Real-world examples of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples that actually get replies

Let’s start with simple, low-pressure messages. These are the best examples to use when you don’t have an immediate ask and just want to reopen the door.

Subject: Long time no talk – would love to catch up
Hi [Name],

I was thinking about our time at [Company] and realized how long it’s been since we caught up. I still remember [short shared memory, project, or joke] and how much I learned working with you.

How have things been going for you at [Their Company/Current Role]? I’d love to hear what you’re working on these days. If you’re up for it, I’d be happy to grab a quick virtual coffee sometime in the next few weeks.

Either way, I hope things are going well on your end.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is a classic example of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples that feels warm but not needy. You reference a shared experience, show genuine interest, and offer an easy next step.

Casual check-in email: example of a light-touch reconnection

Sometimes you don’t want a full catch-up call; you just want to get back on their radar.

Subject: Thought of you when I saw this
Hi [Name],

I came across this article about [topic relevant to their work] and immediately thought of you: [link]. It reminded me of the work you were doing on [specific project or area].

How are things going on your side these days? Still working on [their focus, if you know it]?

No need for a long reply, but I wanted to say hi and let you know I’m still cheering you on from afar.

Take care,
[Your Name]

These kinds of short notes are great examples of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples that keep relationships alive without a big time commitment on either side.

Job search examples of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples

If you’re job hunting in 2024–2025, reconnecting with past colleagues is one of the highest-impact moves you can make. Research from career centers like Harvard’s Office of Career Services emphasizes that many roles are found through networking, not just online applications.

Here’s a practical example of reaching out when you’re exploring new opportunities.

Subject: Quick catch-up? Exploring next career steps
Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well and that things at [Their Company] are going smoothly. I’ve been following your updates on [LinkedIn/other platform] and it looks like you’ve been doing great work in [their area].

I’m reaching out because I’m starting to explore my next career move in [your target field/role], and I immediately thought of you given your experience in this space. I’d really value your perspective on the market and any suggestions you might have for companies or people I should be talking to.

If you have 20 minutes for a quick call or virtual coffee sometime in the next week or two, I’d really appreciate it. Of course, no pressure if your schedule is packed.

Either way, it would be great to reconnect.

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is one of the best examples of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples when you have a clear purpose. You’re honest about your situation, respectful of their time, and focused on advice rather than immediately asking for a job.

Reconnecting with a former manager or mentor

Reaching out to a past manager can feel intimidating, but many leaders are happy to support former team members. Here’s an example of how to do it without sounding transactional.

Subject: Thank you (and a quick update)
Hi [Name],

I’ve been thinking back to my time on your team at [Company] and how much I learned from working with you, especially on [specific project or skill]. I wanted to say thank you again for your guidance—it’s still shaping how I approach my work today.

I’m currently [brief update: e.g., leading X at Y company / exploring new roles in Z], and I’d really value your perspective on my next steps. If you have time in the coming weeks, I’d love to reconnect for a short call to share what I’m working on and hear your thoughts.

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

Best regards,
[Your Name]

This is a strong example of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples aimed at mentors. You lead with appreciation, give context, and only then introduce your ask.

Examples include post-layoff and career-change reconnection emails

The last few years have brought layoffs, restructurings, and big career pivots across tech, finance, media, and more. If you’ve gone through a layoff or major change, you’re not alone—and you can still reach out confidently.

Post-layoff reconnection
Subject: Update from me + would love to reconnect
Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share a quick update: my role at [Former Company] was recently affected by a restructuring, so I’m now exploring new opportunities in [your field/role].

I’ve always appreciated the work you do in [their area/company], and I’d love to hear how things are going on your side. If you’re open to it, I’d be grateful for any advice you have on navigating the current market or companies you think I should keep an eye on.

If a short call works for you sometime in the next few weeks, I’d really value your perspective. In the meantime, I hope everything is going well with you.

Thanks so much,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

Career-change reconnection
Subject: Pivoting into [new field] – would love your insight
Hi [Name],

It’s been a while! I hope things are going well for you at [Their Company].

I wanted to share that I’m transitioning from [old field/role] into [new field/role]. I’ve been building skills in [specific tools, certifications, or projects], and I know you’ve been working in this space for a while.

Would you be open to a quick conversation sometime soon? I’d really value your honest take on how to position my background and what you’re seeing in the [industry] job market these days.

Either way, it would be great to reconnect and hear what you’ve been up to lately.

Best,
[Your Name]

These real examples of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples show you can be transparent about your situation without oversharing or apologizing for it.

Remote-work friendly examples of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples

With hybrid and remote work still common in 2024–2025, many professional relationships live mostly online. That actually makes it easier to suggest quick, informal touchpoints.

Subject: 15-minute virtual coffee?
Hi [Name],

I was thinking about our old [team/office] days and realized how much I miss our hallway chats. I’d love to catch up and hear what you’ve been working on since [you left the company / your last big project].

Would you be open to a 15–20 minute virtual coffee sometime in the next couple of weeks? I’m pretty flexible and happy to work around your schedule.

No agenda other than reconnecting and hearing how you’re doing.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is a modern example of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples that fits how people actually work now—short video calls, flexible schedules, and informal catch-ups.

Reconnecting for collaboration or knowledge-sharing

Not every reconnection has to be about job searching. Sometimes you just want to swap ideas, compare notes on your industry, or explore a collaboration.

Subject: Your work on [topic] caught my eye
Hi [Name],

I saw your recent update about [their project, talk, article, or product] and was really impressed. It reminded me of the work we did together on [shared project] back at [Company].

I’ve been working on [brief description of your current work], and I think there might be some interesting overlap with what you’re doing now. If you’re open to it, I’d love to reconnect and compare notes—no pressure, just a chance to share ideas and see if there’s any way we can help each other.

Let me know if a short call sometime this month might work for you.

All the best,
[Your Name]

Examples include collaboration-focused emails like this that highlight mutual benefit, which often feel more comfortable for both sides.

How to customize these networking email examples so they sound like you

You don’t need to copy these word-for-word. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. The best examples of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples all share a few patterns you can adapt to your own voice:

Start with something specific. Mention a project you worked on together, a funny memory, or something recent from their LinkedIn. Specifics make your email feel personal instead of mass-sent.

Keep it short. Most people skim email. Aim for 5–8 short lines. You can always share more detail once you’re on a call.

Be clear but light about your ask. If you want advice, say so. If you’re job hunting, be honest. But keep the tone relaxed: “If you have time,” “If you’re open to it,” and “No pressure” are phrases that reduce friction.

Offer an easy next step. Suggest a quick virtual coffee, ask if you can send a few questions by email, or invite them to share a time that works. Make it simple for them to say yes.

If you struggle with the wording, many university career centers, like MIT Career Advising & Professional Development, share sample networking messages you can use as additional inspiration.

Common mistakes to avoid when you reconnect with colleagues

Even strong examples of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples can fall flat if you make a few classic missteps:

Opening with an apology novel. A short “It’s been a while!” is fine. A long explanation of why you disappeared usually isn’t needed.

Making it all about you. Share your update, but also ask about them. People are more likely to respond when they feel seen, not used.

Asking for a job in the first line. It’s better to ask for insight, advice, or a quick conversation. Directly asking for a role before you’ve even re-established the relationship can feel transactional.

Ignoring time zones and schedules. Many teams are global now. When you suggest times, you can mention your time zone and offer flexibility. This small detail shows respect for their reality.

For more guidance on professional communication norms and workplace relationships, resources from organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) can be helpful.

FAQ: Real examples of reconnect with colleagues emails

How long is “too long” to wait before reconnecting with a colleague?
There isn’t a hard cutoff. People reconnect after months, years, even a decade. If you’re worried, acknowledge the gap briefly: “I know it’s been a while since we last talked, but I was thinking of our work on [project] and wanted to say hello.” Then move on. Your tone matters more than the exact time gap.

What’s a polite example of a follow-up email if they don’t respond?
Give it about 7–10 days. Then send a short, gentle note:
“Hi [Name], just a quick nudge in case my last message got buried. No worries at all if now isn’t a good time—just wanted to say I’d still love to reconnect when it’s convenient for you.”
If they still don’t respond, let it go. People are busy, and silence usually means “not right now,” not “never write again.”

Should I mention that I’m job searching in my first email?
If your main goal is networking for a job, yes—but keep it brief and framed around advice. For example: “I’m starting to explore new roles in [field] and would really value your perspective on the market.” That keeps expectations realistic and respectful.

Do I always need to suggest a call or meeting?
No. Some of the best examples of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples simply share a quick update or an article and ask one or two questions. You can say, “Happy to keep this to email if that’s easier,” which gives them an easy out if their calendar is packed.

How personal can I be in a reconnection email?
Match the tone to your past relationship. If you used to joke around and chat about life, a friendly, informal tone works. If your relationship was more formal, keep the email professional and focused on work. When in doubt, start slightly more formal; you can always loosen up later.

For more general advice on workplace relationships and communication, resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and university career centers (for example, Stanford Career Education) offer practical guidance on networking and career development.

If you use these examples of reconnect with colleagues: networking email examples as starting points—not scripts—you’ll find it much easier to reach out, rekindle old connections, and grow your network in a way that actually feels human.