Real‑world examples of networking email examples to former colleagues

Short, friendly examples of networking email examples to former colleagues

When you’re reconnecting, short and warm usually beats long and formal. Think of it like bumping into someone at a coffee shop, not delivering a speech. Here’s a simple example of a networking email to a former colleague when you haven’t talked in a while but want to open the door again.

Subject: Long time no talk – quick hello

Email:
Hi Jordan,

I was thinking about our time on the Phoenix launch project and realized it’s been way too long since we caught up. How are you doing?

I’m still in product marketing, now focusing on B2B SaaS. I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to since [Company] and how you’re liking your current role.

If you’re up for it, I’d be happy to buy you coffee or hop on a quick Zoom sometime in the next few weeks.

Great to reconnect,
Alex

This is one of the best examples of networking email examples to former colleagues because it’s light, specific (mentions a shared project), and doesn’t immediately ask for a favor. It simply reopens the relationship, which is often the smartest first step.

Examples of networking email examples to former colleagues when you’re job searching

You don’t have to pretend you’re not job hunting. You just want to avoid sounding desperate or transactional. The strongest examples include three things: a quick update, a clear ask, and an easy way for them to help.

Here’s a real‑world style template you can adapt.

Subject: Quick catch‑up + job search update

Hi Priya,

I hope things are going well at [Current Company] – I still remember how smoothly you handled that year‑end reporting chaos back at [Previous Company]!

I’m reaching out because I’m starting to explore new roles in data analytics, ideally with a focus on healthcare or public health. Since you’ve built such a strong career in this space, I’d really value your perspective.

If you have 20 minutes in the next couple of weeks, I’d love to hear how you approached your last couple of moves and what you’re seeing in the market right now. No pressure at all if your schedule is packed.

Either way, I hope things are going well for you.

Best,
Taylor

This kind of message is a classic example of networking email examples to former colleagues during a job search: it’s honest about your situation, respectful of their time, and focused on advice rather than immediately asking for a referral.

If you want to see what skills are in demand before you send a note like this, skimming current job postings and labor data from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can help you describe your goals more clearly:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/

Example of a networking email asking a former colleague for a referral

Sometimes you know exactly where you want to apply, and you know someone on the inside. In that case, your email should be direct but polite, and it should make it easy for them to say yes or no.

Subject: Quick favor re: [Role Title] at [Company]

Hi Sam,

I’ve been following your work at [Company] on LinkedIn – looks like you’ve been busy! The new [product/initiative] you posted about last month looks exciting.

I saw an opening for a Senior UX Designer on your team and it’s a strong match with my background in user research and interaction design. Here’s the posting: [link].

If you feel comfortable, would you be open to referring me or passing my resume to the hiring manager? I’ve attached my resume and a short portfolio link here to make it easy.

If that’s not possible for any reason, no worries at all – I completely understand and still appreciate all the insight you’ve shared over the years.

Thanks either way,
Jamie

This is one of the best examples of networking email examples to former colleagues when you’re asking for a referral because it removes pressure. You give them an easy out, you include what they need (job link, resume, portfolio), and you keep it short.

Examples include emails to former managers and mentors

Former bosses can be powerful allies when you’re exploring new roles, but many people feel intimidated about emailing them. Here’s an example of a friendly, professional message to a former manager.

Subject: Quick update and a favor to ask

Hi Maria,

I hope you’re doing well and that the new fiscal year is off to a good start. I still use a lot of what I learned from you on the [Project/Team Name] team – especially your approach to stakeholder communication.

I’m reaching out because I’m beginning a search for senior project management roles in the nonprofit sector. Since you know my work style and strengths so well, I wanted to ask if you’d feel comfortable serving as a reference for me.

If so, I’d be happy to send along my updated resume and a short summary of the roles I’m targeting so you have context.

Thank you again for all the guidance you’ve given me over the years.

Warmly,
Chris

This example of a networking email to a former colleague who was also a manager keeps the tone respectful but warm, and it makes the request specific: serve as a reference, not “help me however you can.”

For mentors or senior colleagues you admire, you can shift the focus more toward their insight.

Subject: Could I get your advice on my next move?

Hi Dr. Nguyen,

I hope the semester is going well for you. I still recommend your data ethics course to anyone thinking about grad school.

I’m at a point where I’m deciding between applying to Master’s programs in public policy or staying in industry and moving toward a policy analyst role. Since you’ve seen both sides – academic and government – I’d really appreciate your perspective.

If you’re open to it, I’d love to schedule a 20–30 minute Zoom sometime this month. I can send a short overview of my background and options in advance so we can use the time efficiently.

Thank you for considering it, and for all your past guidance.

Best regards,
Alicia

These kinds of examples of networking email examples to former colleagues who are more senior show respect for their time while still being clear about what you’re hoping for.

Reconnecting with former colleagues after a long gap

If it’s been years, you might worry you’re “coming out of nowhere.” The trick is to acknowledge the time gap, share a quick update, and keep your ask very light at first.

Subject: It’s been a while – hello from [Your City]

Hi Devin,

I realized the other day that it’s been almost five years since our days on the support team at [Company]. Time flies!

