Real-world examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues

Warm, friendly examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues

Let’s start where most people get stuck: what do you actually say? Here are real examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues that you can adjust based on how well you know the person and how long it’s been.

Example of a simple “It’s been a while” reconnection email

This works well for someone you liked working with but haven’t spoken to in 1–3 years.

Subject: It’s been a while – would love to catch up

Email:
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 positive memory: “your advice on the Q4 launch” / “those marathon sprint planning sessions”].

I’d love to hear what you’re up to these days and share a quick update on my end as well. If you’re open to it, would you be up for a 20–30 minute virtual coffee sometime in the next few weeks?

No pressure at all if your schedule is packed—I just wanted to say hello and reconnect.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues because it’s light, specific, and doesn’t immediately ask for a favor.

Example of a follow-up email after changing jobs

Use this when you’ve recently moved roles and want to keep your old colleagues in your network.

Subject: Quick hello from my new role

Email:
Hi [Name],

I hope things are going well on your side. I recently started a new role as [Your Title] at [New Company], and it made me think about how much I appreciated working with you at [Previous Company].

I’m still getting up to speed, but I’d love to stay in touch and hear what you’ve been working on lately. If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to set up a short catch‑up call or just trade updates over email.

Thanks again for being such a great colleague—your support on [specific project or situation] really stuck with me.

Warmly,
[Your Name]

When people look for examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues after a job change, this kind of message hits the sweet spot: short, appreciative, and future‑focused.

Example of reconnecting with a colleague after a layoff or reorganization

Layoffs and restructures have been common in 2023–2025 across tech, media, and other industries. If you or your colleague were affected, acknowledge it without making the whole email heavy.

Subject: Thinking of you after the recent changes

Email:
Hi [Name],

I saw the news about the recent changes at [Company] and wanted to reach out. I really valued working with you on [project/team], and I’ve been thinking about how much I learned from your approach to [specific skill or trait].

If you’re up for it, I’d love to reconnect—whether that’s a quick call, a virtual coffee, or just trading updates over email. I’m currently [brief update on your situation: “exploring new roles in X” / “settled into a new position at Y”], and I’d be happy to share anything I’m learning that might be useful.

No need to respond right away; I know transitions can be a lot. Just wanted you to know I’m in your corner.

Take care,
[Your Name]

This is a thoughtful example of a follow-up email that balances empathy with a gentle invitation to reconnect.

Professional examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues after a meeting or event

Sometimes you just met the person at a conference, webinar, or cross‑team meeting. In that case, your follow-up email should remind them who you are and why you’re reaching out.

Example of reconnecting after a conference or industry event

Subject: Great meeting you at [Event Name]

Email:
Hi [Name],

It was great meeting you at [Event Name] last [day/timeframe]. I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic you discussed], especially your point about [specific insight they shared].

I’d love to stay in touch and hear how things develop with [their project/company focus]. If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to schedule a short virtual coffee sometime in the next few weeks.

Either way, thanks again for the thoughtful conversation—meeting people like you is the best part of events like [Event Name].

Best,
[Your Name]

Networking research from organizations like the Harvard Business Review consistently shows that specific, personalized follow-ups like this lead to stronger long‑term connections than generic “nice to meet you” notes.

Example of following up with a colleague after collaborating on a project

Subject: Enjoyed working with you on [Project]

Email:
Hi [Name],

Now that we’ve wrapped up [Project], I just wanted to say how much I appreciated working with you. Your work on [specific task or deliverable] really made a difference.

I’d love to stay connected and hear what you’re working on next. If you’re open to it, maybe we could grab a coffee (in person or virtual) in the next month or so.

Thanks again for being such a strong partner on this project.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues you already know professionally but don’t want to lose touch with after a project ends.

Casual examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues you liked personally

Not every email needs to sound like it was written by Legal. If your relationship with the colleague was friendly and informal, your follow-up can match that tone.

Example of a casual catch‑up email to a work friend

Subject: Miss our coffee chats

Email:
Hey [Name],

I was just thinking about our old coffee runs at [Company] and realized how much I miss those conversations.

How have you been? Still [inside joke or shared interest: “keeping the team’s snack supply under control” / “training for races”]? I’d love to catch up and hear what’s new with you.

If you’re up for it, want to grab a coffee or jump on a quick video call sometime in the next few weeks?

Hope things are going well,
[Your Name]

This is a relaxed example of a follow-up email that feels like you—not like a corporate memo.

Example of reconnecting with a colleague who moved to a different city or country

With remote and hybrid work still common in 2024–2025, you may have colleagues spread across time zones.

Subject: How’s life in [City/Country]?

Email:
Hi [Name],

I saw your update about moving to [City/Country]—congratulations on the big change! I’ve been curious how you’re liking it and what your work‑life looks like these days.

I’d love to reconnect and hear how things are going, both personally and professionally. If you’re open to it, maybe we could find a time for a quick video coffee that works across our time zones.

