Circle of jobs may be just as critical as the circle of life
➔ Circle of life is one of those phrases that has been abused and overused. The concept of using a circle in your job search is a compelling one to be sure. We like Harry Chapin’s take on the circle and all that goes with it.
Use it in your job search
You’ll greatly enhance the likelihood of success in your job search if you regularly circle back with your main contacts. Just because you spoke with them one month without result doesn’t mean that their situation won’t change – sometimes sooner than anyone thinks.
Of course, the key concept in following up is to do it without becoming a pest. Over aggressive pests can alienate a contact faster than you can say, “Bob’s your uncle.” The really bad news is that once you’ve gotten on their bad side, it becomes extremely difficult to get back in their good graces.
Then again even the best networkers are prone to committing an unforgivable sin. They stop circling back after landing a job. If nothing else, it’s common professional courtesy to alert your main contacts that you’ve found something and that they no longer need to keep an eye out for you. The added benefit is that maintaining good contacts with people can pay unimaginable benefits further down the road.
And last but not least, the best way to repay those who helped you in your job search is to help others when they come knocking on your door.