Real-world examples of networking email introduction examples that actually get replies

Examples of networking email introduction examples for different situations

Let’s skip the theory and go straight into examples of networking email introduction examples you can actually use. Then we’ll break down why they work and how to adapt them.

Think of these as “starter dough” for your own emails. You add your details, your goals, and your personality—but you don’t have to reinvent the structure.

1. Cold networking email to someone you admire

This example of a cold networking email works well when you don’t know the person at all but you’ve followed their work.

Subject: Quick note from a fan of your work on [topic]

Hi [Name],

I’ve been following your work on [specific project, article, or talk] and especially appreciated your point about [specific insight]. I’m [your role] at [company/school], where I [one short line about what you do].

I’m currently [brief description of what you’re working on or exploring], and your approach to [specific area] really resonates with me.

If you’re open to it, I’d love to ask you two or three quick questions about how you got started in [field/role]. I’d be grateful for 15 minutes at a time that works for you over the next few weeks.

Either way, thank you for sharing your experience so generously—it’s been genuinely helpful.

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

Why this works:

• It shows you’ve done your homework.
• It asks for a small, specific amount of time.
• It keeps the focus on learning, not on “Can you get me a job?”

This is one of the best examples of networking email introduction examples for students, career changers, or early-career professionals reaching out to more senior people.

2. Networking email after meeting at an event or conference

Use this when you’ve already met briefly and want to keep the connection alive.

Subject: Great meeting you at [event name]

Hi [Name],

It was great talking with you at [event] yesterday about [specific topic you discussed]. I enjoyed hearing your perspective on [short reference to their insight].

As I mentioned, I’m [your role] at [company], where I’m focused on [short description]. I’d love to stay in touch and learn more about how you’re approaching [shared interest or topic].

If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to grab a virtual coffee sometime in the next few weeks to swap notes on [topic]. No pressure at all—either way, it was a pleasure meeting you.

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

Why this works:

• It reminds them where you met and what you talked about.
• It offers a low-pressure follow-up.
• It gives them an easy “out” while still inviting a conversation.

Among the best examples of networking email introduction examples, this one is especially effective right after conferences or industry meetups.

3. Asking a mutual connection for an introduction

Instead of emailing the person directly, you start with someone who already knows them.

Subject: Quick intro request to [Name]?

Hi [Mutual Contact],

Hope you’ve been doing well. I’m reaching out with a quick favor: would you feel comfortable introducing me to [Name]? I’ve followed their work on [topic] and think a brief conversation could be helpful as I [specific goal, like “explore product roles in fintech” or “learn more about nonprofit fundraising”].

Here’s a short blurb you can forward to make it easy:

“Hi [Name], I’d like to introduce you to [Your Name], [your role] at [company]. They’re working on [short description] and are interested in learning more about [topic]. I thought you two might enjoy connecting.”

No worries at all if the timing isn’t good or it’s not a fit. I appreciate you considering it.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:

• You make it easy for your contact by writing the intro for them.
• You give them an easy way to decline.
• You’re clear about why you want the connection.

This is one of those examples include a built-in blurb that saves everyone time.

4. Following up after someone viewed your LinkedIn profile

This fits modern 2024–2025 networking: people often check your profile before engaging.

Subject: Thanks for checking out my profile

Hi [Name],

I noticed you viewed my profile recently, so I wanted to say a quick hello. I’m [your role] at [company], where I focus on [short description]. I’ve been especially interested in [topic they work on].

I’ve seen your work at [company/project] and was impressed by [specific detail]. If you’re open to it, I’d enjoy connecting here and possibly comparing notes on [shared interest] sometime.

Either way, thanks for stopping by my profile.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:

• It’s timely and contextual.
• It doesn’t assume they owe you anything.
• It leaves room for a light, informal connection.

This is another one of those subtle examples of networking email introduction examples that feel natural in a LinkedIn-heavy world.

5. Reconnecting with an old colleague or classmate

Life happens. You haven’t talked in years. This helps you reconnect without awkwardness.

Subject: Long time no talk – quick hello from [Your Name]

Hi [Name],

It’s been a while since [how you know them – “our days at [Company]” or “graduation from [School]”], and I hope you’ve been well.

