What should be the focus when conducting initial networking outreach calls to former colleagues during a networking revival?
Answer
Asking about the biggest challenges facing their department or industry.
Networking for re-entry requires a nuanced approach focused on curiosity rather than immediate transactional requests. When initiating outreach, the professional should keep the initial contact light, requesting an informational interview primarily to catch up and learn about industry changes. By focusing on asking about the biggest current challenges facing the contact's department or industry, the re-entrant positions themselves as an interested professional keenly aware of the current business landscape, rather than simply someone soliciting a job referral.
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