Connecting with your past to help your job search

In an age where the future is talked about more than the past, I had a reminder this weekend that looking back can sometimes provide good perspective as well.  This weekend marked the 20-year anniversary of my high school graduation, and the picture attached is of the float our class put together for our town parade.

One of the first classmates I connected with came all the way from Wyoming to attend.  I asked what he did for a living out there and ironically he works in the insurance industry.  Fun fact for an insurance recruiter, eh?  As the day wore on I re-connected with a few more old friends that are also in the insurance industry.  It made me wonder how many people in my past from high school, college, and my early working years are tied to the industry that I work in on a daily basis.

Then I got to thinking how this could be valuable advice for anyone in a job search or considering a job change.  It is one of those "no duh" moments where you may have had the idea cross your mind at some point, but perhaps you didn't do something about it.  Here are three practical times during a job search where it might make sense to connect with your past:

1)  Before.  As you consider a career change, why not tap into the network you know well to see if there are others doing what you are considering.  Or maybe they are working at an employer you would have on your target list.  These are people that could help open a door.  Or be good to know once you engage in an active interview process.

2)  During.  When a company is large, it may be tough to name drop during an interview to see if the hiring manager or HR contact knows Bob Smith.  There could be a dozen Bob Smiths that work at the company.  But how many times do people go to work for a new company and THEN realize a neighbor or an old friend works in a department that is just down the hallway.  Don't wait until it is too late to take advantage of a possible recommendation or valuable insight regarding the company.

3)  After.  If someone helped you make a connection or introduction, aided during the job search, or was directly involved with getting you hired, be sure and thank them.  Get connected on LinkedIn, Facebook, and anywhere else you can to continue to keep in touch.  You may be able to return the favor some day or even have that connection continue to help your career progression down the road.  A good connection is always a good connection.

Seems pretty basic, right?  Unfortunately the basics are often overlooked during a search because people charge forward 100 MPH and try to go through the brick walls instead of finding creative ways to get around or over them.  And if your experience is anything like mine was this weekend you just might have some fun along the way going down memory lane!