Best examples of networking request email examples for job seekers

Real‑world examples of networking request email examples for job seekers

Let’s skip the theory and go straight to what you really want: actual wording you can steal, tweak, and send.

Below are several of the best examples of networking request email examples for job seekers in different situations. You’ll see:

• A warm intro through a mutual contact
• A cold outreach to someone you admire
• A follow‑up after a layoff
• A career‑change request
• A short LinkedIn message
• A post‑event follow‑up
• A request to an alum or former colleague

As you read each example of a networking request email, imagine your own details in the blanks. Swap in your industry, company targets, and skills, and you’ll have a message that feels personal instead of copy‑pasted.

Example of a networking request email through a mutual contact

This is often the easiest kind of networking email to send, because someone has already “warmed up” the relationship for you.

Subject: Intro from [Mutual Contact’s Name]

Hi [First Name],

[Mutual Contact’s Name] suggested I reach out and introduce myself. I’m a [your current role or situation, e.g., “marketing analyst exploring product marketing roles in tech”], and I’ve really admired the work you’ve done at [their company]—especially [brief, specific detail you noticed from LinkedIn, their portfolio, or a podcast].

I’m in the early stages of a job search and would love to learn more about how you navigated your path into [their field/role]. If you’re open to it, would you have 20 minutes in the next couple of weeks for a quick Zoom or phone call? I’d be grateful for any advice on skills to highlight and how hiring works at companies like [their company].

I know your time is valuable, so I’m happy to work around your schedule and keep it brief.

Thanks so much for considering this,

[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn URL]
[Your City/Time Zone]

Why this works: it’s specific, respectful of time, and clearly explains why you’re reaching out. As far as examples of networking request email examples for job seekers go, this one is a reliable go‑to when someone has offered to connect you.

Cold outreach: example of a networking request email to someone you don’t know

Sometimes you won’t have a mutual contact. That’s okay—cold outreach still works in 2024–2025, especially if you personalize it.

Subject: Quick question about your path into [their role]

Hi [First Name],

I came across your profile while researching [industry/role, e.g., “data science roles in healthcare”], and your transition from [their earlier role, if listed] to [current role] really stood out to me.

I’m currently [your current role or situation, e.g., “a business analyst working with SQL and Tableau, looking to move into a data analyst role in healthcare over the next few months”]. I’d love to learn how you approached that move and what you wish you had known when you were in my shoes.

If you’re open to it, could I ask for 15–20 minutes for a brief conversation sometime in the next couple of weeks? I’d especially appreciate any suggestions on where to focus my learning and how to position my experience for roles like yours.

If a call isn’t possible, even a few lines over email would be incredibly helpful.

Thanks for considering it,

[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn URL]

This is one of the best examples of a networking request email for job seekers who are reaching out cold: it’s short, specific, and offers an easy “out” if they’re busy.

Networking request email example after a layoff

Layoffs have been common in 2023–2025 across tech, media, and other sectors. Being transparent (without oversharing) can actually invite support.

Subject: Quick catch‑up and a favor to ask

Hi [First Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well. It’s been a while since we last connected at [where you know them from—old company, conference, school].

I wanted to share a quick update: my role at [former company] was recently impacted by a company‑wide restructuring. I’m taking this as an opportunity to look for [type of roles, e.g., “senior HR business partner roles in the Boston area or remote”].

Since you have such a great view of the [industry/region] landscape, I was wondering if you’d be open to a brief 20‑minute chat. I’d love your perspective on:

• Which companies you’re seeing hire for [your field]
• Any recruiters or hiring managers you’d recommend I connect with
• How best to position my experience for my next role

If now isn’t a good time, no worries at all. Either way, I appreciate you reading this and hope we can reconnect soon.

Warmly,

[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn URL]
[Optional: link to portfolio or resume]

This is one of those real examples of networking request email examples for job seekers that acknowledges a tough situation without sounding apologetic or negative.

Career‑changer example of a networking request email

If you’re pivoting fields—say from teaching to instructional design, or from finance to data analytics—networking is often more effective than blasting out online applications.

Subject: Exploring a move into [new field] – could I ask your advice?

Hi [First Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out because I’m exploring a transition into [new field, e.g., “learning experience design”], and your background caught my eye.

I’ve spent the past [X] years in [current/previous field, e.g., “K–12 teaching, where I design curriculum and use digital tools to support student learning”]. Over the last year, I’ve completed [relevant courses, bootcamps, or certifications] and built [brief mention of 1–2 relevant projects].

Since you’ve successfully made your way in this space, I’d be grateful for 20 minutes of your time to ask:

• How you broke into [field]
• What hiring managers look for in candidates without a traditional background
• Any suggestions on organizations or roles I should be targeting

If you’re open to a quick call or virtual coffee over the next couple of weeks, I’d really appreciate it.

Thank you for considering this,

[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn URL]
[Portfolio/Project link, if relevant]

Among the best examples of networking request email examples for job seekers changing careers, this one works because it shows you’ve already taken action instead of just “thinking about” a change.

Short LinkedIn message: bite‑sized example of a networking request

Sometimes you don’t need a full email. A short LinkedIn message can be just as effective, especially for a first touch.

You might say:

Hi [First Name], I found your profile while looking into [field/company], and your work at [Company] really stood out. I’m a [your role] exploring [type of roles] over the next few months. Would you be open to a brief 15‑minute chat so I can learn more about your path and any advice you’d share for someone hoping to follow a similar route?

This is a very simple example of a networking request email style message that fits neatly inside LinkedIn’s character limits and still respects the other person’s time.

