3 Ways to Stay in Touch With Your Old Boss and Why

Once you leave a job, your history there never truly remains in the past. Your previous experience comes up at every job interview going forward; therefore, keeping ties intact with your past bosses is an important factor for your future job search endeavors. Check out these three ways to stay in touch with your old boss, and why maintaining this type of relationship is so beneficial to your career path.

Holiday Cards

Holiday cards are an easy and non-awkward way to ease into maintaining contact with your old boss. It’s not too personal, but still shows that you’re thinking of them, even after you’ve left. Holiday cards give you the chance to verify the accuracy of their contact information (and allows for the opportunity to track down their updated information if it’s changed so you can use them for references down the road). It also provides them with your contact information – perfect in case they know of an opportunity you might be interested in.

Articles of Interest

It can be off-putting to your old boss if you only reach out after an extended period of time just to ask for something (such as a reference or job tips). Forwarding an industry article, or any other content you think they’d be interested in, is a way to stay in touch by providing something of use – instead of only popping up when you need something from them. Make it a plan to reach out with something valuable to your old boss every few months or so. This keeps you fresh in their mind, so when a reference is requested by you or they hear of a job you’d be right for, they’ll immediately think of you.  

Major Updates

Bosses typically are interested to see how their former employees have progressed. Whenever you have a major update, personally or professionally, reach out to your old boss with a quick email or note to let them know. They’ll appreciate the gesture and will have a heads-up if you’re job hunting, so they won’t be caught off guard for reference requests. Updating your former boss can also facilitate a networking relationship, in which you talk industry on a more equal level.
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