How do you keep in touch with old bosses and colleagues?

21 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 25,2019 at 1:01PM UTC

   I’ve definitely had this question myself and then I think about all of the time and collaboration I’ve spent with the people I’d like to catch up with.

   I think it’s never too late to reach back out to generally reconnect or get advice. I stay in touch with some colleagues every few months and others maybe half a year. Some of my former colleagues are friends so I see them all of the time. I think it depends on your relationship!

2. AnonymousApril 25,2019 at 1:02PM UTC

   I have old colleagues reach out to me out of the blue and it always makes me smile because it’s nice to know that they’re still thinking of me.

3. AnonymousApril 25,2019 at 2:05PM UTC

   I always make it habit to go back and visit my old offices every so often, or will reach out to my former boss twice a year or so to catch up over coffee or a drink.

4. Sierra ModroApril 25,2019 at 2:46PM UTC

   I’ve been bad at this in the past. That said, the few times I’ve reached out to former managers and colleagues, they’ve generally been very happy to hear from me. I’ve had a few fun lunches with former coworkers.
   I only have a handful of former coworkers who I’m still good friends with. Not having that shared daily experience does change things.

5. AnonymousApril 25,2019 at 2:55PM UTC

   Not sure how close you are with your old coworkers/bosses, but I make it a point to meet up for drinks and catch up every few months!

6. Kim BeasleyApril 25,2019 at 3:09PM UTC

   First, always get your recommendation letters BEFORE you leave!! The best way to stay in touch, imo, is to attend professional association functions; there are prof associations for most professions (CPAs, architects, engineers, contractors, etc). Attend the regular functions and continuing education classess they go to. If you're particularly close to an ex-coworker, get invited to holiday luncheons that other non-employees are invited to.

7. AnonymousApril 25,2019 at 3:47PM UTC

   Some great advice in this thread - and a great reminder to reach out to some old colleagues I haven't been good about keeping u with. Thanks FGB!

8. AnonymousApril 25,2019 at 6:28PM UTC

   I am so bad about this in general for friends and former colleagues. One of my goals for this year is to send someone a short email saying hi whenever I think of them, or I'm like "what is so-and-so doing these days?" I haven't been very good at keeping up with it, but I'm trying!

9. AnonymousApril 26,2019 at 7:36PM UTC

   This is never easy but social channels like Facebook, Instagram if you were closer to them or LinkedIn if not make it simpler.

10. AnonymousApril 26,2019 at 8:44PM UTC

    Agreed. LinkedIn and IG are my best channels. In fact, I recently commented on a former manager's IG post, and we're now making plans to meet up for coffee. Looking forward to it since I haven't seen her in years!

11. Jenny TravensMay 8,2019 at 2:25PM UTC

    That's right. Social connect is the easiest. Even though I hardly communicated with cross member team but I could still break the ice on social media. Interestingly, they were more inquisitive.

12. Christina La FleurApril 27,2019 at 11:21AM UTC

    Two of the complicating factors are that I am not yet in the industry I am shooting for (so wouldn't be going to industry events) and I have moved around, and will probably continue to (so I'm not often in the same town).

13. Nancy McSharry JensenApril 30,2019 at 8:40PM UTC

    Consider going to local industry events that you're targeting! It's a great way to see what trends are current and what companies are participating. Also, if you're moving around geographically, think about sending out a "hey LA peeps, I'll be at The Riveter cowork space from 10-noon on Tues - I'd love to catch up." The reality is some of these connections will fall by the board as time goes by, but these are two disparate ways to make and keep contacts

14. Lady PeleApril 29,2019 at 5:21PM UTC

    I was part of a large staff reduction move 18 months ago after having been with the company for 20 years. I was casual friends with dozens of people, many who stayed and many who were downsized. Emails and trying to schedule lunches didn't work well. I now try to stay in touch through LinkedIn with about a 30% success rate. Out of sight/out of mind applies, although I keep trying just to keep my network active.

15. Christina La FleurApril 30,2019 at 12:45AM UTC

    Appreciate the success rate estimate :)

16. HILYEDUCATEDApril 29,2019 at 5:34PM UTC

    Every place I have worked I have never kept in touch with my former co-workers except for one person at the last place and we only worked side by side for one year. We have an age difference that I could be her mother but we have a friendship that we have been friends for 24 years. We talk on the phone every couple of months, have our own very inside joke and each time I go and house sit at my sister's home she comes over to have dinner and we talk the night away. We can cover any subject without a problem and respect each other's opinion. Many times we agree on a lot and respect each other's interests. We always have a good time. She is the only one in all the years I have stayed in touch with. People whom I thought I would and tried, never happen. I did however formed new friendships as I went along and do not feel that I am missing out on anything.

17. Sandra DiazApril 30,2019 at 10:03PM UTC

    I connect with them on LinkedIn and make a complimentary comment on their posts or updates. I also reach out with opportunities for them, or ask them to let me know how they are doing and how I can keep eyes and ears open for relevant opportunities for them. Some of those messages turn into a phone call or meeting, some don't. The important thing is staying top of mind.

18. Jemia WilliamsMay 1,2019 at 5:45PM UTC

    Depending on the dynamics of your work place culture I would said social media is a great platform to keep up with what is going on in your former colleagues lives. I find it easier to connect with people if I know what is happening in their personal life as well. Then I will send them a message and comment on something recent that I saw on their feed and re-engage our conversation.

    And just like a lot of the other women said, always connect with them on LinkedIn

19. BlakeMay 2,2019 at 1:31PM UTC

    Oh gosh for me, I have had 2-3 good boss's tha became friends! Life long friends so we keep in touch by phone, e-mail, even good old cards and FB although I'm not a big fan of that. It's really a touch base a few times a year or a lunch/dinner catch up for me.
    But I can't imagine not communicating with them!!!

20. melinaowusuMay 8,2019 at 2:20AM UTC

    I find the best way to keep in touch with former bosses, colleague's, and friends is via linkedIn. I find that LinkedIn is a great tool to keep track of what people are doing in the careers and you can always use the direct messaging tool to communicate with them. Linkedin allows you to like the material they post, follow their activity and connect with other people that are in the same circle. When you are reaching out to someone you have not spoken to in a while your message can be as simple as Mary it's been awhile! How are you? I see you are now working at SoulCycle. We should take a class together and catch up. Perhaps we can do dinner afterwards... Here is my #. I look forward to us re-connecting soon! Take care, (your name)

21. Head BookwormMay 14,2019 at 8:25PM UTC

    Agree with everyone about staying in touch with people via LinkedIn. I would send conection requests and requests for recommendations before you leave someplace. That is virtual, so there is not excuse of not being in the same location. Also send a note with your connection request (need to do on desktop, not mobile), so you have documentation of when you connected and how you know them (so, make it a good note!).