Post‑event follow‑up: networking request email example after a conference or webinar

If you’ve met someone at an event—virtual or in person—follow up within a few days while the interaction is still fresh.

Subject: Great meeting you at [Event Name]

Hi [First Name],

It was great talking with you at [Event Name] on [day]. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic you discussed, e.g., “how AI is changing marketing analytics”].

As I mentioned, I’m currently [your role/situation] and exploring [target roles or companies] over the next few months. Since you have firsthand experience at [their company/industry], I’d love to ask you a few more questions about how you see the market evolving and what skills are most in‑demand for candidates right now.

Would you be open to a 20‑minute Zoom or phone call sometime in the next couple of weeks? I’d really value your perspective as I shape my job search.

Thanks again for the great conversation at [Event Name], and I hope we can stay in touch.

Best,

[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn URL]

This is one of those real examples of networking request email examples for job seekers that helps you turn a one‑off chat into an ongoing professional relationship.

Reconnecting with an old contact: example of a networking request email

Old coworkers, classmates, or managers can be some of your strongest allies. Many people skip them because they feel awkward, but a simple, honest note works.

Subject: Long time no talk – and a quick favor

Hi [First Name],

I hope things are going well for you at [their company] and that life has been treating you well. I was thinking about our time at [shared company/school] recently, especially [specific memory or project], and realized it’s been way too long since we caught up.

I’m reaching out because I’m starting to look for [type of roles] in [location/remote], ideally at companies that value [a couple of things you care about: e.g., “flexible work, learning opportunities, and inclusive culture”]. Given your experience in [their field/industry], I’d love to get your perspective on where I should focus my search.

If you’re open to it, could we schedule a 20‑minute catch‑up over the next few weeks? I’d really appreciate any thoughts you have on companies to watch or people I should be talking to.

Either way, I hope you’re doing well, and I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to.

All the best,

[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn URL]

Among the best examples of networking request email examples for job seekers, this one strikes a balance between genuine reconnection and a clear ask.

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

Now that you’ve seen several examples of networking request email examples for job seekers, let’s break down the simple structure behind almost all of them. You don’t have to follow this like a script, but it gives you a reliable backbone.

Start with context. Explain how you found them: through a mutual contact, LinkedIn, an event, or a shared background (same school, same company, same city). This makes the message feel less random.

Offer a specific compliment or reason. Mention a project, article, or career path of theirs that you genuinely find interesting. People can tell when you’ve spent 60 seconds actually looking at their profile.

Make a clear, small ask. Instead of “Can I pick your brain?”, ask for a 15–20 minute conversation, or a few lines of advice by email if that’s easier.

Show you’ve done some work already. If you’re changing careers, mention a course or project. If you’re job‑searching, mention the types of roles or companies you’re targeting. This makes people more willing to help.

Respect their time and give an easy out. A line like “If now isn’t a good time, I completely understand” reduces pressure and actually increases your response rate.

For more guidance on informational interviews and networking, you can explore resources from university career centers, such as Harvard University’s Office of Career Services, which offers practical tips on what to ask and how to follow up.

2024–2025 networking trends job seekers should know

Networking in 2024–2025 isn’t just about coffee meetings anymore. A few trends to keep in mind as you use these examples of networking request email examples for job seekers:

Remote and hybrid work are normal to mention. If you’re open to remote roles, say so. Many companies have fully remote or hybrid teams now, and hiring managers expect candidates to mention preferences.

AI and digital skills matter across fields. Even if you’re not in tech, showing that you’re comfortable with tools like AI writing assistants, data dashboards, or collaboration platforms can set you apart. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes ongoing growth in roles that rely on digital skills and data literacy, even outside traditional tech jobs (bls.gov).

Informational interviews are still underrated. Many jobs are still found through referrals and conversations rather than online applications. University career centers and organizations like the National Association of Colleges and Employers highlight informational interviews as a powerful way to understand industries and hidden opportunities (naceweb.org).

Short, personalized outreach beats long, generic emails. The best examples of networking request email examples for job seekers are usually under 250–300 words and include at least one specific detail that proves you did your homework.

FAQ: examples of networking request email examples for job seekers

How long should a networking request email be?
Aim for 150–250 words. Short enough to skim on a phone, long enough to give context. Many of the real examples of networking request email examples for job seekers above fall in that range.

Is it okay to mention that I’m actively job searching?
Yes. You don’t need to pretend you’re not looking. Just avoid making the whole email about “Do you know of any openings?” Focus on advice, insight, and relationships first.

Can you give an example of a very short networking request email?
You could write: “Hi [Name], I’m a [role] interested in [field], and your work at [Company] really impressed me. Would you be open to a 15‑minute call sometime in the next couple of weeks so I can ask a few questions about your path and any advice you’d share for someone early in their search?” This is a compact example of a networking request email that still covers who you are, why you’re writing, and what you’re asking for.

How many follow‑ups are okay if I don’t get a response?
One or two polite follow‑ups, spaced a week apart, are reasonable. After that, let it go. People are busy, and silence usually just means timing isn’t right.

Should I attach my resume in a networking email?
In most cases, link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio instead of attaching a file in the first message. If they offer to refer you or ask for more details, then sending a resume makes sense. Career services offices like those at major universities often suggest leading with conversation and context before sending documents.

If you use these examples of networking request email examples for job seekers as a starting point—and then layer in your own voice, details, and goals—you’ll stop staring at a blank screen and start building real connections that move your job search forward.