The best examples of reconnecting email examples for networking in 2025

Real‑world examples of reconnecting email examples for networking

Let’s start with what you came for: actual wording you can steal.

Below are several examples of reconnecting email examples for networking you can customize. I’ll give you the template, then a quick note on when and why it works.

1. Short, low‑pressure reconnecting email to a former colleague

This is for someone you liked working with, but haven’t spoken to in a while.

Subject: Long time no talk – how are you?

Hi Alex,

I was thinking about our old team at Brightline this week and realized it’s been way too long since we caught up. How have you been?

I’m still in product marketing, now at Horizon Labs, working on launch strategy for AI tools. It’s been a big learning curve, but in a good way.

I’d love to hear what you’re up to these days and how things are going on your end. If you’re open to it, would you be up for a quick 20‑minute catch‑up over Zoom or coffee sometime in the next few weeks?

Either way, it would be great to reconnect.

Best,

Taylor

Why this works: It’s light, friendly, and doesn’t immediately ask for a favor. For many people, this is one of the best examples of a low‑pressure reconnection email because it feels like a real human checking in, not a transaction.

2. Reconnecting email when you’re actively job searching

You know someone in your target industry or company and want to reconnect without sounding like you’re using them.

Subject: Quick hello + career update

Hi Priya,

I hope you’ve been doing well since our time at Northridge. I still remember your advice about building a strong analytics foundation—it’s helped me more than once.

I’m reaching out because I’m exploring my next move in data analytics, ideally in healthcare or biotech. I’ve been leading reporting projects at Lumen Health for the past three years and I’m now looking for senior analyst roles where I can do more stakeholder‑facing work.

I’d really value your perspective on how the market looks right now and how you’d position this kind of experience. If you’re open to a brief 20‑minute conversation sometime this month, I’d greatly appreciate it.

If not, no worries at all—I know things are busy. Either way, I hope all is well on your end.

Thanks so much,

Taylor

This example of a reconnecting email for networking is direct about the job search but still respectful of their time and expertise.

3. Reconnecting with a former manager or mentor

This is for someone senior who invested in you before. You want to show respect, share updates, and possibly ask for guidance.

Subject: Catching up & quick career question

Hi Maria,

I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been thinking about your leadership workshops lately and how much they shaped how I manage my team.

Since we last spoke, I’ve moved into a senior operations role at Northpoint, leading a team of eight. I’m now considering a move into a director‑level role in the next 12–18 months and would really value your perspective on how to prepare.

If you have time for a brief conversation in the next few weeks, I’d love to catch up and ask for your advice on where to focus my development.

Thank you again for everything you’ve taught me over the years—I still quote you more than you know.

Warmly,

Taylor

Among the examples of reconnecting email examples for networking, this one stands out for mentors: it shows growth, gratitude, and a clear question.

4. Reconnecting after meeting once at a conference or event

You met briefly, traded cards or connected on LinkedIn, and then… nothing. This helps you pick the thread back up.

Subject: Great to meet you at [Conference Name]

Hi Jordan,

It was great meeting you at the Product Summit in Austin last month. I really enjoyed our conversation about customer research and how your team is using it to shape roadmaps.

I’ve been thinking about your point on shorter feedback loops and started testing a similar approach with my own team. Early signs are promising.

I’d love to stay in touch and maybe compare notes as we both experiment. If you’re open to it, I’d be glad to schedule a short virtual coffee sometime in the next few weeks.

Either way, thanks again for the ideas—you gave me a lot to think about.

Best,

Taylor

This is one of those real examples of reconnecting email examples for networking that can turn a one‑off chat into an ongoing professional relationship.

5. Reconnecting with a former classmate or alumni for networking

Ideal if you share a school connection and want a warmer way in.

Subject: Fellow [School Name] alum looking to reconnect

Hi Sam,

I hope you’re doing well. I came across your profile on LinkedIn and realized we were both in the [School Name] class of 2018—small world.

I’m currently working in marketing at a mid‑size SaaS company and exploring a transition into brand strategy roles at agencies. I noticed you’ve made a similar move and thought you might be someone I could learn from.

If you’d be open to a 20‑minute conversation sometime this month, I’d love to hear how you navigated the switch and any advice you might share with someone a few steps behind you.

Either way, it’s always nice to see fellow [School Name] grads doing well.

Best,

Taylor

Alumni connections continue to be powerful in 2024–2025, especially as more schools formalize networking platforms. Many universities, like Harvard and others, highlight how alumni networks can support career mobility.

6. Reconnecting when you were laid off or are between roles

Layoffs are common now, and there’s less stigma than there used to be. Transparency can actually build trust.

Subject: Quick update & staying in touch

Hi Chris,

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share a quick update—my role at Summit Digital was recently eliminated as part of a company‑wide restructuring.

I’m taking a few weeks to reset and then I’ll be actively exploring new opportunities in customer success leadership, ideally at mission‑driven tech companies.

I’ve always valued your perspective on the industry, so if you’re open to it, I’d love to reconnect for a brief conversation sometime this month. I’d be grateful for any thoughts you have on where my background might be a strong fit or how you see the market right now.

In any case, I hope things are going well with you.

Thanks so much,

Taylor

This is a real example that acknowledges the situation without sounding apologetic or desperate. It’s honest and forward‑looking.

7. Reconnecting with someone you accidentally ghosted

You meant to reply… and then life happened. It’s okay to own it.

Subject: Belated reply & hoping to reconnect

Hi Dana,

I was going through my inbox and realized I completely dropped the ball on our last exchange from March. I’m sorry for the very delayed response—that’s on me.

