It’s often said that success is all about who you know. This is especially true when it comes to your career: Knowing the right person at the right company can open the door to your dream job opportunity.

But what happens if you’ve lost touch with professional contacts you were close with in the past? It can be awkward (and a turn-off) to reach out to someone after months or years of not speaking and ask for help, so it’s important to go about rekindling old networking relationships the right way.

If you’re back on the job market and looking to get back in touch with former contacts, follow these tips provided by Forbes Coaches Council.

1. Consider Their Potential Needs 

Do your research about what the people in your network are doing and what they need. Do not just blast out a needs-based email, InMail or social media post. Your network often wants to know what’s positive, what’s new, and then, perhaps, where they can help. Connect with them based on their current status, their needs then bring up your need to reconnect later and after the reconnection. – John M. O’Connor, Career Pro Inc.

2. Make It Easy For Them To Support You 

Two things are important in your initial message to members of your network. First, remind them of a warm memory the two of you share from your work or personal lives. Second, be very specific with your ask. Is there an introduction you want? A job at their company you’re interested in? If asking for a meeting, provide dates and times they can select from. It is your job to do the legwork. – Tegan Trovato, Bright Arrow Coaching

3. Ask For Insights, Not A Job 

Reach out to a contact for thoughts or insights about their company, industry, or where they see a specific job field moving. Don’t ask them about a job. People enjoy talking when they are viewed as knowledgeable, and they will always ask why you’re interested. Then and only then is it appropriate to tell them you are looking for something new, but don’t ask for help. If they want to help, they will offer. – Lesha Reese, Lesha Reese, LLC

4. Request A Catch-Up Meeting 

Don’t let fear or uncertainty stand in your way. You can send a LinkedIn connection request that reads, “It has been a long time since we last spoke, and I thought I would reach out to reconnect and get together for coffee or a chat.” The holidays are a particularly easy time to reconnect and open the conversation the exact same way. These two simple reconnection techniques have worked for many. – Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter

5. Research What They’ve Been Up To 

Do your research on how their career or interests have progressed by checking out their LinkedIn feed and articles or even searching their name online to see what comes up. That’s a great ice breaker to start communicating. You should never lead with your needs and what you’re looking for. Come from a genuine place of wanting to reconnect and see what opportunities develop. – Niya Allen-Vatel, Career Global