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Etiquette in Contacting Ex-Coworker
ElJeffe
Registered User, ClubPA regular
Registered User, ClubPA regular
So I found a job back in the game industry, which I've been out of for going on four years now, and it would be awesome to get back in. It's the sort of thing I would be perfect for, except being out of the industry for a bit is going to be a blemish on my record. But - lucky me! - one of my coworkers from my last game industry job is currently working there, which I discovered on accident when I clicked on a picture of the company's staff.
Unfortunately, I don't have any conventional contact information for her. She did happen to have a presence on the company's forums, so I signed up there and sent her a PM saying, basically, "Hey, long time no see, I want to work for your company, please email me so I can ask a few questions." This was a week ago and I haven't heard back from her. I also have her XBL account name, and so a couple days ago I sent her a message via that saying "Check your [forum name] account, I PMed you regarding a job at [company], thanks, bye!" Haven't heard back from that, either.
Now, she checks both of those accounts fairly sporadically, and she is definitely the type to just plain not notice that she has a message waiting for her. Further, we got along very well when we worked together and we kept in touch for a good year afterward via AIM (which she apparently no longer uses), so I don't think this is a case of her deliberately ignoring me.
Anyway.
My last resort is to simply call the company (it's a small one) and ask to speak with her (if asked I would just say I was a friend), and then tell her I'd like to ask some questions about the job via phone or email at her convenience. It's a laid-back and informal company, so I don't see her getting in trouble for getting a single personal call. And having her mention my name to the boss would probably be invaluable in getting my resume a second look (and my portfolio has atrophied to the point where I might not get one otherwise, even though I can absolutely do the job). I don't see any harm coming from this, but I wanted a quick sanity check before I went ahead and bothered her at work.
So. Yay or nay? If nay, any other ideas?
Unfortunately, I don't have any conventional contact information for her. She did happen to have a presence on the company's forums, so I signed up there and sent her a PM saying, basically, "Hey, long time no see, I want to work for your company, please email me so I can ask a few questions." This was a week ago and I haven't heard back from her. I also have her XBL account name, and so a couple days ago I sent her a message via that saying "Check your [forum name] account, I PMed you regarding a job at [company], thanks, bye!" Haven't heard back from that, either.
Now, she checks both of those accounts fairly sporadically, and she is definitely the type to just plain not notice that she has a message waiting for her. Further, we got along very well when we worked together and we kept in touch for a good year afterward via AIM (which she apparently no longer uses), so I don't think this is a case of her deliberately ignoring me.
Anyway.
My last resort is to simply call the company (it's a small one) and ask to speak with her (if asked I would just say I was a friend), and then tell her I'd like to ask some questions about the job via phone or email at her convenience. It's a laid-back and informal company, so I don't see her getting in trouble for getting a single personal call. And having her mention my name to the boss would probably be invaluable in getting my resume a second look (and my portfolio has atrophied to the point where I might not get one otherwise, even though I can absolutely do the job). I don't see any harm coming from this, but I wanted a quick sanity check before I went ahead and bothered her at work.
So. Yay or nay? If nay, any other ideas?
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ElJeffe on
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However, in your previous correspondence, did you give your name or anything of note that she would remember you by? It's been years, she may not remember you well...
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Just call directly for her. Introduce yourself, apologize for the hiatus in contact and ask if she'd be interested in providing a reference as you're applying to the company she works for.
that's why we call it the struggle, you're supposed to sweat
Yup, that's pretty much it at that point.
If she doesn't want to talk to you, she noticed your previous messages and ignored them (or maybe missed them and just coincidentally doesn't want to talk to you) and calling her will be awkward but probably won't have any real consequences.
Sounds like trying to get in touch with her is the best course of action, unless her potential mild discomfort could jeopardize your chances. In which case you might be better off knowing that you have a nemesis out there.
So yeah, call.
Based on your description, you actually do know this person, have worked with her, and have relevant experience in the area, but it's not like you've stayed in touch on a regular basis. I would be willing to contact her, but would try really hard to make it a professional contact rather than a personal one, as it can be very off-putting for her if she thinks you are saying "hey chum, get me a job." I think the message you want to give is, "Hi, I've got an opportunity to work here, with you again, and I respect your opinion on the job and the company and want to know more." You want her to remember what a great worker you are, not what a great buddy you are.
3clipse: The key to any successful marriage is a good mid-game transition.
I've had this happen before, on both sides, and it wasn't fun either time. The first time I was the guy pining for the job, and it was an old college buddy. Our initial contact went well, and even was scheduled for a phone interview. It never happened however, and I couldn't get a reply back from the old college acquaintance, nor their HR department. I later learned down the line they'd filled the position around the time my interview was scheduled - but it sucked being left in the cold about it.
The reverse was me trying to get a friend hired, and while we were (are) good friends, he made a habit of hoping on every day and asking me how the process was going. I was patient and kind, and did my best, but he did go overboard with it, and towards the end, I just stopped taking the guys calls (i'm not HR sad to say), because it was actually getting in the way of work. I couldn't produce answers for him, and I know folks got tired of me prodding all the time asking how his interview/resume was coming along.
tl;dr - So, Jefe, give her a call man. It's a job - job's are important, and you need to be proactive if it means that much to you. Just don't over-do it man - it's easy to go from inquiring, to annoying, and then you're guaranteed to never hear from them. Is there anything you can do to update your portfolio? Side projects, or freelance? And are there other places you're applying for? Don't put your eggs in one basket my man. Having someone on the inside is cool, but unless you're real tight with'em, it can still be touch'n go.
It could be, but it makes it awkward for her because they know/knew each other.
Is her account on the boards part of her job where she's representing the company, or is it a personal choice? I ask because both methods so far have been personal, which if I was her it would seem like you're trying to use the friendship not the professional relationship.
In other words, I would have actually called her business first. Can you email her business address? Should be easy enough to figure out their convention (F.L@co.com, FL@co.com, etc).
She then responded saying "The [NAME], from college?" and I was like "yeah how many do you know?" and then she accepted my friend request.
I'm not saying it's a perfect example, but some people overlook things and/or forget about them because they seem them as low priority. Your ex-coworker may remember you very well but simply doesn't associate you as El Jeffe, but as your voice or face. She may be like "El Jeffe? Who is this guy?" even if you were explicit.
So yeah, drop her a phone call.
Worst case scenario is she has been ignoring your PMs, and the call's a little akward, so you apologize for bothering her.