Best examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email (that actually get replies)

Real examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email

Before we talk strategy, let’s get to what you actually need: real examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email that you can adapt in a few minutes.

Think of these as starting points. You’ll want to tweak details, but the structure and tone will work across most industries.

Example of a simple “long time, no talk” reconnection

This is for someone you liked working with, but haven’t spoken to in a year or more.

Subject: Long time, no talk – how are you?

Hi [Name],

I was thinking about our time at [Company] and realized how long it’s been since we caught up. I still remember [short, specific memory – e.g., “that wild Q4 launch we pulled off together”], and it made me want to reach out.

How have things been going for you at [Their Company / in Their Field]? I’d love to hear what you’re working on these days.

If you’re up for it, I’d enjoy catching up over a quick coffee or video chat sometime in the next few weeks.

Either way, I hope things are going well on your end.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works: it’s short, friendly, and doesn’t immediately ask for anything. For many people looking for examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email, this is the safest, lowest-pressure option.

Example of reconnecting with a former colleague after changing jobs

Use this when you’ve moved to a new role and want to update them while reopening the relationship.

Subject: Quick update + would love to reconnect

Hi [Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well! I recently started a new role as [Your New Title] at [New Company], and it made me think of the projects we worked on together at [Old Company]. I learned a lot from collaborating with you on [specific project or area].

I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to since we last worked together. If you’re open to it, would you be interested in a 20–30 minute catch-up sometime this month?

No pressure at all if your schedule is packed – I just wanted to say hello and share the update.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email when you want to signal, “I’m still growing in my career and I value our past work together,” without asking for a favor.

Example of reconnecting when they just changed jobs

People are often more open to reconnecting when they’re in a transition. New job, new team, new city – it’s a natural moment to reach out.

Subject: Congrats on the new role!

Hi [Name],

I just saw on [LinkedIn / company site] that you joined [New Company] as [New Title] – congratulations! That’s a big move, and it seems like a great fit for your experience with [relevant skill or project you remember].

I’d love to hear how you’re liking it so far and what you’ll be working on there. If you’re open to it, would you be up for a quick virtual coffee sometime in the next few weeks?

In any case, I just wanted to say congrats and let you know I’m cheering you on.

Best,
[Your Name]

If you’re collecting examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email that feel natural and timely, this one is especially effective because you’re reaching out around good news.

Example of reconnecting when you’re job searching

This is the situation that makes people the most nervous: you need help. The key is to reconnect like a human first, then be clear and respectful about your ask.

Subject: Quick hello + job search update

Hi [Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well since our days at [Company]. I was just thinking about the work we did on [specific project] and how much I appreciated your perspective on [specific thing they were good at].

I’m reaching out because I’m currently exploring new opportunities in [industry/role type]. Given your experience at [Their Company / in Their Field], I’d really value your insight on the market and any suggestions you might have.

If you’re open to it, would you have 20 minutes for a quick call sometime in the next couple of weeks? I’d love to hear how things are going for you as well.

If now isn’t a good time, no worries at all – I completely understand.

Best,
[Your Name]

[LinkedIn URL]

Notice the balance: you reconnect, you’re transparent about why you’re writing, and you give them an easy out. For many professionals, this is the most practical example of reconnect with a former colleague via email during a career transition.

For more on networking during a job search, career centers like Harvard’s Office of Career Services share helpful guidance on outreach messages and follow-ups.

Example of reconnecting to ask for a referral or introduction

Use this when you’ve already identified a role or company and want to see if they can open a door.

Subject: Quick favor + would love to catch up

Hi [Name],

It’s been a while since our time at [Company] – I hope things are going well for you at [Their Company]. I still think back to [shared memory] and how much I enjoyed working with you.

I wanted to reach out because I’m very interested in the [Role Title] position at [Target Company]. I noticed you’re connected with [Person / Team / Company] on LinkedIn, and I wondered if you’d feel comfortable either sharing any insight about the team or, if it feels appropriate, making a brief introduction.

I’ve attached my resume and a short summary below in case it’s helpful. No pressure at all – I completely understand if you’d rather not or if the timing isn’t right.

Either way, I’d love to hear how you’ve been and what you’re working on these days.

Thanks so much,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email when you need a specific favor. You make your request, but you also protect the relationship by giving them a graceful way to decline.

Example of reconnecting with a former manager or mentor

Former bosses and mentors are powerful career allies. Reconnecting periodically keeps the relationship warm for years.

Subject: Update + thank you

Hi [Name],

I’ve been thinking about the impact you had on my career back when we worked together at [Company], especially your guidance on [specific skill, project, or situation]. I wanted to reach out with a quick update and a thank you.

Over the past [time period], I’ve been [brief career update – promotions, projects, new company]. I still use a lot of what I learned from you, especially around [specific lesson].

I’d love to hear what you’ve been working on lately and how things are going for you. If you’re open to it, I’d really enjoy catching up sometime this month.

Thanks again for everything you taught me – it’s made a real difference.

Best,
[Your Name]

If you’re gathering examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email that strengthen long-term professional relationships, this one is especially powerful because it centers gratitude.

Example of reconnecting just to maintain your network

Not every email needs a big reason. In fact, the best networking in 2024–2025 is often “light touch” – quick check-ins that keep relationships alive.

Subject: Quick hello from [Your City/Company]

Hi [Name],

I hope things are going well for you. I was going through my contacts and realized it’s been a while since we last talked, so I wanted to say a quick hello.