I’ve been [brief update on what you’ve been doing]. I noticed you’re now at [their company/role], which is awesome—congrats on the move.

I’m currently [briefly describe your current focus or transition]. I’d love to catch up and hear what you’ve been working on, and share a bit about what I’m doing as well.

If you’re up for it, maybe we could find 20 minutes for a virtual coffee sometime this month.

Either way, it’s great to see you doing well.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:

• It acknowledges the time gap without making it weird.
• It offers a simple way to reconnect.
• It doesn’t immediately ask for a favor.

When people look for real examples of networking email introduction examples that feel human, this kind of reconnection email is high on the list.

6. Networking email when you’re exploring a career change

Use this when you want insight, not a job pitch.

Subject: Exploring a move into [field] – could I ask 3 questions?

Hi [Name],

I hope you don’t mind the outreach. I’m [your name], currently [your role] at [company], and I’m exploring a transition into [new field or role].

I came across your profile while researching people who’ve successfully made a similar move, and your path from [their prior role/industry] to [current role] really stood out to me.

If you’re open to it, I’d be grateful for 15–20 minutes sometime in the next few weeks to ask a few questions about how you approached the transition—especially around [two or three specific topics]. I’m not looking for job leads, just honest insight from someone who’s been there.

Thank you for considering it, and either way, I appreciate you sharing your story online—it’s been very helpful.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:

• You explicitly say you’re not asking for a job.
• You show you’ve done your research on their background.
• You’re specific about what you want to discuss.

Career changers often search for examples of networking email introduction examples like this to avoid sounding desperate or vague.

7. Networking email to someone in your dream company

You’re not applying yet—you’re gathering intel.

Subject: Quick chat about your experience at [Company]?

Hi [Name],

I’m [your name], [your role] at [current company]. I’ve been following [Company] for a while, especially your work on [product/team/initiative], and I’m considering applying for roles there later this year.

I’d love to learn a bit more about what it’s like to work on [their team or function] day to day and how you’d describe the culture beyond what’s on the careers page.

If you’re open to it, would you be willing to chat for 15 minutes sometime over the next couple of weeks? I’d really value your candid perspective as I think through next steps.

Thanks for considering it, and congrats on all the interesting work you’re doing at [Company].

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:

• It’s honest about your interest in the company.
• It respects their time.
• It asks for insight, not a referral.

In 2024–2025, more job seekers are using this style of outreach before applying, which lines up with research on the value of informational interviews from places like Harvard’s Office of Career Services.

8. Networking email after a webinar, podcast, or online event

Virtual events are still huge. Use this when you’ve only “met” someone through a screen.

Subject: Appreciated your insights on [webinar/podcast name]

Hi [Name],

I attended your recent [webinar/talk/podcast episode] on [topic] and really appreciated your point about [specific takeaway]. It clarified a lot for me as I’m working on [related project or goal].

I’m [your role] at [company], where I [brief description]. If you’re open to it, I’d love to connect here and possibly ask a couple of follow-up questions about [specific aspect].

Either way, thank you for sharing such practical advice—it was time well spent.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:

• It shows you paid attention to their content.
• It connects your work directly to what they shared.
• It keeps the ask small and respectful.

This rounds out our set of real examples of networking email introduction examples that match how people actually meet in a mostly-digital world.

How to adapt these examples of networking email introduction examples

Seeing examples of networking email introduction examples is helpful, but copying them word-for-word isn’t the goal. You’ll get better results when you:

Make it specific, not generic

Vague: “I’d love to connect and pick your brain.”

Better: “I’d love to ask 3–4 specific questions about how you moved from agency work into in-house marketing.”

Specificity signals respect for their time and makes it easier for them to say yes.

Keep it short

Most people are reading your email on their phone, between meetings. Aim for around 150–200 words. Every one of the examples of networking email introduction examples above can be trimmed or expanded, but they’re all short enough to skim.

Ask yourself:

• Can I say this in fewer words?
• Does every sentence earn its place?

Show that you’ve done your homework

Mention a specific article, talk, project, or shared connection. This is where a quick LinkedIn or Google search pays off.

