Networking is a vital part of career development, especially when you’re seeking new job opportunities. Reaching out to former colleagues can reignite professional connections and open doors to potential job leads. Here are three diverse examples of networking emails to help you reconnect and leverage those relationships.
Context: You haven’t been in touch with a former colleague for a while and want to let them know you are looking for new job opportunities while also catching up.
Hi [Former Colleague’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well! It’s been quite a while since we worked together at [Company Name], and I often think back to our time on [specific project]. I truly enjoyed collaborating with you and learned so much from your insights.
I’m reaching out because I’m currently exploring new job opportunities in [your field/industry], and I would love to hear about what you’ve been up to since we last connected. If you have a moment, I’d appreciate any advice you might have or insights about potential openings in your network.
Let’s catch up soon! I’d love to hear how you’ve been and share what I’ve been up to as well.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile or Email]
Notes: Consider personalizing the email further by mentioning a specific memory or project you worked on together. If they respond positively, suggest a coffee chat or virtual meeting to reconnect even more.
Context: You want to reach out to a former colleague who has advanced in their career and could provide valuable advice on your next steps.
Subject: Seeking Your Insight
Hi [Former Colleague’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I’ve been following your journey on LinkedIn, and I’m so impressed with your recent accomplishments at [Their Current Company]. It’s truly inspiring to see how you’ve progressed in your career.
I’m currently at a crossroads in my professional journey and would greatly appreciate your insights. As someone who has navigated a similar path, I’d love to hear about your experiences and any advice you might have for someone looking to take the next step.
If you have some time in the coming weeks, I’d be thrilled to chat over coffee or a video call. Thank you so much for considering it!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile or Email]
Notes: This email serves to flatter and respect their progress while also inviting them to share their wisdom. Make sure to follow up if you don’t hear back in a week or two.
Context: You want to learn more about a specific company or role that your former colleague is currently involved in, and you’d like to request an informational interview.
Subject: Quick Catch-up?
Hi [Former Colleague’s Name],
I hope all is well with you! It’s been a while since our days at [Previous Company], and I’ve been thinking about how much I appreciated your support during our time together. I’m reaching out because I’m very interested in [specific company or role they are in], and I know you are currently involved there.
If you have some time, I would love to schedule a brief informational interview to learn more about your experience and any insights you might have about the industry and company culture. I really value your opinion and think it could help guide my next steps.
Thank you for considering my request! I’m looking forward to hopefully catching up soon.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile or Email]
Notes: Make sure to keep the tone friendly and show genuine interest in their experiences. Be specific about what you want to know, but also be considerate of their time.
By using these examples of networking email to a former colleague, you can craft messages that foster connections and open up new opportunities. Happy networking!