How to Stay in Touch With Connections During Recruiting?

Recruiting for full-time so far has been beginning to bear some fruit - I've been told to keep contacts updated with my progress and to check in every couple of months or so. I also know that as openings at firms come up that this strategy is important so that your name will pop up in their heads as a potential referral. 

My question is how does one best go about doing this? Like what kind of content to put in an email when checking in (what kind of progress should I be speaking of? If I have an interview coming up at X firm should I mention that)? Thanks 

5 Comments
 

To stay in touch with connections effectively during recruiting, here are some actionable strategies based on the most helpful WSO content:

  1. Update Contacts with Progress: Share meaningful updates about your career journey. For example:

    • Mention interviews you’ve secured (e.g., "I have a first-round interview with X firm next week").
    • Highlight any new skills, certifications, or achievements relevant to your career goals.
    • Share milestones like completing a major project or receiving positive feedback from an internship.
  2. Ask for Advice: Use updates as an opportunity to seek guidance. For instance:

    • If you have an interview coming up, ask for tips or insights about the firm or role.
    • Request a mock interview if they have time, especially if they’ve been through a similar process.
  3. Personalize Your Communication: Tailor your emails to reflect shared interests or past conversations. For example:

    • If they’re a fan of a sports team, congratulate them on a recent win.
    • Reference any advice they’ve given you previously and how it’s helped you.
  4. Be Tactful and Genuine: Keep the tone professional but warm. Avoid making the email solely about asking for favors. Instead, focus on building rapport and showing genuine interest in their insights.

  5. Follow Up Consistently: Reach out every 2-3 months to maintain the relationship. This could include:

    • Sending a quick email to check in and share updates.
    • Setting up a coffee chat or phone call if they’re open to it.
  6. Keep the Conversation Professional: While it’s great to connect on a personal level, ensure the focus remains on your career growth, industry trends, and professional development.

By following these steps, you’ll stay top of mind with your connections while fostering meaningful, long-term relationships.

Sources: Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student, The Best Networking, Cold Calling and Cold Emailing Posts on WSO, How To Really Network And Land That Offer, How to Navigate FT Recruiting: Learn from My Successes/Failures

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Put networking names and companies on a dart board and see what you hit and go from there.

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"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee

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