Is there someone you’ve known in the past who might be able to help you with your current job search, such as make an introduction to the hiring manager at a company you’re interested in?

Do you feel it’s been ages since you two last spoke and you feel guilty for not keeping in touch and therefore you are reluctant to reach out to them now?

I’ve heard this from several clients and it’s totally understandable to not want to reach out to someone after all these years to ask for professional help. The truth is, this happens more often than you realize. I’d like to share with you three steps to make reconnecting easier that author Jodi Glickman recommends in her Harvard Business Review article, ”How to Reach Out After Losing Touch.”

Step 1. Acknowledge the lapse of time. Start off by acknowledging the lapse of time that’s gone by. Here is an example: “Hi Tom, I can’t believe it’s been seven years since we last spoke while working together at XYZ Industries. I apologize for not keeping in touch and letting so much time pass between us. We’ve always had a great relationship and I am hoping you are open to reconnecting now.”

Step 2. Be transparent about why you’re reconnecting. Using a permission-based approach, be specific in the help you need from them. Here is an example: “The reason I’m contacting you is I am in a job search and I just applied for the Artistic Director position at your company. I am very interested in this position and working for your company. I was wondering if you would be willing to schedule a short call to catch up, tell me about your current role and your experience working at XYZ Industries. I would also like to find out what you know about this open position and the hiring manager in charge. I would really appreciate your time and please let me know if you are willing.”

Step 3. Reciprocate and offer to help them. I recommend you ask the person if they have any current needs– personal or professional – so you can be helpful to them. Asking them about their needs shows you genuinely care about them and is more likely to result in a response. Here is an example: “Tom, please let me know if there is anything I can do to be helpful to you, personally and/or professionally.”

Keeping in touch with all of our connections all the time would be the networking ideal, yet may not be realistic. Instead of beating yourself up about it, remind yourself that people are busy and it’s unlikely this contact is going to scoff when he or she sees your name pop up in his or her inbox.

Think about it - if someone contacted you out of the blue to reconnect, I am sure you’d be happy to reconnect and help them in any way you can. Put yourself in those same shoes.

So go for it….reach out…you have nothing to lose.

Source: https://hbr.org/2010/12/how-to-reach-out-after-losing Jodi Glickman, “How to Reach Out After Losing Touch,” Harvard Business Review, December 9, 2010