Posts Tagged ‘Contacts’

Anyone who has recently tried to find a job knows the importance of networking. The modern job search is as much about who you know as what you know.

Assuming that you already have a solid and growing network, it’s important not to lose track of your contacts. Keeping in (reasonably) frequent contact with them will help ensure that they don’t feel used if you need their help in the future.

So what is the best way to keep in touch with your contacts? Here is my list (in order of preference):

• Phone: Many people avoid using the phone and prefer to use email instead. However, nothing can replace the personal touch of a phone call. You don’t have to use it every time, but regular conversations help to establish a stronger connection with your contact.
• Email: This is an excellent way to keep in contact with the people in your network. However, it should never be your primary method of maintaining the relationship.
• Social Network: With the rise in prominence of many social networks (including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc…), you may be able to use these tools to keep in touch with your contacts. However, like email, this cannot be the only way you communicate.

Ultimately, you will use more than one method for maintaining your relationships. Just ensure that you use every channel available to you in order to avoid making your contacts feel as though it is a “one-way” network.