Over the next few weeks, let’s explore some of the ways you can make the most of your new job…
Before you even start your new job, you need to think about the networking you’ve done and the contacts you’ve made during your search. Hopefully you’ve kept careful records of who you’ve met along the way, and what advice, leads, introductions or other assistance they provided. If not, then sit down right now and pull out your calendar, cell phone, phone book and email history to reproduce the list as best you can.
I’m assuming you’ve also made a point of thanking all of those people as you went along - dropping them thank you notes or emails after your meeting, and keeping them informed as to any positive developments from whatever advice or contacts they provided you.
Now’s the time to let them all know about the results of your search. Don’t leave them wondering what happened to you! Don’t make the mistake of allowing the network you built up lapse into disuse - after all, the insights, perspectives and resources of your network add to the value you bring to your new employer, and will be critical to your future career development.
Split your list up into at least 3 groups:
If you don’t have your new business contact information yet, you might also do this in 2 steps (a mini-keep-in-touch campaign!). First, send your notes / make your calls to everyone in groups 1 & 2, letting them know that you value them as a professional contact, and that you will forward your new contact information once you start at the new job. Then, after you start, you can send them a second email or letter to let them know the new contact info . If you like, you can hold the #3 list for this second round, when you can include the contact info.
And here’s an article I contributed to that includes a number of nuggets for the new employee: