Best examples of networking update email examples for informational interviews

Real examples of networking update email examples for informational interviews

Let’s skip the theory and go straight to what you actually need: real, copy‑ready messages. These are the kinds of examples of networking update email examples for informational interviews you can paste into your email, customize in a few spots, and send with confidence.

Each example is built for a specific situation you’re likely to face in 2024–2025:

• You just had an informational interview and something changed (new job, rejection, project, certification).
• You want to keep the relationship warm without being awkward.
• You’re trying to stand out in a world where everyone is “circling back” and “just checking in.”

Example 1: Updating someone after you landed a new role

When to use this: The person gave you advice, shared contacts, or helped you prep, and you’ve now landed a job (or internship) related to that conversation.

Subject: Thank you again – quick update

Email body:

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share a quick update and another thank you for your time during our informational interview back in [month]. Our conversation about [specific topic you discussed – e.g., “breaking into product management from a non-technical background”] really stuck with me.

I’m excited to share that I’ve accepted a role as [Your New Title] at [Company]. Your advice about [specific tip they gave – e.g., “tailoring my resume to highlight outcomes” or “reaching out to hiring managers directly”] made a real difference in how I approached my search.

I know you’re busy, so no need to respond, but I wanted you to know your guidance mattered and helped me get here. If there’s ever anything I can do to support you or your team—from sharing roles with my network to speaking with students or career changers—I’d be happy to help.

Thanks again,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples because it does three things at once: it thanks them, closes the loop, and offers value back without being over the top.

Example 2: Updating after a rejection (and keeping the door open)

When to use this: You had an informational interview that led to an application or referral, but you didn’t get the role.

Subject: Thank you for your support – and a quick update

Email body:

Hi [Name],

I wanted to share a quick update and another thank you for speaking with me about [Company/Team] and the [Role Title] opportunity. I heard back from the team and they decided to move forward with another candidate.

While I’m disappointed, I’m genuinely grateful for your time and insights about [specific topic – e.g., “how your team collaborates with data science”]. Our informational interview helped me better understand what I want in my next role and how I can keep building the skills that matter in [industry/field].

I’m continuing my search for [type of role], and I’d love to stay in touch as I keep moving forward. If it’s okay with you, I may reach out again in a few months with an update or a quick question as I refine my path.

Thank you again for your support,
[Your Name]

This example of a networking update email shows maturity, resilience, and respect for their time—qualities hiring managers and senior leaders remember.

Example 3: Updating after a new certification or skill (great for 2024–2025 upskilling)

With online learning booming—think Coursera, edX, and university certificate programs—professionals are constantly adding skills. According to recent data from Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education and other adult-learning providers, short, skills-based programs continue to grow in popularity as people pivot careers.

When to use this: You had an informational interview, they suggested building a specific skill, and you’ve now done it.

Subject: Quick update – I took your advice on [skill]

Email body:

Hi [Name],

I hope things are going well with you and the team at [Company]. I wanted to send a quick update and thank you again for our informational interview back in [month]. You suggested I strengthen my skills in [skill – e.g., SQL, product analytics, UX research fundamentals], and I wanted to let you know I followed through.

I recently completed [Course/Certificate Name] through [Platform/School]. For my final project, I [brief description – e.g., “built a dashboard to track user engagement” or “conducted user interviews and created wireframes for a mobile app idea”]. It gave me a much clearer picture of what day-to-day work in [field] really looks like.

I’m now targeting [type of roles], and your earlier advice about [specific insight they shared] is helping me narrow my search. If you ever hear of junior opportunities or contract work where someone with growing [skill] skills could pitch in, I’d be grateful if you kept me in mind.

Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction,
[Your Name]

Among the best examples of networking update email examples for informational interviews, this one stands out because it shows you listened, took action, and followed through.

Example 4: Updating when you’re still searching (but making progress)

When to use this: You’re a few months into the job search. You had informational interviews early on, and now you want to share progress without sounding like you’re asking for a favor every time.

Subject: Quick update since we last spoke

Email body:

Hi [Name],

I hope your week is going well. I wanted to share a quick update since our informational interview in [month] about transitioning into [field/industry].

