Whether you’ve taken a sabbatical, have been on maternity leave or you’ve been working abroad, returning to the industry is always difficult. This week sports anchor and broadcaster Georgie Bingham, shares her experience and highlights the importance of ‘staying in touch.’

“The chance to work abroad is something many of us yearn for and, three years ago, I grabbed such an opportunity with ESPN in the USA. Now back in the UK, I’m scaling the peaks and troughs that are finding work again when you’ve been out of the local market for a while….I am proud and glad that during my time in the US I bothered to make the effort to keep up with contacts, former colleagues, and acquaintances because they’re the people who will make my transition back to the UK easier. Regardless of whether you’re away or simply take a contract with a single employer long term, it’s all about ensuring you remain in people’s thoughts. Fundamentally, everyone you ever work under, alongside or meet in your career is your next potential employer.”

The chance to work abroad is something many of us yearn for and, three years ago, I grabbed such an opportunity with ESPN in the USA. Now back in the UK, I’m scaling the peaks and troughs that are finding work again when you’ve been out of the local market for a while.

I may have a much better CV than I did before – but it’s all about contacts. Out of sight, means out of mind as far as work goes. I am proud and glad that during my time in the US I bothered to make the effort to keep up with contacts, former colleagues, and acquaintances because they’re the people who will make my transition back to the UK easier. Regardless of whether you’re away or simply take a contract with a single employer long term, it’s all about ensuring you remain in people’s thoughts. Fundamentally, everyone you ever work under, alongside or meet in your career is your next potential employer.

The emergence of social networking has made keeping in touch really easy. It’s simpler then it has ever been to keep your face in with people who could make the difference in your next hire. I can get in touch with former colleagues from Sky, ITV and the BBC at the touch of a button thanks to the beauty of networks like Facebook. Their presence has virtually eradicated the problems you will face if someone changes jobs and doesn’t update their contact details with you – their profiles don’t change.

And while I’ve been filling up my CV with new skills, experiences and qualifications, my contacts have been doing the same. In three years there’s been plenty of movement – sideways and upwards or onto pastures new. Many of my contacts are now senior enough to hire me straight up, so this means more chances of new projects for me.

Never underestimate social networking sites. Who knows, the next “Hi, how are you? What’s occurring?” message I send could arrive in an old contact’s inbox just as they are pondering who to use on their next big project. By the same token, professional sites such as ProductionBase, serve very well in getting an old contact to get in touch. If they know you are a member, they will go there first to find you and be updated on your most recent credits.

Contacts are about making the effort. I take a few hours a week to make sure I keep up with what old colleagues are up to. Remember: once you have made contacts, they know what you can do, how capable you are and that means you could be the answer to their needs for their next project.

Don’t be afraid, no matter how junior you are, to nurture good relations with colleagues and bosses, even if your time with them is short. Always ask for people’s cards. Always get their email addresses and always stay in touch. When you finish a contract, email to thank them and ask for feedback – you are opening the door for future contact by doing so.

In the case of trying to keep your face in with much more senior former bosses, where friendly banter isn’t an option, just don’t be afraid to email them to remind them occasionally that you exist and may be available for work. At their level they will expect such contact although don’t be surprised if you get little or no acknowledgement from busy people. They will have seen your email – that’s enough.

In the same vein, be bold and don’t be scared to pester your friends and former colleagues for help you if you are looking for work. Down the line, they may come back to you and ask for the same thing. Good contacts will employ you time and time again and I also think they can be the key to moving up the employment tree to a more senior position.

Georgie Bingham is a sports anchor and broadcaster.