I’m still at [Company] working on [very short update]. Outside of work, I’ve been [optional personal detail – travel, hobby, family update]. How are things on your side?

No need for a long reply, but I’d love to hear a quick update when you have a moment.

Wishing you all the best,

[Your Name]

This is a friendly, low-pressure example of reconnect with a former colleague via email that you can send to several people a month to keep your network from going cold.

How to write your own examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email

Now that you’ve seen several real examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email, let’s break down the pattern they share. Once you see the structure, you can easily write your own.

Think in four short parts:

1. A clear, friendly subject line
Skip the clickbait. Use something that sounds like how you’d talk:

• “Long time, no talk – how are you?”
• “Congrats on the new role!”
• “Quick hello from [Your Name]”

2. A personal anchor
Open with something specific you share:

• A project you worked on together
• A funny or intense moment (“that week we lived in the conference room before launch”)
• A shared team or boss

Specific memories signal, “You’re not just a contact in my database. I remember you.”

3. A simple, honest purpose
Be upfront about why you’re writing, without overselling it:

• “I wanted to share a quick update and say thank you.”
• “I’m exploring new roles and would value your insight.”
• “I saw your news and wanted to congratulate you.”

Research on networking and weak ties (like the classic work by Mark Granovetter and more recent studies summarized by the National Institutes of Health) shows that these light connections can strongly influence career opportunities. Being clear about your purpose helps people decide how they can help.

4. A low-pressure next step
Offer something small and easy:

• A 15–20 minute call
• A quick coffee if you’re local
• Or simply, “No need for a long reply, just wanted to say hello”

You’ll notice every example of reconnect with a former colleague via email above gives the other person an easy out. That’s not just polite; it increases your odds of a response because you’re reducing pressure.

2024–2025 trends to keep in mind when reconnecting

Networking culture has shifted in the last few years. If you want your own examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email to land well in 2024–2025, keep these trends in mind.

Remote and hybrid work is normal
Many former colleagues are now fully remote or hybrid. Instead of defaulting to “coffee,” suggest a short video call. A simple line like, “If you’re open to it, I’d love a quick 20-minute Zoom sometime this month,” shows you understand modern work realities.

People are more protective of their time
Post‑pandemic, burnout and time pressure are widely discussed. Organizations like the American Psychological Association highlight ongoing workplace stress. That means your message should:

• Be short and skimmable
• Respect their schedule
• Avoid guilt if they can’t help

LinkedIn is often the first touch, email is the follow‑through
A common pattern in 2024–2025: you like a former colleague’s post on LinkedIn, leave a short comment, then send an email to deepen the conversation. You can even reference that:

“I enjoyed your recent LinkedIn post about [topic] and realized how long it’s been since we caught up, so I wanted to send a quick note.”

This blended approach often feels more natural than an out‑of‑the‑blue email.

Common mistakes that weaken your reconnect email

Even the best examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email can flop if you make these easy‑to‑avoid mistakes:

Making it all about what you want
If your first paragraph is “Here’s what I need from you,” you risk turning your message into a transaction. Always start with the relationship: shared history, genuine interest, or appreciation.

Writing a wall of text
Long, dense paragraphs are harder to read on phones, where most emails are opened. Keep paragraphs short and focused. Aim for 5–10 sentences total.

Sounding stiff or robotic
You don’t need slang, but you also don’t need to write like a legal contract. Read your email out loud. If you wouldn’t say it that way to a real person, soften it.

Ignoring context
If you left the company on bad terms or there was a layoff, acknowledge it briefly and respectfully instead of pretending nothing happened:

“I know the layoffs at [Company] were a tough time for everyone. I’ve often thought about how our team handled it together and wanted to check in and see how you’ve been since then.”

Handled thoughtfully, even difficult shared history can become a meaningful example of reconnect with a former colleague via email that rebuilds trust.

FAQ: Short answers about reconnecting with former colleagues

How long is “too long” to reconnect with a former colleague via email?
There’s no expiration date. People reconnect after five, ten, even twenty years. If you’re worried, acknowledge the gap: “I know it’s been a long time since we last talked, but I was thinking about our work on [project] and wanted to say hello.”

Should I apologize for losing touch?
A short, light acknowledgment is fine: “I’m sorry I haven’t stayed in better touch.” Long apologies can make things awkward. Most people understand that life and work get busy.

Is it okay to ask for a favor the first time I reconnect?
Yes, as long as you’re respectful, clear, and give them an easy way to decline. Many of the best examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email include a specific ask, but they also show genuine interest in the person, not just their usefulness.

What’s a good example of a subject line to reconnect with a former colleague?
Real examples include: “Long time, no talk,” “Quick hello from [Your Name],” “Thinking of our time at [Company],” or “Congrats on the new role!” Aim for friendly and specific rather than clever.

How soon should I follow up if they don’t reply?
Wait about 7–10 days, then send a short, gentle follow‑up:

“Hi [Name], just bumping this up in case it got buried. No worries if now’s not a good time – I just wanted to say a quick hello and wish you well.”

If they still don’t respond, let it go. Silence doesn’t always mean anything negative; people are often overloaded.

Can I copy these examples word‑for‑word?
You can, but it’s better to customize. The strongest examples of reconnect with a former colleague via email include small personal details: a project, a joke, a shared challenge. Even changing two or three lines to match your real experience will make your email feel much more authentic.

Reconnecting doesn’t have to feel awkward or transactional. With a few thoughtful lines and the right tone, you can turn old work relationships into current allies – and you now have several concrete examples of how to do exactly that.