The best examples of networking email examples for interviews (that actually get replies)

Real-world examples of networking email examples for interviews

Let’s skip the theory and go straight to what you probably opened this page for: actual wording. These are realistic examples of networking email examples for interviews that you can copy, paste, and customize.

Each one is designed to be:

• Short (so people actually read it)
• Specific (so they know why you’re writing)
• Respectful (so they don’t feel pressured)

You can adjust the tone slightly more formal or casual depending on your field.

Example of a cold networking email asking for an informational interview

This is for someone you don’t know at all—maybe you found them on LinkedIn or in an alumni directory.

Subject: Quick 15-minute chat about [role/field]?

Email:

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. My name is [Your Name], and I’m a [current role or “recent graduate from X”] interested in moving into [field/role]. I came across your profile while researching [company/industry], and your path from [their earlier role, if relevant] to [their current role] really stood out to me.

Would you be open to a brief 15–20 minute conversation sometime in the next few weeks? I’d love to ask a few specific questions about how you got started in [field] and how you’d advise someone early in their career who’s hoping to follow a similar path.

I know your time is valuable, so I’m happy to work around your schedule and keep it short. No worries at all if you’re not available.

Thank you for considering this,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]
[City, Time Zone]

This is one of the best examples of a simple, direct networking email because it:

• Clearly states who you are
• Explains why you chose them
• Sets a small, specific ask (15–20 minutes)
• Gives them an easy out

Example of a warm networking email to a mutual connection

Use this when someone has introduced you, or you share a school, company, or friend.

Subject: [Mutual connection] suggested I reach out

Email:

Hi [Name],

[Mutual connection’s name] recommended I reach out to you. I’m [Your Name], currently [your role/situation], and I’m exploring next steps in [field/role]. They mentioned you’ve built a great career in this space and might be open to sharing a bit about your experience.

If you’re willing, I’d really appreciate a brief 20-minute conversation sometime in the next couple of weeks. I’m especially curious about how you decided on [company/role] and what skills you’ve found most valuable day-to-day.

I know your schedule is busy, so if a call isn’t possible, even a short email response to a couple of questions would be incredibly helpful.

Thank you for considering it,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

Among the examples of networking email examples for interviews, this one tends to get higher response rates because a mutual connection lowers the trust barrier.

Example of following up after a conference, webinar, or meetup

You’ve met someone briefly. Now you want to turn that quick chat into a proper informational interview.

Subject: Great meeting you at [event name]

Email:

Hi [Name],

It was great talking with you at [event name] on [day]. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic you discussed], especially your point about [something they said].

I’m currently [your role/situation] and exploring [field/role]. I’d love to learn a bit more about your work at [company] and how you see the industry evolving over the next few years.

If you’re open to it, would you be willing to chat for 20 minutes sometime in the next couple of weeks? I’d really value your perspective as I plan my next steps.

Either way, thank you again for the insights you shared at [event name].

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is a classic example of turning a one-off conversation into an ongoing professional relationship.

Example of emailing a senior leader you admire

Reaching out to a VP, director, or founder can feel intimidating. The key is to be extra respectful of their time and very clear on why you’re reaching out.

Subject: Brief note of appreciation + quick question

Email:

Hi [Name],

I know your time is limited, so I’ll keep this brief. I’m [Your Name], a [role/situation] who has been following your work at [company] for a while. Your recent [article/talk/project] on [specific topic] really resonated with me, especially your comment about [specific detail].

I’m working on building a career in [field/role], and your path is one I genuinely admire. If you ever have 15 minutes available in the next month, I’d be grateful for the chance to ask you two or three focused questions about how you approach [specific aspect of their work].

If that’s not feasible, I completely understand and appreciate the impact you’ve already had through your public work.

Thank you again for all you share,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

Among the best examples of networking email examples for interviews with senior leaders, this works because it:

• Shows you’ve done your homework
• Limits your ask to a tiny, defined amount of time
• Makes it easy for them to decline without guilt

Example of a student or recent grad asking for an informational interview

This is tailored to early-career candidates, including career changers going back to school.

Subject: Student at [School] interested in [field]

Email:

Hi [Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m currently a [year] student at [School], studying [major/program]. I found your profile through our alumni network and was excited to see your work in [field/role].

I’m exploring career paths in [field] and would be grateful for any insights you might be willing to share. Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation sometime this month about how you got started after [school] and what you’d recommend a student focus on while still in school?

I’ve been especially curious about [specific aspect of their work or company], and I’d really value your perspective.

Thank you for considering this, and either way, I appreciate the example you set for students like me.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Program, Graduation Year]
[LinkedIn URL]

For students looking for examples of networking email examples for interviews, this hits the right mix of respectful, specific, and confident.

Example of a follow-up networking email when you didn’t hear back

Most people give up after one email. A polite follow-up can double your chances of getting a response.

