Reconnecting with former colleagues can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and friendships. Whether you’ve lost touch due to career changes or life events, sending a thoughtful follow-up email can help rekindle those valuable connections. Here are three diverse examples to guide you in reaching out.
This email is ideal for a former colleague you had a friendly relationship with but haven’t spoken to in a while. It’s less formal and aims to catch up on both personal and professional fronts.
Hey [Colleague’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well! It’s been a while since we last connected, and I’ve been thinking about our time at [Company Name]. I’d love to hear how you’ve been and what you’re currently up to.
If you’re available, let’s grab a coffee or have a quick chat over Zoom. I miss our brainstorming sessions and would love to catch up!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Taylor]
Feel free to adjust the medium (coffee versus Zoom) based on your location and comfort level. Adding a specific time frame for your availability can also prompt a quicker response.
This template is suitable for reaching out to a former colleague for professional reasons, such as seeking advice about a career transition or job openings in their current company.
Subject: Seeking Your Insight!
Hi [Colleague’s Name],
I hope you’re doing great! It’s been some time since we worked together at [Company Name], and I’ve often thought about the great insights you shared. I am currently exploring new opportunities and would love to get your perspective on [specific topic or company name].
If you have some time in the coming weeks, I’d appreciate any advice you can share. Maybe we could schedule a brief call or meet for lunch?
Thanks so much, and I look forward to reconnecting!
Best regards,
[Taylor]
Customize the specific topic to make it relevant to your current situation. Mentioning past projects or shared experiences can also reignite the connection.
This example is perfect for reconnecting on a special occasion, such as a work anniversary or a milestone achieved by your former colleague, which can serve as a great icebreaker.
Subject: Happy Work Anniversary!
Hi [Colleague’s Name],
I just saw that you celebrated your [Xth] work anniversary at [Current Company Name]! Congratulations! Your dedication and hard work have always inspired me, and it’s wonderful to see your achievements being recognized.
I’d love to catch up and hear more about how things are going for you. Would you be open to a chat in the next few weeks? I miss our discussions and would love to hear about your journey.
Wishing you continued success, and I hope to reconnect soon!
Warm regards,
[Taylor]
Personalizing this email with specific details about the colleague’s achievements can make it even more meaningful. Consider following up with a direct question to prompt a response.