Best examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn that actually get replies

Real examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn

Let’s skip the theory and start with what you actually need: real messages you can copy, paste, and customize. These examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn are written for different situations you’re likely to face in 2024–2025.

Think of them as “starter dough” for your networking bread: you add your own flavor, but you don’t have to bake from scratch.

Example 1: Reconnecting with a former coworker you haven’t spoken to in years

Subject (if using LinkedIn InMail or email): Long time no talk – quick hello

Hi [Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well since our time at [Company]. I was thinking about the [project or memory] we worked on together and realized it’s been way too long since we caught up.

I’ve been [one short sentence about what you’re doing now], and I’d love to hear what you’ve been working on at [Their Company] these days.

If you’re open to it, I’d enjoy a quick 15–20 minute catch-up sometime in the next few weeks. No pressure at all—just thought it would be nice to reconnect.

Either way, it’s great to see your updates on LinkedIn and I’m glad your career is going well.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You acknowledge the time gap, share a bit of context, and offer a low-pressure catch-up. This is one of the best examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn because it respects their time and doesn’t immediately ask for a favor.

Example 2: Reconnecting with a former manager (and lightly signaling you’re job searching)

Subject: Quick hello and career update

Hi [Name],

I’ve been thinking about my time on your team at [Company] and how much I learned from [specific project, feedback, or skill]. I wanted to reach out and say thank you again—it’s still influencing how I work today.

I’m currently exploring my next step in [industry or role type] and updating a few people who’ve had a big impact on my career. I’d really value your perspective on where my background might be a strong fit.

If you have 20 minutes in the next couple of weeks for a quick chat, I’d appreciate any advice or thoughts you’re willing to share. If your schedule is packed, no worries at all—I completely understand.

Thanks again for everything,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You lead with appreciation, then clearly—yet politely—mention you’re exploring new opportunities. Among examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn, this one is especially good for signaling you’re open to roles without directly asking for a job.

Example 3: Reconnecting with a recruiter who went quiet

Subject: Checking back in – [Role/Area] opportunities

Hi [Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well. I enjoyed our conversation back in [month] about potential [role type] opportunities at [Company]. I know hiring needs can shift quickly, so I wanted to briefly reconnect.

Since we last spoke, I’ve [brief update: completed a project, earned a certification, shipped a feature, led a team, etc.], and I’m still very interested in roles focused on [specific area].

If there are any positions you think might align with my background, I’d love to be considered. If not, I’d still appreciate staying on your radar for future openings.

Thanks again for your time and help,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You’re polite, you acknowledge that things change, and you offer a clear update. This is a strong example of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn when you don’t want to sound demanding or impatient.

Example 4: Reconnecting after meeting at a conference or event

Subject: Great meeting you at [Event]

Hi [Name],

It was great meeting you at [Event] last [week/month]. I enjoyed our conversation about [topic you discussed] and your insights on [specific detail they mentioned].

I’d love to stay in touch here on LinkedIn and, if you’re open to it, schedule a short virtual coffee to continue our conversation about [shared interest or topic].

Either way, thanks again for taking the time to chat at [Event]—I left with a lot of ideas to explore.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You reference a specific conversation, which makes the message feel real instead of generic. When people ask for examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn after networking events, this style is usually what gets the best response.

Example 5: Reconnecting with a former classmate or alumni

Subject: Quick hello from a fellow [School] alum

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I came across your profile while looking at [School] alumni on LinkedIn and realized we both [studied X / were there around the same time / share a professor]. It’s always nice to see where fellow [Mascot or School nickname] end up.

I’m currently [brief summary of what you do], and I noticed you’ve built a career in [their field or role]. I’d love to learn more about your path and any advice you might have for someone interested in [specific area].

If you’re open to it, I’d really appreciate a brief chat sometime in the next few weeks. If not, no worries at all—it’s great to connect here regardless.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You’re leaning on a shared connection (school), which makes the outreach feel natural. Among real examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn, alumni messages tend to perform well because there’s built-in common ground.

Example 6: Reconnecting to ask for an introduction (without being pushy)

Subject: Quick favor – intro to [Name]?

Hi [Name],

I hope things are going well for you at [Their Company]. I’ve been following your updates about [something they’ve posted or worked on] and it’s been inspiring to see your growth.

I noticed you’re connected to [Person’s Name] at [Company]. I’m very interested in learning more about [team, role, or company], and I wondered if you’d feel comfortable making a brief introduction.

If that’s not something you’re able to do, I completely understand and still appreciate staying connected. Either way, I’d love to hear how you’ve been and what you’re working on these days.

Thanks so much,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You make a clear ask but give them an easy out. This is one of the best examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn when you need help but don’t want to strain the relationship.

Example 7: Reconnecting after you dropped the ball

Subject: Long overdue hello

Hi [Name],

I was going through my messages and realized I never properly followed up after our last conversation about [topic]—that’s on me, and I’m sorry for letting it drop.

I really appreciated your insights on [specific detail they shared], and I’ve actually [brief update on what you did with that insight, if applicable]. If you’re open to it, I’d love to reconnect and hear how things have been going for you at [Company].