Since we spoke, I’ve [share 2–3 concrete updates – e.g., “refined my target list of companies,” “had conversations with three product managers,” “completed a short course in data storytelling,” “updated my portfolio with two new projects”]. Your suggestion to [specific tip they gave] has been especially helpful.

I’m still in the market for [type of role] roles, ideally at organizations that [brief description – e.g., “work on B2B SaaS products” or “focus on public health research”]. If you come across any teams that might be a fit, I’d really appreciate a heads-up, but mostly I just wanted to thank you again and keep you in the loop.

Thanks again for your support and perspective,
[Your Name]

This is a real example of how to stay on someone’s radar without turning every email into an ask.

Example 5: Updating before a second informational chat

Sometimes you have a great first conversation, and they offer to chat again in a few months. Use this style when you’re circling back.

Subject: Following up on your offer to reconnect

Email body:

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. When we spoke for an informational interview in [month], you kindly offered to reconnect after I’d had a chance to [what you said you’d do – e.g., “explore a few roles,” “build a portfolio,” “talk to a few people in adjacent fields”]. I’d love to take you up on that if your schedule allows.

Since we last spoke, I’ve [brief summary of progress – e.g., “narrowed my focus to healthcare data roles,” “built two case studies in my portfolio,” “had conversations with three PMs at early-stage startups”]. Your comments about [specific topic] have been guiding my decisions.

If you’re open to a short 20–25 minute follow-up conversation sometime in the next few weeks, I’d really appreciate the chance to get your perspective on [specific question or decision you’re facing]. I’m happy to work around your schedule and keep it brief.

Either way, thank you again for your earlier advice—it’s been very helpful.

Best,
[Your Name]

This kind of example of a networking update email makes it easy for them to say yes by being specific and respectful of time.

Example 6: Updating when you changed direction after your informational interviews

Trends in 2024–2025 show more career changers than ever, often shifting fields multiple times. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that people change jobs frequently over their careers, and the pandemic-era shift to remote and hybrid work has accelerated experimentation with new paths (BLS data on labor mobility).

When to use this: Your informational interviews helped you realize you want a different path than you originally thought.

Subject: Thank you – your advice helped me pivot

Email body:

Hi [Name],

I hope everything is going well at [Company]. I wanted to send a quick note to thank you again for our informational interview and share where I’ve landed since then.

When we spoke, I was exploring [original path – e.g., “brand marketing roles in big tech”]. After talking with you and a few others, I realized I’m more drawn to [new direction – e.g., “customer research and insights roles at smaller companies”]. Your candid perspective about [specific challenge or reality they shared] helped me make that decision with much more clarity.

I’m now focusing my search on [new target roles/industries] and have started [concrete steps – e.g., “building a small research portfolio,” “shadowing a friend on a product analytics project,” “taking a short course on survey design”].

I just wanted you to know that your time had a real impact on the direction I’m taking. If I can ever be helpful—whether that’s speaking with students or early-career professionals about pivots, or sharing roles I come across—I’d be glad to return the favor.

All the best,
[Your Name]

This is one of those real examples of networking update email examples for informational interviews that deepens the relationship because it shows vulnerability and thoughtfulness.

Example 7: Updating when you’re reaching out months (or a year) later

Life happens. Sometimes you don’t follow up right away. That’s okay—if you acknowledge the gap and bring a clear update.

Subject: Long overdue update – thank you again

Email body:

Hi [Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well. It’s been a while since our informational interview in [month/year], and I’ve been meaning to send you an update and another thank you.

Since we spoke, I’ve [brief summary – e.g., “completed my degree,” “moved into a data analyst role at a mid-sized company,” “shifted from education into learning & development in the corporate space”]. Your insights about [specific topic] gave me a much more realistic view of what to expect, and that helped me make better decisions along the way.

I’m now [your current role/situation], and I’m starting to think about my next step, possibly toward [future direction]. If you’re open to it, I’d love to stay in touch and maybe compare notes occasionally as I keep growing in this space.

Thank you again for being so generous with your time back then—it really did make a difference.

Best,
[Your Name]

This example of a networking update email makes a late follow-up feel thoughtful rather than awkward.

Example 8: Updating with a resource or article (adding value back)

If you want to avoid only emailing when you need something, send an update that gives them something useful.

