Job search advice: How to talk/contact to former boss?

[DonIsHere]

I recently learned that a company I interned at 3 years ago now has a position open I think I would great for. Would it be weird for me to call my former boss and see if he can give me an inside hook up? I haven't been in contact with him since the internship so I'm thinking it's weird that I just call up one day asking about the job.

What should I do?

 

[Cuda1447]

My opinion: Ya don't try, you'll never know.

 

[Buttzilla]

yup, especially if you were a good intern they'll remember who you are. Listen to Cuda, doesn't hurt to try. Good Luck!

 

[DonIsHere]

What exactly should I say?

I'm afraid that when I call, I'm gonna sound like "Oh hey how you doin? [split second pause] That's nice. I understand there's a position available. Can you get me an interview?"

 

[DonIsHere]

Also, should I call or email?

 

[spidey07]

call.

small talk see how he's doin. How's business. Ask about any personal stuff you may remember "how's the wife?" Let him talk about himself and what not.

"Looks like there is a position open. I'd love to work there would you mind forwarding my resume to the hiring manager?"

Its called networking and it is the greatest skill you can ever learn throuhout your career.

Better yet...don't mention the position and just take him out to lunch.

<---dang...I should be in sales.

 

[DonIsHere]

Originally posted by: spidey07
call.

small talk see how he's doin. How's business. Ask about any personal stuff you may remember "how's the wife?" Let him talk about himself and what not.

"Looks like there is a position open. I'd love to work there would you mind forwarding my resume to the hiring manager?"

Its called networking and it is the greatest skill you can ever learn throuhout your career.

Better yet...don't mention the position and just take him out to lunch.

How do I explain the 3-year gap in contact?

 

[badmouse]

Short answer is yes, that's how the world works. If the positions were reversed, he'd call you.

The only better thing I can think of is, do you remember any other people there - people under the level of your boss? You can start by calling them, finding out what's going on, what's new with the boss. Then you call the boss, mention that you spoke to Person X, small talk a teeny bit, and then ask about the job.

The proper way to ask your ex-boss about the job thing is to say, can you give me any advice about the job opening, do you think I have a chance, who do I talk to, etc.

 

[MadPeriot]

How do I explain the 3-year gap in contact?

Don't worry so much about that, everyone is busy with their own lives. If it was me I'll just call and tell the truth. Just say "how you doing? blah blah blah, well the reason I called is that I saw a position open at the company and was wondering what would the hiring process would be, I thought I call you first since you were my former employer blah blah blah...simple as that.

 

[DonIsHere]

Originally posted by: badmouse
Short answer is yes, that's how the world works. If the positions were reversed, he'd call you.

The only better thing I can think of is, do you remember any other people there - people under the level of your boss? You can start by calling them, finding out what's going on, what's new with the boss. Then you call the boss, mention that you spoke to Person X, small talk a teeny bit, and then ask about the job.

The proper way to ask your ex-boss about the job thing is to say, can you give me any advice about the job opening, do you think I have a chance, who do I talk to, etc.

Bottom line, I suck at small talk. Trust me, for some reason, I make it sound force and/or fake, and I think it may actually hurt me in this situation.

I'm thinking my script is gonna be like...

Ex-boss: Hello.
Me: Hi ex-boss, this is Don, your intern from 3 years ago.
Ex-boss: Oh, hi Don. How are you doing?
[BEGIN small talk]
Me: Good, good. So how's things in your department?
Ex-boss: My department is going ok.
[END small talk]
Me: That's good. Listen, I hear there's a position open for a programmer analyst over there. I was wondering if you could forward my resume to the hiring manager.

Does the above sound rude at all?

 

[badmouse]

Sounds fine. Actually, if you're bad at small talk, don't bother. Just sound happy to talk to him - maybe "how are things?" - and then get to the point. Don't waste his time.

Be sure to end with "thanks, hope I can do something for you someday" or words to that effect. Good luck.

 

[Semidevil]

I actually think it is even better if you go up to his company just to say hi. Say hi, and tell him you were in town, and wanted to see what was going on.

If you are nervous about asking him for a job....then don't ask him for a job. Just ask him if he would take your resume to the hiring manager for XXX position. It is indirect enough, but I think still gets the point across w/out you feeling wierd or embarrased.