Staying in touch with your former businesses makes for good etiquette and for savvy networking. Given the ongoing upheaval in the nation’s job market, your efforts to stay connected with past employers could pay dividends many times over when they provide you with favorable professional references.
What are some specific steps to “stay connected” with your former supervisors? High on your list should be calling them to ask if they would be willing to provide a favorable reference for you (and then thanking them if they agree). You should keep them informed of any employment-related progress you have made, e.g. through educational or promotional opportunities. And – when their assistance has helped you land that new job – reciprocate their kindness by sending a personal thank-you note, or some small token of your esteem.
Just as you may be seeking a new position today, so you may be in the job market again within a few years. Cultivating your employment references now will likely pay you dividends for many years to come.