Since then I’ve moved into customer success and recently relocated to Austin. I’ve been thinking a lot about how much I learned from that early team, especially around handling tough customer conversations.

I’d love to reconnect and hear what you’re doing now. If you’re open to it, maybe we could grab a virtual coffee sometime this month.

Either way, I hope life is treating you well.

Take care,
Riley

This is a gentle example of networking email examples to former colleagues after a long gap: no heavy ask, just an invitation to reconnect and a bit of personal context.

If you later decide to ask for career advice or a referral, you can build on this first message instead of jumping straight into a favor.

Examples of networking email examples to former colleagues for remote and hybrid work

One of the biggest shifts since 2020 is the rise of remote and hybrid roles. If you’re specifically looking for that kind of work, you can say so directly. Being clear helps your former colleagues think of the right opportunities.

Subject: Exploring remote roles – would love your insight

Hi Morgan,

I’ve been following your posts about distributed teams at [Company] and it looks like you’ve built something really strong there.

I’m currently exploring remote and hybrid roles in software engineering, ideally with teams that value async communication and thoughtful documentation. Since you’ve been working remotely for a while, I’d love to hear what you’ve learned about which companies actually support it well.

If you’re open to a 20‑minute Zoom or phone call sometime in the next few weeks, I’d really appreciate your perspective. And if anyone on your team is hiring for mid‑level engineers, I’d be grateful for any pointers.

Thanks so much,
Lee

This is a modern example of networking email examples to former colleagues that reflects 2024–2025 realities: remote work, async collaboration, and culture fit. You’re not just saying “I want remote work,” you’re describing how you like to work.

If you want to back up your thinking with data before you reach out, organizations like Pew Research Center regularly publish research on remote and hybrid work trends:
https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/work-online/telework/

Following up gracefully if a former colleague doesn’t reply

Silence doesn’t always mean “no.” People are busy, inboxes are chaotic, and sometimes a polite follow‑up is all it takes. The key is to keep it short and friendly.

Subject: Quick bump on my last note

Hi Dana,

Just wanted to quickly follow up on my note from last week in case it got buried in your inbox.

No rush at all – and if now’s not a good time, I completely understand. Either way, I hope things are going well for you at [Company].

Best,
Omar

This simple follow‑up is one of the best examples of networking email examples to former colleagues when you don’t want to be pushy. You’re giving them an easy way to ignore it if they’re not interested, while still reminding them you reached out.

Career coaches and professional organizations often recommend one gentle follow‑up after 7–10 days, then letting it go. For broader guidance on professional communication norms, sites like the Harvard Business Review often share helpful research‑based advice:
https://hbr.org

How to personalize these examples of networking email examples to former colleagues

Templates are a starting point, not a script. The best examples include details that only you could write. A few ways to make any example of a networking email feel more personal:

• Mention a specific project, inside joke, or moment you shared. Instead of “I enjoyed working with you,” try “I still remember the all‑nighter we pulled to ship the Q4 release.”
• Add a quick life update: a move, a new role, a degree you finished, or a skill you picked up.
• Be clear about what you want, but keep it reasonable for a first ask: a 20‑minute call, a quick opinion, or a referral request with all materials ready.
• Match their tone. If they were casual at work, you can be casual. If they were more formal, lean a bit more professional.

When you adapt these examples of networking email examples to former colleagues, read your message out loud before sending. If it sounds like something you’d actually say, you’re on the right track. If it sounds stiff or robotic, trim the jargon and add one or two specific details.

For more general guidance on professional writing, many universities share free online resources; for instance, the Purdue Online Writing Lab has helpful tips on email tone and clarity:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/email_etiquette.html

FAQ: Networking emails to former colleagues

How long should a networking email to a former colleague be?
Aim for 150–250 words. The real examples of networking email examples to former colleagues above are short enough to read on a phone but long enough to give context. If you need a longer conversation, use the email to ask for a call or meeting instead of writing an essay.

Is it okay to ask directly for a job in a networking email?
You can, but it’s usually more effective to ask for information, insight, or a referral to the right person. The best examples of networking email examples to former colleagues focus on learning and connection first, then move toward specific opportunities.

What’s a good example of a subject line for reconnecting?
Friendly, specific subject lines work well. Examples include: “Long time no talk – quick hello,” “Catching up after [Company Name],” or “Your advice on my next step?” All of these signal that you know the person and you’re not sending a cold sales pitch.

How often is it okay to follow up if there’s no response?
Send one polite follow‑up after about a week. If there’s still no reply, assume they’re busy or not able to help right now and move on. One quiet follow‑up, like the example of a short bump email above, is usually enough.

Do I need to mention why I left our old company?
Usually, no. Most examples of networking email examples to former colleagues skip the backstory and focus on the present: where you are now, what you’re exploring, and how they can help (if they’re willing). You can share more detail later in a call if it feels relevant.

The bottom line: strong networking emails to former colleagues are short, specific, and human. Use these real examples as a starting point, then add your own stories and goals so your message sounds like you—not a template.