If you’re still open to it, I’d love to pick up our conversation about sustainability roles in consumer goods. I’ve since completed a certification in ESG reporting and I’m even more interested in moving my career in that direction.

No pressure at all if your schedule has shifted, but if you’re available for a short call sometime in the next few weeks, I’d really appreciate the chance to reconnect.

Thanks for your understanding,

Taylor

Among the best examples of reconnecting email examples for networking, this one shows how a simple, sincere apology can reset the relationship.

8. Reconnecting to share something helpful (not just to ask)

One of the most effective examples of reconnecting email examples for networking is when you lead with value instead of a request.

Subject: Thought of you when I saw this

Hi Miguel,

I hope things are going well. I saw this article about new FDA guidance on digital health tools and immediately thought of the projects you were leading last year.

[Short description or link to resource]

I’d be curious what you think and how it lines up with what you’re seeing on your side.

Also, I realized we haven’t caught up in a while. If you’re open to a quick virtual coffee sometime this month, I’d love to hear what you’ve been working on.

Either way, I hope this is useful.

Best,

Taylor

This kind of message is especially effective in 2024–2025, when people are overloaded with asks. Offering something relevant—an article, a report, a job posting—builds goodwill.

How to write your own reconnecting email (using these examples as a guide)

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

Think in four short parts:

1. Subject line that sounds like a human, not a sales bot
Keep it simple and specific. A few patterns you can adapt:

• “Long time no talk – how are you?”
• “Quick hello + [topic]”
• “Fellow [School] alum looking to reconnect”
• “Great to meet you at [Event Name]”

2. A clear reminder of how you know each other
People’s memories are overloaded. In almost all the examples above, the first or second sentence re‑anchors the relationship:

• “I was thinking about our old team at Brightline…”
• “I came across your profile and realized we were both in the class of 2018…”
• “It was great meeting you at the Product Summit in Austin…”

This small detail can dramatically increase response rates because it removes the “wait, who is this?” friction.

3. A brief, honest update or context
Most of the real examples of reconnecting email examples for networking include a one‑ or two‑sentence update:

• What you’re doing now
• What’s changed (promotion, move, layoff, new interest)
• Why you’re reaching out at this moment

You don’t need your life story. Two or three lines is enough.

4. A specific, respectful ask (or a no‑pressure check‑in)
If you’re asking for something, be clear and concrete:

• “Would you be open to a 20‑minute conversation sometime this month?”
• “I’d value your perspective on how to position my experience.”
• “I’d love any thoughts you have on where my background might be a strong fit.”

If you’re not ready to ask for anything yet, that’s fine too. Several of the examples of reconnecting email examples for networking above simply suggest “catching up” or “staying in touch.” That’s still networking.

For respectful boundaries, phrases like “if you’re open to it” and “no pressure at all if your schedule is packed” go a long way.

2024–2025 trends that affect your reconnecting emails

Networking norms shift over time. A few current realities to keep in mind as you adapt these examples of reconnecting email examples for networking:

Shorter attention spans, shorter emails.
People are processing more digital communication than ever. Research on workplace communication from sources like the Pew Research Center shows ongoing increases in digital overload. That means your reconnecting email should be skimmable: short paragraphs, clear ask, no walls of text.

Remote and hybrid work make “virtual coffee” normal.
Suggesting a 20‑minute Zoom or phone call is now standard, even if you’re in the same city. You don’t have to push for an in‑person meeting unless it’s natural.

Layoffs and career changes are common.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at bls.gov, job openings, quits, and separations continue to fluctuate. It’s normal to say, “My role was eliminated” or “I’m exploring my next move.” The examples above show how to do that without oversharing.

Networking is ongoing, not just when you need a job.
Career centers like the one at the University of Washington emphasize maintaining relationships over time, not just reaching out in emergencies. That’s why some of the best examples of reconnecting email examples for networking are simply check‑ins or sharing useful resources.

Quick FAQ about reconnecting emails for networking

How long is “too long” to wait before sending a reconnecting email?
There’s no expiration date. Many of the real examples of reconnecting email examples for networking above work even after a year or more. If it’s been a long time, just acknowledge it lightly: “I realized it’s been a while since we last spoke…” and move on.

What’s an example of a very short reconnecting email?
If you truly want something minimal, try:

Subject: Quick hello

Hi Jamie,

I hope you’ve been doing well. I was thinking about our time at Ridgeway and realized it’s been a while since we caught up. I’d love to hear what you’re working on these days—would you be open to a quick 15–20 minute call sometime this month?

Best,

Taylor

This example of a reconnecting email keeps things simple but still gives a clear next step.

Should I mention that I’m job searching in my first reconnecting email?
If your goal is networking for a job search, yes—gently. As you saw in several examples of reconnecting email examples for networking, it’s effective to say you’re “exploring your next move” or “looking at opportunities in X area” and then ask for advice or perspective, not a job.

Is it okay to follow up if they don’t reply?
Yes. A single, polite follow‑up after 7–10 days is reasonable. Think one or two lines: “Just bumping this to the top of your inbox in case it got buried. No worries if now isn’t a good time.” If they still don’t respond, let it go.

What if I feel awkward reaching out after a layoff or career break?
You’re in good company. Many professionals have gone through layoffs or breaks, especially after 2020. Career resources from organizations like the National Career Development Association emphasize that networking is one of the strongest tools during transitions. The earlier examples of reconnecting email examples for networking that mention layoffs show how a straightforward, calm tone can normalize the situation.

If you use these examples as starting points—and keep your messages short, specific, and human—you’ll find that reconnecting isn’t nearly as awkward as it feels in your head. One thoughtful email can reopen a door you didn’t even realize was still there.