Research from communication and persuasion studies (see, for example, work referenced by Stanford’s Graduate School of Business) consistently shows that personalization increases response rates. A tiny bit of research sets your email apart from the copy-paste messages people get every day.

Be clear about your ask

Don’t make people guess what you want. In the best examples of networking email introduction examples, the ask is:

• Time-bound: “15–20 minutes”
• Limited: “2–3 questions”
• Framed as optional: “If you’re open to it…”

Ambiguous asks like “I’d love to connect” or “Let me know how we can collaborate” are easy to ignore because they require extra thinking.

Offer an easy out

Ironically, giving people a graceful way to say no makes them more likely to say yes. Phrases like:

• “No worries at all if the timing isn’t right.”
• “Either way, thanks for considering it.”

…show that you’re not entitled to their time.

This tone also matches modern etiquette guidance you’ll see in professional communication resources from universities like Purdue OWL, which emphasize clarity and respect.

2024–2025 trends that affect networking emails

The way people respond to networking emails has shifted a bit over the last few years. When you’re using these examples of networking email introduction examples, keep these trends in mind:

People are even more protective of their time

Remote and hybrid work blurred boundaries. Back-to-back video calls are common, and inboxes are fuller than ever. That’s why your message needs to be:

• Short
• Clear
• Respectful of time

Every one of the real examples above makes a small ask and avoids pressure.

Social platforms matter more than ever

Many networking emails now start from a LinkedIn interaction:

• A profile view
• A comment on a post
• A shared group or event

Mentioning that context—“I saw your comment on…”—can increase your response rate because it feels less random.

Authenticity beats overly formal language

Overly stiff emails feel out of step with how most professionals communicate now. You still want to be respectful, but sounding like a robot makes replies less likely.

Compare:

• Stiff: “I humbly request a brief audience at your convenience.”
• Normal: “If you’re open to it, I’d be grateful for 15 minutes sometime in the next few weeks.”

The best examples of networking email introduction examples in 2025 sound like a thoughtful, polite human, not a template.

Quick checklist before you hit send

Once you’ve adapted one of these examples of networking email introduction examples, run through this short mental checklist:

• Subject line: Is it clear and specific, not clickbait-y?
• Length: Can they read it in under 30 seconds?
• Personalization: Did you mention something specific about them or their work?
• Ask: Is your request clear, small, and time-bound?
• Tone: Does it sound like you, on your most professional day?
• Links: If you include a link (like your LinkedIn), is it actually helpful?

If you can answer yes to those, you’re in good shape.

FAQ about networking email introductions

What are some good examples of networking email introduction messages for students?

For students, the strongest examples of networking email introductions:

• Mention your school and major.
• Reference how you found the person (alumni database, LinkedIn, guest lecture).
• Ask for advice, not a job.

A quick student-friendly example of an intro line: “I’m a junior studying computer science at [School], and I found your profile through our alumni network while looking for people who’ve built careers in cybersecurity.”

How long should a networking introduction email be?

Aim for about 150–200 words. Every one of the real examples in this guide fits roughly in that range. Long enough to give context, short enough to respect attention spans.

Is it okay to follow up if I don’t get a response?

Yes—once. Give it about 7–10 days, then send a short, polite follow-up:

Hi [Name],

Just bumping this up in case it got buried. No worries at all if now isn’t a good time.

Best,
[Your Name]

If they don’t respond after that, move on.

Should I attach my resume to a networking email?

Usually, no. Unless they’ve specifically asked for it, attaching a resume can make it feel like a hidden job pitch. If it’s relevant, you can link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio instead.

How many networking emails should I send per week?

Quality beats quantity. It’s better to send a few well-researched, thoughtful messages than dozens of generic ones. Start with 3–5 personalized outreach emails per week using the best examples of networking email introduction examples from this page, then adjust based on how much time you have and how many replies you’re getting.

If you treat these real examples of networking email introduction examples as flexible templates—not scripts—you’ll sound like yourself while still using structures that are proven to work. Tweak, personalize, and send. The only way to get better at networking emails is to actually write them.