Subject: Quick follow-up on informational chat request

Email:

Hi [Name],

I know you’re very busy, so I just wanted to briefly follow up on my note from [day you sent it] about a short informational conversation. No pressure at all if now isn’t a good time.

If you are open to it, I’d still really appreciate a 15–20 minute chat about your experience in [field/role] at [company]. I’m happy to work around your schedule or send a few questions by email if that’s easier.

Either way, thank you again for all the insight you share publicly—it’s already been very helpful.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is a great example of staying persistent without being pushy.

Example of turning an informational interview into a job conversation

You’ve already had the informational interview, and it went well. Now you see an opening at their company and want to follow up.

Subject: Thank you again + quick question about [role title]

Email:

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me on [date]. Our conversation about [specific topic] has been on my mind as I’ve been exploring next steps.

I noticed that [company] recently posted an opening for [role title]. Based on what you shared about the team and the work, it seems like a strong fit for my background in [your key skills/experience].

If you feel comfortable, would you be open to sharing any advice on positioning my application—or potentially passing my resume along to the appropriate hiring manager? I completely understand if that’s not possible, and I appreciate your help regardless.

Thanks again for all your guidance,
[Your Name]

Many of the best examples of networking email examples for interviews eventually lead here: a natural, respectful transition from “learning” to “applying.”

How to write your own networking email for interviews (without sounding stiff)

Now that you’ve seen several examples of networking email examples for interviews, let’s break down the pattern so you can write your own from scratch.

Think in five short parts:

1. Subject line that sounds like a real human wrote it
Aim for something that could have come from a colleague:

• “Quick question about working in product at [Company]”
• “Student at [School] interested in [field]”
• “Following up on our chat at [event]”

Avoid clickbait or anything that feels salesy.

2. One-sentence intro: who you are
Give just enough context:

• Your name
• Your current role/situation
• One short phrase about what you’re exploring

3. Why you chose them
This is where many people stay vague. Be specific:

• “Your transition from teaching to UX design really caught my eye.”
• “Your article on remote team leadership helped me rethink how I manage my team.”

Research from places like Harvard Business School highlights how targeted, personalized outreach tends to build stronger professional ties than generic mass messages.

4. A small, clear ask
Instead of “Can we connect sometime?”, try:

• “Would you be open to a 15–20 minute conversation in the next few weeks?”
• “If you have time for a short call, I’d love to ask 3–4 focused questions.”

Being specific reduces decision fatigue and makes it easier for them to say yes.

5. A gentle out
Always make it easy for them to decline:

• “I know your schedule is busy, so no worries at all if now isn’t a good time.”
• “If a call isn’t possible, even a short email response would be very helpful.”

This kind of respectful tone not only feels better ethically, it also tends to increase response rates over time.

2024–2025 trends that affect your networking emails

The workplace in 2024–2025 looks different from five years ago, and your networking approach should reflect that.

Remote and hybrid work are normal.
It’s now completely standard to ask for a quick Zoom or Teams call instead of coffee. You can say:

“I’d be glad to connect by Zoom or phone—whatever’s easiest for you.”

People are more protective of their time.
Burnout and workload concerns are real; surveys from organizations like the American Psychological Association show ongoing stress levels at work. That’s why these examples of networking email examples for interviews keep the ask small (15–20 minutes) and flexible.

Online presence matters.
Most professionals will glance at your LinkedIn before replying. Make sure your profile is reasonably up to date, and include the link in your signature. Career centers at universities such as Harvard offer guidance on what a solid profile looks like.

Short, skimmable messages win.
Attention spans are stretched. The best examples of networking email examples for interviews are 150–250 words, broken into short paragraphs. Long walls of text are easy to ignore.

FAQ: Short answers about networking emails for interviews

What are some good examples of subject lines for networking emails?
Good examples include: “Quick question about [role] at [Company],” “Student at [School] interested in [field],” or “Following up on [event name] conversation.” Aim for clear and honest over clever.

How long should a networking email for an informational interview be?
Most successful emails fall in the 150–250 word range. Long enough to show you’re thoughtful, short enough to respect their time.

How many times is it okay to follow up?
In most professional contexts, one follow-up about 7–10 days after your first message is reasonable. If they still don’t respond, it’s usually best to move on.

Can I ask for a job in a networking email?
You can express interest in a company or type of role, but your first email should focus on learning, not asking for a job. Many real examples of networking email examples for interviews start with curiosity and only later turn into job conversations.

Is LinkedIn messaging better than email?
It depends on where the person is more active. Some professionals respond faster on LinkedIn; others prefer email. You can check how active they are on LinkedIn (recent posts, comments) and choose based on that. If you try one channel and don’t hear back, it’s okay to try the other once.

If you’re ever unsure what to say, come back to these examples of networking email examples for interviews and swap in your details. The goal isn’t to sound perfect—it’s to sound like a thoughtful, respectful professional that someone would be happy to help for 15 minutes.