Best way to follow up/ resume push

The sooner you monkey's stop looking at Associates / VPs / Directors as some banking drone you need to schmooze to get a job, the sooner you'll start making real connections with them and making progress. Networking isn't about going through the motions of asking questions for questions sake, or getting connected for connections sake. It's about getting to know someone and the place of employment they've spent the majority of their life at. Truly getting to know it.

To answer the overarching question, there is no specific formula for when you reach out. However, managing the relationship from the very first conversation you have with them will set the tone for when you should reach out.

On these networking calls, you guys need to set the tone of relationship on the front end. Man up and really manage the relationship! This means starting your conversation with the Associate / VP / Director about non-work related items to make things light. You're not Agent Smith from the FBI here to play 21 questions, you're another human being trying to learn about how they make their livelihood. Discuss where they grew up, how they got into banking, why they chose this firm over others etc. Be charming over the phone. You should learn how to mimic and match their tonality; if they pick up the phone and sound lively as all hell, wake your ass up and put some expression in your voice; if they pick up the phone and sound depressed, slow your row and act a little cool & calm. Discuss professional items, and then ask them straight up, "If I reach out to you in a week, could we discuss any future questions I may come up with about the firm or could you put me in touch with someone else at the firm who could." If you play it right, chances are they will always say yes... unless they're having a really bad day.

Personal note: If you sound competent, and not like a sniveling little thumb sucker, I'll always forward you along to someone in my firm, because I want to work with competent people.

After your conversation, read the relationship you've established. If you made a solid connection, catch up with them and see where they are in the hiring process. What new developments have been made with regards to the position. If they can connect you with someone else internally who works in an industry you're interested in. If they wouldn't mind making an introduction to an associate so you could talk to them about the day to day work you'll be doing underneath them.

I don't mean to get overly on your case, but how do you have nothing to talk about? It almost sounds like you're not very interested in learning about what they do. You need to step out of your comfort zone and show some interest on these calls. I guarantee you it will pay back in spades.