An excellent article for the times… Fortune essentially discusses online networking etiquette:
Key points:
- Be honest
- Ask for advice, not a gig
- Do not attach your resume
- Facebook doesn’t change anything
- Show a little gratitude
The explanations basically boil down to common sense… which is so uncommon it’s definitely worth reading.
This is the email you don’t want to send:
Hey, Person I Need!Long time no talk! How are you?! Sorry I haven’t written you in 17 years — boy have I been busy — but here’s some contrived anecdote to show I’ve been thinking about you. Thought you’d like to hear these few random things that are going on with me, too. Oh, by the way, I was thinking you could hire me/refer me/help me in some other way I’ve been generous enough to dream up for you. And since I’m sure you’re dying to read my resume, it’s attached. Totally can’t wait to catch up!
Sincerely,
Most Transparent Jobseeker Ever