Quick Tip for Job Search Networking with Former Colleagues
By Angela Loëb
A Client’s Question: “A former colleague works for a company on my target list. Should I flat out ask if there are any opportunities at the company, or should I approach it in another more roundabout way?”
Best Approach for Networking with Former Colleagues
Since your objective is to get your resume in front of the hiring authority, I would come right out and ask if your former colleague would be willing to forward your resume to the right person.
Earlier in my career, I had a manager who used what she called her “farm file.” This was a file of candidates who had come to her attention through various ways. She would keep their resumes on file for some day in the future when she would had to replace a team member or expand the team.
So, even if your former colleague is the person with the power to hire you, I suggest you say that even if the company isn’t hiring, you’d just like to be on file in case something comes open.
If your friend is not the decision maker and is agreeable, then ask if he/she would prefer to send it on your behalf to the person or simply let you mention his/her name when you send it directly.