Subject: Thought of you when I saw this

Email body:

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I was thinking about our informational interview last [season/month] and the conversation we had about [topic – e.g., “early-career public health roles” or “AI in healthcare”]. I came across this article/report and immediately thought of you: [short description and link].

Since we last spoke, I’ve [brief update – e.g., “started a contract role in X,” “joined a small startup,” “begun a master’s program in Y”]. Your advice about [specific insight] helped me make that decision with a lot more confidence.

No need to respond—just wanted to say thanks again and share something that might be interesting for you or your team.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of networking update email examples for informational interviews because it flips the script: you’re now offering them something, not just asking.

How to personalize these examples of networking update email examples for informational interviews

You’ve seen several examples of networking update email examples for informational interviews, but the magic is in the personalization. Two people can send the same template; the one who customizes it wins.

A few practical ways to make these real examples sound like you:

Anchor to a specific memory. Mention a quote they shared, a story they told, or a phrase they used. Instead of “Thanks for your advice,” try “I keep thinking about your line that ‘portfolio beats pedigree.’” That tiny detail proves you were actually listening.

Show the before and after. Frame your update as a mini story: “When we spoke, I was X. Since then, I’ve done Y and now I’m Z.” That narrative makes your progress memorable and shows that their time contributed to that journey.

Keep it short enough to skim. In 2024–2025, everyone is skimming on phones between meetings. Aim for 150–250 words. Use short paragraphs and line breaks so your message doesn’t look like a wall of text.

Be honest about setbacks. Not every update is a win. It’s okay to say, “I didn’t get the role, but your feedback helped me refine my approach.” That kind of honesty builds trust.

For general etiquette around professional email and networking, university career centers often publish useful tips. For example, MIT Career Advising & Professional Development shares guidance on networking and follow-up that aligns well with the tone of these examples.

Timing your networking update emails after informational interviews

A common question is not just what to say, but when to send these messages.

You can treat the examples of networking update email examples for informational interviews above as anchors at a few key points:

• Within 24–48 hours: A thank-you email after the informational interview itself (short, appreciative, no pressure).
• 4–8 weeks later: A progress update—skills you’ve built, people you’ve spoken with, roles you’re targeting.
• When something meaningful happens: New job, promotion, rejection, certification, portfolio launch.
• Annually: A light-touch check-in with a brief update and maybe a relevant article or resource.

The goal is not to “work” the contact constantly. It’s to build a track record of being thoughtful, action-oriented, and respectful. Over time, that’s what turns an informational interview into a genuine professional relationship.

FAQ: Short answers and quick examples

Q: Can you give another short example of a networking update email after an informational interview?
Yes. Here’s a compact version:

Subject: Quick update since our chat

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. Since our informational interview in [month], I’ve [1–2 updates – e.g., “completed a UX bootcamp” and “started freelancing on two small design projects”]. Your advice about [specific insight] has been a big part of how I’ve approached these next steps.

I’m now targeting [type of role] roles and continuing to grow my [skill] skills. No need to reply, but I wanted to thank you again and let you know how much I appreciated your time.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is a clean, real example of staying in touch without asking for anything.

Q: How long should my networking update email be?
Most of the best examples fall between 150 and 250 words. Long enough to share context and progress, short enough to read on a phone.

Q: Is it okay to ask for a referral in an update email?
Yes, but do it sparingly and only after you’ve built some rapport. Focus first on sharing an honest update and appreciation. If you ask, make it specific and easy to say no to: “If you feel comfortable, would you be open to referring me for X role?” The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) offers guidance on using your network thoughtfully.

Q: How often is too often to send these updates?
If every email includes an ask, even quarterly can feel like a lot. If you’re mostly sharing meaningful milestones (job change, new degree, portfolio launch) and genuine thanks, a few times a year is reasonable. Let the depth of your relationship guide you.

Q: Do I always need to ask a question in my update email?
No. Some of the best examples of networking update email examples for informational interviews don’t include a question at all. They simply close the loop, say thank you, and maybe offer help. That takes pressure off both of you and still keeps the relationship alive.

If you use these examples of networking update email examples for informational interviews as a starting point—and then layer in your own specifics, your own voice, and your real progress—you’ll stop dreading follow-ups and start using them as quiet, steady building blocks for your career.