| Topic Name: |
question about contacting former coworkers |
| Message Name: |
Let them know... |
| Date Posted: |
04/09/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Hi-
I was going to contact a few former co-workers (who may or may not know one another or even keep in touch) regarding my interest in sending them a resume. I wondered if it would be bad form to contact them and for them to find out from one another that 'this guy contacted me about a job'.
These people have all moved on to other firms but I'm not sure that it would look good to contact multiple people on the off chance that someone might mention it to someone else and I start looking desperate or flaky. What should I do? any helpful insights would be appreciated |
| Message: |
...that you are on a job search. But the trick is DO NOT ask them for a job. That will immediately make them feel defensive and give you the brush off. Instead, ask for information. Have you heard of anthing? Do you know so-and-so in X department? Reassure them that it will be YOU looking for a job armed with the information they'll provide you. While you're at it, offer to do something for them even it's just simply saying you talked to your old buddy during this job search and that they're OK.
Contact as many people as you can. People know these are tough times and would be more than willing to lend a hand if given the chance. (This makes a dangerous assumption, of course, that they're not buried under piles of work or are just burnt out husks of their former selves.) It feels good to help others. I've been there, on both sides of the table. Just remember this when it's your turn to help out someone else.
Another tip, if asked by well-meaning friends and family for you to give them your resume for them to forward to a hiring manager they know, instead ask for the contact's name and send your cover letter and resume yourself. Promise your friend or family member that you won't make a donkey of yourself and make them look bad in the eyes of the hiring manager.
Take control of your job search. Good luck.
|
|
