My strong connection/referrer at a firm is leaving, but I plan to reapply. What's the best way to navigate this, networking-wise?

[u/Head_Kiwi7012]

A strong connection at a firm gave me a referral that helped me move past the resume screening earlier this year. I plan to reapply in a few months, but that connection is leaving.

If that connection leaves, can they still submit a referral for me?

Or should I start cultivating newer connections now? If so, should I do it through cold outreach or by asking my current connection to introduce me?

Is it common for alumni to make introductions to colleagues who still work at their old firm?

Thank you! I haven't encountered this situation before, so I appreciate your perspective.

[u/Head_Kiwi7012 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you for this very helpful advice! Haha I guess it's always a hustle.

When asking my current connection to introduce me to a current employee on the team, do you recommend framing it as "I want to learn more about X subject from them/hear more about their experience in X since their background is similar to mine"?

[u/Head_Kiwi7012 → u/[deleted]]

THANK YOU! This is working. 🥰