If now isn’t a good time or your priorities have shifted, I completely understand and still appreciate the advice you shared earlier.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You own the lapse without making it dramatic. When people look for an example of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn after a dropped conversation, this tone—honest, brief, and forward-looking—usually lands well.

Example 8: Reconnecting with someone senior in your field

Subject: Appreciated your insights on [topic]

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. We connected here on LinkedIn a while back, and I’ve really appreciated your posts about [topic or trend]. Your recent thoughts on [specific post] especially resonated with me.

I’m currently [your role] at [Company], focusing on [brief description]. As I think about how to grow in [field], I’d value any quick advice you might have on skills or experiences that matter most at your level.

If you don’t have time to chat, no problem at all—I know your schedule is demanding. I’ll keep learning from what you share here.

Thank you again for the insights you put out,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
Senior people are busy. This message respects that, while still opening the door for a short conversation. It’s one of those real examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn that can turn a passive connection into an active mentor.

How to write your own polite reconnecting email for LinkedIn

Now that you’ve seen multiple examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn, let’s reverse-engineer what makes them work. You don’t have to write like a robot or sound overly formal. Instead, aim for:

• A clear reason for reaching out
• A short, specific reference to your connection
• A simple, realistic ask (or no ask at all)
• A respectful tone that gives them an easy out

In 2024–2025, people are busier and more online than ever, but attention spans are shorter. Research on digital communication and social connection suggests that even small, sincere outreach can strengthen relationships and improve well-being for both sides (for example, see the discussion of social support and mental health from the National Institutes of Health). That means your short, polite reconnecting message might matter more than you think.

Try this simple structure and adapt it to your voice:

1. Greeting + context (1–2 lines)
Mention how you know them or where you last interacted.

2. Genuine detail (1 line)
Reference something specific: a project, a post, a class, a talk.

3. Quick update or reason you’re reaching out (1–3 lines)
Share what you’re doing now or what you’re exploring.

4. Light ask (optional, 1–2 lines)
Ask for a short call, advice, an introduction, or simply to stay in touch.

5. Pressure-free close (1 line)
Make it clear you understand if they’re busy.

When you combine this structure with the earlier examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn, you can mix and match phrases until it sounds like you.

2024–2025 trends that shape how you reconnect on LinkedIn

To keep your messages current, it helps to understand how professional communication is evolving:

Shorter messages win.
Most people read LinkedIn messages on their phone. Aim for 5–8 short lines. Long paragraphs feel heavy and often get “saved for later” (which usually means forgotten).

Personalization beats generic.
A single, specific detail—“your post about burnout in remote teams”—does more work than three vague compliments. This aligns with broader communication advice you’ll see in university career centers, like Harvard’s guidance on networking emails and informational interviews, which emphasize specificity and sincerity.

Soft asks feel better than hard sells.
Instead of “Can you refer me for this job?” try “If you think my background might be a fit, I’d really appreciate your thoughts or a potential referral.” You’re still asking, but you’re giving them room to decline.

Follow-up is normal now.
In a world of overflowing inboxes, a polite follow-up after a week or two is not annoying—it’s often necessary. The key is tone: kind, brief, and understanding.

Well-being matters.
Since the pandemic, there’s more awareness of burnout and mental health in the workplace. A short, kind reconnection can support both networking and well-being. Organizations like the CDC highlight the importance of social connection at work, which includes supportive professional relationships.

When you use the examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn above and combine them with these trends, you’ll sound current, considerate, and professional.

FAQ: Common questions about polite reconnecting emails on LinkedIn

How long should a polite reconnecting email on LinkedIn be?
Aim for 75–150 words. Most of the best examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn land in that range: long enough to show you’re thoughtful, short enough to read in under a minute.

Is it okay to reconnect if it’s been years since we last spoke?
Yes. People change jobs, move cities, and go through busy seasons. As long as your tone is respectful and you acknowledge the time gap, it’s absolutely fine. Use an example of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn like the “long overdue hello” template and customize it.

How soon is too soon to follow up if they don’t reply?
A good rule of thumb is 7–10 business days. One polite follow-up is reasonable. After two attempts with no response, it’s usually best to give it space.

Can I ask for a job in a reconnecting message?
You can express interest in opportunities, but going straight to “Can you get me a job?” is rarely effective. Instead, ask for advice, insights, or feedback on where your background might fit. Many real examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn use phrases like “I’d value your perspective on where my experience could be a strong fit.”

What if I feel awkward reaching out?
That’s normal. Most people do. One way to ease the discomfort is to start from real examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn (like the ones above) and adjust them until they sound like you. Also remember: people generally like to help when they can, and a kind, low-pressure message is rarely unwelcome.

Should I send a LinkedIn message or an email?
If you’ve emailed before and you still have their address, either channel works. LinkedIn is often better for light, informal reconnections, while email can feel more appropriate for detailed updates or attachments. When in doubt, start with LinkedIn—it’s expected for networking.

If you use even one of these examples of polite reconnecting email examples for LinkedIn this week, you’ll be ahead of most people who keep saying, “I should reach out…” and never do. Start small, keep it human, and let the relationship grow from there.