Hi Merle,

Thanks for reaching out. I have sent your question over to our career coaches who will be in touch soon. In the meantime, I have listed some information from our Job Search Toolkit that I think could be helpful. This is from the networking section of the tool kit, the entire toolkit can be downloaded or ordered for free here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new

If you are having a hard time reconnecting with someone you networked with, we recommend using the steps below to guide your outreach to your contact:

1. Acknowledge the time that has passed since you last spoke (this should be fairly easy for you since it actually hasn't been all that long, so you could even mention a highlight of your original meeting or something else relevant that came from that conversation).

2. Explain the "Why now?" so that they understand why are you reaching out now (your interest in a position at the company).

3. Offer to do something in return. Reciprocity is key when networking, people are more willing to help you in your job search if you can provide them with tips, resources or introductions to other people in your industry.

I hope that this is helpful. Please let us know if you have other questions.

Best,

Sarah, Associate Manager of Cancer and Careers

Merle,

I would suggest a couple of approaches - email and a telephone call.

Some individuals get so many emails that they do not respond to them on a timely basis.  It's easier to ignore an email than when you are speaking to someone on the phone.  It's also helpful to pay attention to the other person's style.  Since you met in person, were they an outgoing individual, warm and friendly?  if yes, they prefer speaking in person.  If they give the impression that they are rushed, serious and not very talkative, then email could be the best way to go.

Go the the company's website, to see whether you can identify the position you are interested in and what qualifications they are listing.  Then  prepare  4 or 5 points.

Here's a sample script:

1. You will recall that we met  (date) and talked about opportunities at your company and my qualifications.

2. I am very interested in working for (company name) and see that you have a current opening as (position title or name of department).

3. Then speak about your qualifications and competencies that would be a good fit for that position.

4. Ask when and who will be interviewing for this position? Ask if you should send your resume directly to that person?  Ask whether they would consider your candidacy for the position.

5. If you get shot down, as what type of other position might they consider you for.  If they respond positively, then ask if it is ok if you follow up again at a later date.

If you prepare and speak to the person by phone, then follow up with an email,  a week later, thanking the person for their time and consideration.  If you get their voice mail, use items 1-4 and if you don't hear from the person, then do the same by email.

Lastly, try to identify someone who knows someone who works at that organization, so that you might reach out to them, forward your resume and ask them to hand deliver it to the right person. This would also give you an opportunity to learn more about the company and  the work environment.

I hope this is helpful.

Margot

Sarah, thank you for giving me a place to start.

Margot, thank you for your suggestions.

Sadly, the position is not posted (yet).  I was told by someone outside of the company that
the company in question ‘may’ be looking for someone.   I’m
afraid to call for a couple of reasons. I hate the phone and since I have chemo
brain issues I’m trying to avoid it more than I did in the past.  I don’t want to catch the person off guard. I
don’t want to be asked how I heard that the company may have a need for the
position that we talked about.  I don’t
even know if I have to volunteer that I heard that there may be an open
position in the future.

Merle -

Given your feedback here's the message I would send  the following email to your contact and be sure to attach your resume.

I am following up on our
previous meeting, when we discussed my qualifications and opportunities at
your company.

 I am very
interested in working at (name the company) and want to follow up to see
whether you anticipate any opening in the near future.

 I have an
excellent track record of  (list competencies)

My major contributions
have been in the area   (list a few accomplishments)

 I would
appreciate notification of any position that would appear to be a good fit.

 Thank you for
your consideration and for reviewing my resume again.

Merle - Given your discomfort
with telephone (and perhaps in person communication) I urge you to prepare and
practice to answer behavioral interview questions.  The more prepared you
are, the better you will project in an interview.  To do so, be sure to
have a list by your side of your top skills and competencies and several
examples of your accomplishments. 

You might also want to join a
local Job Search Support group where you can practice  mock interviewing
with others.  If there are no others, perhaps a friend with hiring
experience could coach you through the process.

I hope this helps.

Margot

Margot, the suggested wording is perfect. Thank you.