Use Updates to Re-Energize Your Search

I received a very professional and upbeat ‘spring’ status update this week from someone I assisted in her job search early on. I was delighted to get the email, and immediately began to think (again) about what I could do to help her. Here’s what she did well:

• The note was upbeat: While it was clear that she was still in transition, it talked about what she had done (two sets of smart training classes, exploring a new field that’s hiring, and specific job search activities). It was not so much that she didn’t need me, but that it sounded like she would make the most of any opportunity I sent her way.


• She elegantly thanked us: This email was clearly a general message to her whole network, but it talked about a “lesson learned”, how important friends, colleagues and other people are in her job search. And she came out and thanked us for our support—that’s always nice to hear.


• The note was informative: In addition to information about her upgraded skills and search focus, it also talked about her strategy and targets. So I again have a clearer view how I could help – that makes it more likely that I will help, and more likely that my help will be what’s needed.


• She offered to help: She said that if there was anything she could do to help me, to just let her know.

That was enough to get me back in her active search network again. If you haven’t tapped them recently, think about a similar note to re-energize everyone you’ve encountered.