The best examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples that actually get replies

Let’s skip the theory and start with real examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples you can actually send today. You’ll see the full email, then a quick breakdown of why it works and how to adapt it.

1. Following up after a conference or event

You just met someone at a conference, meetup, or webinar. You said you’d stay in touch. Now you’re back home, tired, and the moment is slipping away. Here’s an example of a follow-up that keeps the momentum going without sounding salesy.

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 [brief detail].

I’d love to stay in touch and learn more about how you’re approaching [their area of expertise or project]. If you’re open to it, I’d be glad to connect on LinkedIn and maybe set up a quick 15–20 minute call sometime in the next few weeks.

Either way, thanks again for the conversation—hope the rest of [Event Name] went well for you.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You’re not asking for a job or a big favor. You’re simply reinforcing the connection, reminding them who you are, and offering a light next step. Many of the best examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples do exactly this—keep the tone light and the ask small.

2. Following up after an informational interview

You had a great chat with someone who gave you advice about their role or industry. You sent a thank-you. Now you want to follow up a few weeks later without sounding like you’re just checking a box.

Subject: Quick update and thank you

Email:

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up and thank you again for taking the time to speak with me on [date]. Your advice about [specific insight they shared] has already been really helpful.

Since we spoke, I’ve [taken a course / updated my portfolio / applied to X roles / joined Y group] based on your suggestions. I’m also exploring opportunities at [Company A] and [Company B], since they line up with what you mentioned about [industry or function].

If you ever spot a role or project where someone with [your skill set] could be useful, I’d be grateful to be kept in mind. And if I can ever be helpful to you—sharing insights from [your field], making introductions, or anything else—please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thanks again,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You show you listened and took action. You also make a gentle, long-term ask (“keep me in mind”) instead of pushing for an immediate referral. When people ask for real examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples that don’t feel transactional, this one is near the top of the list.

3. Following up when someone never replied to your first email

This is the awkward one. You reached out, they didn’t respond. Do you just disappear? Not necessarily. A short, respectful nudge can work surprisingly well.

Subject: Quick nudge – [Original subject]

Email:

Hi [Name],

I know you’re busy, so I just wanted to bump this up in your inbox in case it slipped through the cracks.

I’d still love to connect for a brief 15–20 minute conversation about [specific topic: breaking into your field, learning more about X, getting your perspective on Y]. Your experience at [their company or in their industry] is exactly what I’m hoping to learn from as I [make a transition / grow in my current role].

If now’s not a good time or you’re not the right person, no worries at all—I completely understand and appreciate you considering it.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You acknowledge their time constraints, restate your ask clearly, and give them an easy out. The best examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples are polite, brief, and never guilt-trip the other person.

4. Following up after a job interview to keep the relationship warm

Even if you don’t get the job, the hiring manager or interviewer can still be a powerful networking contact. Here’s a follow-up that keeps the door open.

Subject: Thank you and staying in touch

Email:

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Role Title] position. I appreciated our conversation about [specific topic], and I learned a lot about how your team approaches [area of work].

While I understand you may be moving forward with other candidates, I’d love to stay in touch. I’m very interested in [company or industry], and I’d be glad to connect here on email or on LinkedIn.

If a future role opens up where my background in [your key skills] could be a fit, I’d be excited to be considered. In the meantime, I’ll be cheering on your team from afar.

Thanks again for your time,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You’re gracious, realistic, and long-term focused. Many examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples overlook this scenario, but staying connected after an interview often leads to opportunities months later.

5. Reconnecting with a “cold” contact you haven’t spoken to in years

Maybe this is an old colleague, classmate, or former manager. You’d like to reconnect, but it’s been a while and you don’t want it to feel random or self-serving.

Subject: Long time no talk – quick hello

Email:

Hi [Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well. I was thinking about our time at [Company/School] recently, especially [specific memory or project], and it reminded me how much I appreciated working with you.

Since then, I’ve been [brief update on your career or life in 1–2 sentences]. I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to and how things are going at [their company or in their industry].

If you’re open to it, I’d be glad to catch up over a quick call sometime in the next few weeks, or even just swap a few updates over email.

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

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You lead with a genuine connection point and curiosity, not a request. Some of the best examples include a shared memory because it feels human and specific.

6. Following up after someone introduces you to their contact

A mutual connection has introduced you to someone. You had a conversation, and now you want to follow up with both people in a way that strengthens the relationship.

Subject: Thank you for the introduction

Email to the new contact:

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me after [Mutual Contact] introduced us. I really appreciated your insights on [topic], especially your thoughts on [specific detail].

I’m going to [specific next step you’re taking based on their advice], and I’ll let you know how it goes. If I can ever be helpful to you—whether that’s sharing what I’m seeing in [your field] or making introductions on my side—please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best,
[Your Name]

Email to the mutual contact:

Hi [Name],

Just a quick note to say thanks again for introducing me to [New Contact]. We had a great conversation about [topic], and I came away with several ideas I’m excited to put into practice.

I really appreciate you thinking of me.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You close the loop with the person who helped you and show you valued the conversation. Real examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples like this build your reputation as someone who follows through.

7. Following up after offering help or resources

Networking isn’t just about asking; it’s also about giving. If you previously sent someone an article, resource, or introduction, this follow-up keeps the relationship active.

Subject: Hope the [resource/introduction] was helpful

Email:

Hi [Name],

I hope the [article/tool/introduction to X] I sent over a little while ago was helpful as you were working on [their project or goal].

No need to reply if you’re swamped, but if you did get a chance to try it, I’d be curious what you thought. I’m always looking to refine the recommendations I share with others.

Also, if there’s anything else you’re working on where another set of eyes or a quick brainstorm would help, I’m happy to be a sounding board.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You’re reinforcing your role as someone who adds value, not just someone who asks for favors. Many of the best examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples quietly build this “helpful person” reputation.

