Staying Top of Mind
Hi All - looking for some advice on how you would approach this situation.
Towards the start of 2025 an ex-coworker/mentor from one of my previous employers put me in touch with a regional director on his current team. We had a 20 min phone chat to discuss my background and my potential interest in returning to my former company. About a week later I emailed him with a relevant article and we discussed it a bit. (The Regional Director also put me in contact with a more junior member of the team). Since then, we haven't spoken or had any contact. I am wondering what you would recommend doing to stay on the top of his mind? I don't want to necessarily bombard him with emails about the industry but I can't really come up with anything else. Maybe I should just email wishing him well? I have monitored the company's job board and they don't have any openings, but I also want him to think of me if something opens up.
Basically, how do I stay relevant?
Appreciate any advice.
To stay top of mind without being overbearing, here are some actionable strategies based on the most helpful WSO content:
Periodic Updates on Your Progress: Every few months, send a concise email updating him on your professional development. For example:
Leverage Relevant Industry News: Continue sharing articles or insights that are genuinely relevant to his role or the company. Add a brief note on why you thought it might interest him, showing you’re staying informed and engaged.
Follow Up on Past Conversations: Reference something you discussed during your initial chat. For instance, if he mentioned a specific project or trend, ask for his thoughts on recent developments in that area.
Holiday or Milestone Greetings: Use natural touchpoints like holidays or the anniversary of your initial conversation to send a friendly, non-intrusive email. For example:
Ask for Advice or Guidance: People enjoy being asked for their expertise. Frame your email around seeking his perspective on a specific topic or career decision. This keeps the conversation professional and purposeful.
Engage with the Junior Contact: Since the Regional Director connected you with a junior team member, maintain that relationship as well. It could lead to additional insights or opportunities within the company.
Be Patient and Respectful of Their Time: Avoid over-communicating. A well-timed email every 3-4 months is sufficient to stay on their radar without being a nuisance.
By combining these strategies, you’ll remain relevant and demonstrate genuine interest in the company and its people.
Sources: Staying Alive: 4 Tips for Surviving Corporate Layoffs, How do you continue a linkedin relationship?, 10 Friendly Reminders While Networking for SA Programs (from a BB Analyst Perspective), Staying Alive: 4 Tips for Surviving Corporate Layoffs, Network (In)to The Sell-side - How to Source Job Leads and Charm the Interviewer
If you're really just trying to check in so that he remembers your name if/when he has a hiring need - don't send an email. Pick up the phone and call him. Have a reason for the call - even if it's just pretext - and after hitting the reason for the call, steer toward what you're doing and if they are looking for talent. Don't be coy, just be direct about what you're asking.
If you get voicemail; leave a VM stating the reason for the call and request a call back. Then follow the same script when he rings you. If he never calls back, wait a bit and then send an email. If you don't get traction after that - go fish.
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