Most professionals treat their out-of-office messages as a simple notification tool.
But what if this overlooked touchpoint could actually accelerate your career growth and build meaningful connections with senior leadership?
Here’s how a strategic approach to your OOO message can become your secret weapon for professional advancement.
Table of Contents
OOO Framework
Early in my career, I used my OOO message to stand out to senior executives. The approach worked remarkably well, and here are the three key elements I included.
Showcase Your Growth
I included two to three interesting projects I was working on (e.g., co-chairing a non-profit industry event, launching XYZ marketing campaign).
This signaled my growth and demonstrated that I was taking on meaningful initiatives beyond my day-to-day responsibilities.
Recent Wins and Achievements
I made sure to mention recent work wins (e.g., press article, industry award).
This signaled my results and credibility, showing senior leaders that I was consistently delivering impact and gaining external recognition.
Learnings and Curiosities
I included one to two insightful things I learned (e.g., TED Talk, article).
This gave a peek into my curiosities and created natural conversation starters that sparked meaningful dialogue.
The Surprising Results
The people who replied most?
SVPs and above. They loved it.
One EVP asked for more TED Talk recommendations. Every time we met (e.g., hallway, meeting), we would briefly chat about the latest talk.
This built rapport, trust, and made me more confident (and comfortable) presenting in front of her and her leadership team — THIS was a big boost to my presence.
OOO Message as a Billboard
Your OOO message is a mini billboard. Do not waste it.
By strategically sharing your projects, wins, and learning journey, you transform a routine notification into a powerful networking tool.
The next time you set up your OOO, remember: you’re not just informing people of your absence—you’re creating an opportunity to showcase your value and spark conversations that could shape your career trajectory.
Bonus: I did this on both personal and work emails. It’s a great way to reconnect with people (and makes it easy for them to reply).