Either way, I’m cheering you on from [Your City].

Best,
[Your Name]

Again, this shows how examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues can be tailored to life events, not just job changes.

Polite follow-up email examples when you need help or advice

Sometimes you’re reconnecting because you need something—advice, a referral, or insight into a company. That’s fine, as long as you’re transparent and respectful.

Example of reconnecting to ask for career advice

Subject: Quick career advice request (if you’re open to it)

Email:
Hi [Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well. I’ve been thinking back to our time at [Company] and how helpful your perspective was on [specific topic].

I’m currently exploring a move into [industry/role], and I immediately thought of you because of your experience in this area. If you’re open to it, I’d really appreciate 20–30 minutes of your time for some candid advice about the transition.

Of course, I completely understand if your schedule is packed right now. Either way, I wanted to say thank you for the impact you’ve already had on my career.

Best,
[Your Name]

Career development experts, including those at CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor), emphasize that being clear and respectful in your ask makes people more likely to say yes.

Example of reconnecting to ask about opportunities at their company

Subject: Quick question about [Their Company]

Email:
Hi [Name],

It’s been a while since our days at [Previous Company]—I hope things are going well at [Their Company]. I’ve been following some of the work your team has been doing on [specific product, initiative, or area], and it looks really interesting.

I’m exploring new opportunities in [your field], and [Their Company] is high on my list. If you’re comfortable with it, I’d love to ask you a few questions about your experience there and whether you think my background might be a fit for any current or upcoming roles.

No pressure at all—I know referrals and recommendations are a big ask. Even a quick reality‑check on whether it makes sense to apply would be very helpful.

Thanks either way,
[Your Name]

When people search for examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues for job leads, this kind of message respects their time and reputation.

Timing, subject lines, and trends for 2024–2025

Having strong examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues is only half the battle. The other half is when and how you send them.

Timing tips

Many professionals now work flexible or hybrid schedules. That means your colleague might not be checking email at traditional 9–5 times every day. Research on workplace communication from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and various workplace surveys shows a continued shift toward flexible hours and remote collaboration.

A few practical guidelines:

• Mid‑week (Tuesday–Thursday) tends to get higher response rates than late Friday nights or early Monday mornings.
• If you’re following up after a specific event (conference, meeting, layoff announcement), send your email within 48–72 hours while the interaction is still fresh.
• If you don’t hear back, it’s reasonable to send one gentle follow‑up after 7–10 days. After that, let it rest.

Subject lines that actually get opened

The best examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues use subject lines that are clear and human, not spammy. A few patterns you can adapt:

• “Quick hello from [Your Name]”
• “Great working with you on [Project]”
• “Catching up after [Event Name]”
• “Thinking of you after [Company] changes”
• “Coffee catch‑up?”

Avoid vague lines like “Checking in” with no context, or pushy ones like “Urgent networking request.” You want your colleague to feel curious and comfortable opening your email, not pressured.

How to personalize these real examples without overthinking it

You don’t need to rewrite everything from scratch. Take any example of a follow-up email from above and customize three things:

• One specific shared memory or project
• One clear, low‑pressure invitation (coffee, quick call, or just staying in touch)
• One authentic detail about what you’re doing now

That’s enough to turn generic examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues into messages that feel personal and genuine.

If you tend to worry about saying the “right” thing, remember: research on social connection and well‑being (for example, from the National Institutes of Health) consistently shows that people underestimate how happy others are to hear from them. Your colleague is likely to be pleasantly surprised you reached out at all.

FAQ: Follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues

How long should I wait before sending a follow-up email to reconnect?
If you just met at an event or in a meeting, sending a follow-up within 24–72 hours works well. If you’re reconnecting after months or years, you can reach out whenever it feels appropriate—just briefly acknowledge the time gap.

What are some short examples of follow-up email lines I can use?
You can keep it simple: “I’ve been thinking about our time at [Company] and wanted to say hello,” or “I really enjoyed working with you on [Project] and would love to stay in touch.” These short phrases fit easily into any example of a longer follow-up email.

Is it okay to ask for a favor when I reconnect?
Yes, as long as you’re honest and respectful. Acknowledge that you’re asking for their time or help, make it easy to say no, and show appreciation either way. Many of the best examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues include a clear but polite ask.

What if they don’t respond to my follow-up email?
Give it at least a week, then send one short, friendly nudge: “Just bumping this to the top of your inbox in case it got buried—no worries if now’s not a good time.” If there’s still no response, let it go. Silence usually means they’re busy or not in a place to reconnect right now.

Do I need different examples of follow-up email examples to reconnect with colleagues in other countries?
Tone expectations can vary by culture. In more formal business cultures, lean toward slightly more structured and polite language; in more informal cultures, a casual tone is often fine. When in doubt, start a bit more formal and adjust based on how they reply.