and other platforms cannot replace human interaction. Here are some tips to help you.
A good place to start is to connect with potential employers on LinkedIn, Xing, and other professional networks. Do this before or after job interviews or whenever a potential employer contacts you.
You can also search for companies you want to work for and then connect with their CEOs or hiring managers on LinkedIn. Just make sure to send your invitation with a personalized note.
Employers receive dozens of emails, phone calls and social media messages from job seekers. Therefore, you want your profile to stand out. Introduce yourself and find common ground with the person you want to connect with.
If, for example, you’re a copywriter, send a personalized note that describes your skills or services without being too promotional. Let potential employers know you’re available for work or for freelance projects, and include a link to your portfolio or mention some of the brands you’ve worked with.
End your post with a call to action, especially when reaching out to companies that are currently hiring. For example, you can invite them to make an appointment with you to discuss it further. This not only demonstrates initiative, but can also increase your chances of finding work.
While staying in touch with potential employers is important, you also need to make every interaction count.
HR managers, small business owners, recruiters and other professionals have their plates full. Chances are, they’ll ignore your calls and emails unless you have something meaningful to say.
Simply put, make sure your posts have a clear purpose. Don’t just say, “Are there jobs available? or something similar. Instead, let potential employers know that you’ve learned a new skill, trained, or completed a project that has given you valuable insight into their industry or target audience.
Another option is to just say that you are interested in one of the roles they are trying to fill. Or you can ask if there is anything you can help. Include a brief description of your skills and past plans.
3. Focus on building deeper relationships
Avoid contacting potential employers just to ask if they are hiring. The last thing you want is to sound like a broken record.
Your best bet is to focus on building deeper relationships. To get started, try the strategies below:
- Follow potential employers on social media and leave meaningful comments on their posts.
- Send them holiday greetings (use more generic wording, such as “Happy Holidays” rather than mentioning specific holidays by name).
- Congratulate them on their professional achievements or the major events in their life.
- Ask for work-related tips or ideas.
- Show your interest in a blog post or an article they have published.
Remember, it’s all in the little details. What matters most is making real connections.
A potential employer may not need your services right now, but things may change in the future. Reach out to them two or three times a year to make contact and make sure they remember you when they need someone to fill a role.
Blast Your Way To A Successful Career
Staying in touch with potential employers could be one of the best things you can do for your career. You never know when you’ll need their help, and vice versa.
Always remember that you are writing to another human. Show interest in their professional accomplishments, send them holiday greetings, and engage with them on social media. Be authentic and focus on building meaningful relationships.
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