Everyone who left a job behind — voluntarily or involuntarily — knows that relationships with coworkers and business contacts often deplete much quicker than they were built — unless a serious conscious effort is put to maintain them.
This effort can come through formal and professional channels if you're just changing employers but still in the same industry. However, if you've been out of the professional circle, the road to keeping in touch with former contacts and coworkers is often rougher — particularly if the purpose of your reaching out to them is to ask for assistance in landing your next job.
Gender seems to play a role in the willingness to take the initiative in seeking assistance with job hunting, as well. A recent survey in the US found men outperform women in this activity. The survey of 2,000 men and women, conducted by DrWoody/TweetMyJobs, measured the likelihood of reaching out to former colleagues and contacts through phone, email or social media as well as making new contacts via social media in the context of job hunting.
The results are hardly surprising. The urge to retreat can be hard to resist after a job loss. It also gets more complicated for women who may be concerned about how their outgoing approach may be seen or judged or simply don't have the ability to put the required time into the search because of their family commitments.
Whatever the reason, this type of withdrawal can put any jobseeker at a disadvantage — from missing out on having an active presence in the market, to losing connections and being unable to score a recommendation from an insider.
Here are a few tips on how to avoid losing your contacts and isolating yourself after a job loss:
Out of the shell
In today's tough job market, being idle can be taken against you. While withdrawing from professional life can be tempting, particularly after being laid off, be conscious not to fall into this trap to start with. Employers often have immediate serious concerns regarding a job candidate who has been work for a long time. That is why it is important to settle your feelings regarding your job loss and move on without wasting precious time. If you decide to take a career break for child care, or any other reason, it is still important to make sure you don't completely go off the radar. Occasional emails or posts with updates on your status and plans can keep you on your contacts' minds if something comes up.
Good reason
There is no denying that initiating communication with a former business contact or even a former coworker can be awkward. To constantly try to find a good reason or justification to reach out and ask for assistance with your job hunt may end up less spontaneous and has a higher potential for misunderstandings, however. The best way to deal with any awkwardness is to be straightforward and explain the purpose of your initiative at once. Not only do people appreciate this approach, it also gives you the opportunity to lay down your career goals and how you expect your contact to help you.
Make new contacts
As mentioned, connections deplete pretty quick if there is no ongoing business, put a daily effort into networking — via social media and real life — to make sure your circle of contacts isn't getting too tight and your efforts are not going in vain. One excellent way to attract new contacts is to have your own webpage, blog or forum where new members were you can disseminate useful industry news or trends while widening the base of your contacts.
Recommendation
Don't take your image for granted when dealing with former coworkers or contacts. If you're job hunting, keep your professional hat on and don't be carried away with the need to be personal — even with people you know. A rant about your marriage or kids, being short on time, or being broke can simply ruin your odds of being recommended a job. Present yourself the way you'd go about it in a job interview, in terms of being positive, energetic and willing to go an extra mile for a new job. Remember, getting the recommendation is half the job.
Rania Oteify, a former Business Features Editor at Gulf News, is a journalist based in Seattle.
