A sports talk host I know was laid off from the radio station where he had worked for eight years. Budget crunch. Still, he stayed in touch with the station program director.
Later, when the PD moved to a national network, he hired the host who he’d let go several years earlier.
If you had a good relationship with a former employer, stay in touch. You never know when they might be able to help you in the future.
Keep in touch with your former employer whenever you feel moved to do so:
- Maybe you see or hear something that reminds you of them.
- Congratulate them on a success.
- Wish them happy holidays.
- Thank them for the impact they have had on your career.
- Drop them a note to let them know you are thinking of them.
- Keep them updated on what you are doing.
- Tell them happy birthday.
There is no need to plan or strategize your message to an ex-boss. Let your heart guide you.
In 2014, I shared the story of how, after 25 years, I reconnected with Vanderbilt Play-by-Play Broadcaster Joe Fisher, who had helped me early in my career.