Building Relationships and References

Your job seeking efforts will likely hit a brick wall if you do not offer current business references to your potential employer. Verifying your past work history via those who have seen you in action is a standard and vital part of the employment process. Most companies will ask for, and likely try to contact, at least two or three professional references.

It falls on you to make sure that the contacts you list as references will answer the call from your prospective employer, and give you a positive review. This is where the saying "never burn any bridges" comes in to play. If you were recently laid-off, be sure to keep in contact with your former supervisors and managers so that when the time comes, you'll have no trouble asking for their reference.

An effective way to keep in touch and remain in your former manager's thoughts is through LinkedIn. A LinkedIn account will incorporate all your email contacts, and can request a line of open communication from your former managers and coworkers who are members on the site.

If your previous managers aren't on LinkedIn, you can still keep in touch through direct emails. Keep your communications brief, occasional, and appropriate. For example, some appropriate emails you might send to a former boss include birthday wishes, holiday eCards, and congratulatory messages.

Uncovering these opportunities for staying in touch is easily accomplished through social feeds such as your old company's Facebook page or Twitter account, or the company website. If your old boss received a promotion, you might write a brief email congratulating their accomplishment, and end the note by updating them on your status.

A good subject line would read: Congratulations! From [your name here.] In the message body, write something similar to: “I was happy to read of your recent promotion since I also recognize how much you truly deserve it. Your capabilities will no doubt enrich the [sales division] and help further company goals.

I am finding several exciting leads for possible employment, and hope to be contacting you soon with a reference request.

Wishing you continued success,”

[Your Name]

A tasteful eCard sent out around the holidays and on birthdays is also a thoughtful way to keep in touch with former employers. More on maintaining professional relationships to come. Until then, focus on putting your best foot forward, and as always, good luck!