8. Following up after a virtual event or LinkedIn interaction

In 2024–2025, a lot of networking happens online: webinars, LinkedIn comments, Slack communities, virtual meetups. Here’s how to follow up when your first interaction was digital.

Subject: Great connecting via [Platform/Event]

Email:

Hi [Name],

I enjoyed your [comment/post/question] on [platform or event] about [topic]. Your point about [specific detail] really stood out to me.

I’m currently [briefly describe what you’re working on or exploring], and your perspective gave me a few ideas about [related area]. If you’re open to a short 15–20 minute chat sometime this month, I’d love to hear more about your experience with [their area of expertise].

If a call isn’t convenient, no problem at all—happy to keep in touch here and follow your work.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You show you were paying attention, you connect their insight to your work, and you give them options. As more networking goes remote, examples include flexible formats (call, email, ongoing online connection) rather than insisting on a meeting.

How to customize these examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples

Think of each template as a starting point, not a script you must follow word-for-word. The strongest examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples all share a few patterns you can adapt:

They’re specific. Instead of “I enjoyed our conversation,” mention the exact topic: “I appreciated your advice about transitioning from teaching to instructional design.” Specificity jogs memory and feels more sincere.

They’re short. Most people skim email. Aim for 3–6 short paragraphs of 1–3 sentences each. Tools like the U.S. government’s Plain Language guidelines emphasize short sentences and clear structure because they’re easier to read—your networking emails benefit from the same approach.

They show you did something. When you can, mention an action you took based on their advice: a course you started, a book you read, a portfolio you updated. This shows respect for their time.

They include a light, clear ask. The ask might be: a 15-minute call, keeping you in mind for future roles, or simply staying in touch. Vague asks like “I’d love to connect sometime” are easy to ignore.

They respect boundaries. Every example of a good follow-up email includes an easy out: “If now’s not a good time, I completely understand.” This lowers pressure and actually makes people more likely to respond.

2024–2025 trends to keep in mind for follow-up networking emails

As work and networking habits change, the best examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples are evolving too.

Shorter attention spans, more email overload. People are dealing with packed inboxes and notification fatigue. Keeping your subject lines clear and your emails brief is not just polite—it’s strategic. Research on digital communication and burnout from organizations like the American Psychological Association highlights how constant connectivity affects focus and stress levels.

Hybrid and remote work are normal. It’s now standard to suggest virtual coffee chats instead of in-person meetings. Mentioning tools like Zoom or Google Meet is fine, but keep it flexible: let them choose what’s easiest.

Asynchronous networking is growing. Many professionals prefer exchanging a few thoughtful emails or LinkedIn messages over scheduling live calls. Some of the best examples include offering both options: “If a call isn’t convenient, happy to swap a few thoughts over email instead.”

Mental health and boundaries matter. There’s more awareness of burnout and workload. Acknowledging that someone might be busy and not taking non-responses personally aligns with what health organizations like the National Institutes of Health discuss around stress and workload. It’s also just good relationship-building.

Quick tips to make these templates sound like you

You don’t want your message to sound like it was copied from a script (even if, secretly, it was). To personalize any of these examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples, try this:

Adjust the formality.

• More formal: “Dear Dr. Smith,” “I would appreciate the opportunity to…”
• More casual: “Hi Alex,” “I’d love to…”

Match their style. If they sign emails with “Best,” do the same. If they write short, direct messages, don’t send a long essay back.

Use your real voice.
Read your email out loud. If there’s a sentence you’d never say in conversation, rewrite it. Swap stiff phrases like “I am reaching out to inquire” with “I’m writing because I’d love to learn more about…”

Tweak one sentence in each paragraph.
Even if you use these examples word-for-word, change at least one sentence in each paragraph to match your situation: add a specific detail about your career, their work, or your shared context.

Be honest about your goals.
If you’re exploring a career change, say that. If you’re happy where you are but curious about their path, say that. Authenticity beats perfectly polished language every time.

FAQ: examples of networking email templates and follow-up etiquette

How long should I wait before sending a follow-up?
For most networking situations (events, informational interviews, introductions), sending a follow-up within 24–72 hours works well. If you’re nudging someone who didn’t respond to your first email, waiting about 5–7 business days is reasonable. After that, you can send one more follow-up a week or two later and then let it go.

How many follow-ups are too many?
In most cases, two follow-ups after the original message is enough. If you’ve followed up twice with no response, it’s usually best to stop. Constant messages can feel intrusive and may harm the relationship you’re trying to build.

Can you give an example of a very short follow-up email?
Yes. Here’s a minimalist version:

Hi [Name],
Just wanted to circle back on my note below about [topic]. I’d still love to connect for a brief chat if you have time in the next few weeks. If not, no worries at all—thanks for considering it.
Best,
[Your Name]

This keeps things polite, clear, and under 5 lines.

Should I follow up by email or LinkedIn?
If your first contact was by email, follow up there. If you originally connected on LinkedIn, a LinkedIn message is fine—and you can also ask if they’d prefer to continue the conversation by email. Some people manage professional messages better in one channel than the other.

Is it okay to mention salary, referrals, or job openings in a follow-up?
You can, but timing matters. In early networking conversations, focus on learning and building the relationship. Once you’ve had a meaningful exchange, it’s more natural to ask about how hiring works at their company or whether they’d be open to referring you. Career centers at universities like Harvard often recommend starting with curiosity and value, then moving to specific job questions later.

If you use these examples of networking email templates: follow-up examples as your baseline—and then layer in your own voice, details, and goals—you’ll have a small library of messages you can send with confidence instead of anxiety. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to reach out, reconnect, and keep professional relationships alive over time.