Your job is not just a current paycheck; it’s an investment for the future. When you’re ready to leave, your employer becomes even more valuable to you as a reference, a source or a friend.
Hopefully, you completed your work, gave a proper notice period and sent thank you notes. But in case you missed out on any of these, there’s still ways to save that old relationship.
1. Send nice notes. When something good happens, sends a nice personal note to congratulate that person. Don’t over do it though, you don’t want to sound desperate or creepy. You only need to let your former co-workers and boss to know that you are still thinking of them and still care about their personal and professional success.
2. Tweet and like. Engage with content posted by your former company. Let them know that you’re virtually out there for them to like and tweet. Those actions are simple acts of kindness and loyalty and it makes them feel like you’re still part of them.
3. Send introductions. Don’t be a stranger the moment you leave your former job. You know more about it than anyone else since you have given it your time, energy, heart and mind. You know the company’s pains and strengths so use that knowledge to send leads and introduce potential candidates. They will appreciate your good faith and high spirits and return the favor one day.
4. Visit. Pop in every 3 months to say hello or invite your former boss for a coffee. This is how you can develop a semi personal relationship with him/her. Who knows? Maybe he will find out about your postgraduate ambition and help out with a reference letter or a phone call.
By Shaden Abdulraman
