Best examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors (that actually get replies)

Quick examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors

Let’s start with what you probably came here for: concrete wording. These are realistic, conversational examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors that you can lightly customize. After the examples, we’ll break down why they work and how to adapt them.

Short, low-pressure example of reconnecting email to a mentor

This is for when you haven’t spoken in a while and don’t want to make it a big deal.

Subject: Quick hello and update

Hi Dr. Patel,

I hope you’ve been doing well. I was thinking about your marketing analytics class recently and realized I hadn’t updated you in a long time.

Since we last spoke, I’ve been working at BrightWave as a marketing analyst and just moved into a senior role focused on customer insights. I still use the project framework you taught us for every major campaign.

No need to respond if you’re buried in the semester, but I wanted to say thank you again for your guidance back at State and let you know your advice is still helping me.

Warmly,
Jordan

This is one of the best examples to use when you just want to reopen the door without asking for anything.

Example of reconnecting email to a mentor when you’re job searching

When you do have an ask, you can still keep it respectful and specific.

Subject: Quick career update & a small favor

Hi Maria,

I hope things are going well at Horizon Labs. I still remember our conversations about navigating early career moves, and your advice has stuck with me.

I’m reaching out because I’m starting to explore product management roles in healthcare tech. I’ve spent the last three years at Atlas as a business analyst, and I’m now looking for roles where I can work more closely with users and product strategy.

If you happen to have 15–20 minutes in the next few weeks, I’d really value your perspective on:

• How to position my analytics background for PM roles
• Any common mistakes you see candidates make when pivoting

If your schedule is packed, no worries at all—I completely understand. Either way, I appreciate the guidance you’ve given me over the years and hope we can reconnect when the timing works.

Best,
Aisha

Among the best examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors, this one works because it’s clear, time‑bound, and easy to say yes or no to.

Example of reconnecting email to a mentor after being laid off

Layoffs have been widespread in 2023–2025 across tech, media, and other industries. Being honest and calm in your note can help you reconnect without sounding desperate.

Subject: Update & looking ahead

Hi Kevin,

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share a quick update and also say thank you for the support you gave me early in my career.

My team at Northline was impacted by the recent round of layoffs, so I’m currently taking a step back to reassess my next move in software engineering. I’m treating this as a chance to refocus on roles that combine backend work with mentoring junior developers—something you modeled so well when we worked together.

If you have any time in the next month, I’d really appreciate your thoughts on:

• Which skills are most in demand right now
• How you’d prioritize learning if you were in my shoes

Even a short email reply with one or two suggestions would be incredibly helpful. Either way, I’ve been grateful for your mentorship and wanted to keep you in the loop.

Thanks again,
Marcus

This is a strong example of reconnecting email that acknowledges a tough situation without oversharing.

Example of reconnecting email to a mentor when you’re doing well (and don’t need anything)

Mentors love hearing that you’re thriving. This can be sent once a year as a “relationship maintenance” email.

Subject: A quick thank you and good news

Hi Professor Lee,

I hope your semester is going smoothly. I wanted to send a quick note to say thank you again for your support during my time in the public policy program.

I was recently promoted to Policy Analyst at the City of Denver, focusing on housing and community development. The capstone project you supervised ended up being a big part of my interview conversations—they were especially interested in the data visualization approach you pushed me to refine.

No reply needed, but I didn’t want another year to go by without letting you know how much your mentorship has shaped my path.

With appreciation,
Taylor

When people look for the best examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors, they often forget this kind: the simple gratitude note with no ask attached.

Example of reconnecting email to a mentor for grad school or further study

If you’re applying to grad school, certifications, or fellowships, mentors can be powerful guides.

Subject: Grad school plans & your advice

Hi Dr. Nguyen,

I hope you’ve been well and that the lab is thriving. I still think often about your encouragement to keep research on my radar.

I’m reaching out because I’ve decided to apply to MPH programs for Fall 2026, with a focus on epidemiology. Over the last two years at the county health department, I’ve worked on surveillance projects that reminded me how much I enjoyed the work we did in your lab.

If you’re open to it, I’d really value your perspective on programs that balance quantitative training with fieldwork. A short call or even a few recommendations by email would be incredibly helpful.

And if your plate is too full this season, I completely understand and would still appreciate any quick thoughts when you have a moment.

Thank you again for the mentorship you’ve already given me.

Best,
Sam

This is a clear example of reconnecting email that ties your current plans back to their earlier influence.

Example of reconnecting email to a mentor you only met briefly

Maybe you met someone at a conference, internship, or one‑time project, and you’re worried they won’t remember you.

Subject: Following up from the 2023 UX workshop

Hi Alexis,

I hope you’re doing well. We met briefly at your UX research workshop at the 2023 DesignForward conference—I was the junior designer who asked about transitioning from graphic design into UX.

I’ve thought a lot about your advice to “treat every project as a research opportunity.” Over the past year, I’ve taken two UX courses and led user interviews for a redesign at my current company.

I’d love to stay in touch as I continue moving toward full‑time UX research. If you’re open to connecting on LinkedIn or have any resources you recommend for early‑career researchers, I’d really appreciate it.

Thank you again for your time and insights at the workshop.

Best,
Lena

Among real examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors, this one shows how to jog their memory without sounding awkward.

How to structure the best examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors

If you look across all the examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors above, they follow the same simple pattern:

Start with context. Remind them who you are and how you know each other. Mentors, especially professors and senior leaders, meet many people. A gentle reminder (“I was in your 2022 data science cohort” or “We worked together on the Phoenix rollout project”) helps them place you quickly.

Give a brief update. One or two sentences about what you’re doing now is enough. You’re not writing your autobiography—just giving them a snapshot so they understand your current stage: new grad, mid‑career, changing fields, returning to school, and so on.

Express genuine appreciation. This is the part many people skip. Even in the best examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors, the most effective line is often the simplest: “Your advice about X has stayed with me,” or “You were the first person who encouraged me to apply for Y.” That reminds them their time mattered.

Make a specific, reasonable ask (or no ask at all). If you do have an ask, make it:

• Time‑bounded: “15–20 minutes,” “a short email reply,” “a few program recommendations.”
• Flexible: Show you understand they may be busy and that “no” is okay.
• Concrete: Instead of “Can I pick your brain?” try “Could you share one or two skills you’d prioritize in my situation?”

Close with gratitude and low pressure. Mentors are more likely to respond when they don’t feel trapped in a big commitment. Phrases like “no pressure if your schedule is full” or “no reply needed” lower the stakes for them and make your note feel considerate.

This pattern works well in 2024–2025, when most professionals are juggling remote work, hybrid schedules, and higher email volume. Clear, short, human messages stand out.

Modern etiquette: timing, follow‑ups, and platforms

Before sending your own version of these examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors, keep a few current norms in mind.

How long is “too long” to reconnect?

There is no expiration date. People reconnect with mentors after five, ten, even twenty years. What matters is how you handle the gap:

• Acknowledge it lightly: “I realized it’s been a few years since we last spoke.”
• Don’t over‑apologize: One simple line is enough; don’t turn the email into a guilt trip.
• Focus on the present: Shift quickly to what you’re doing now and why you’re reaching out.

Research on mentorship from organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Harvard University emphasizes that mentoring relationships often ebb and flow over time. It’s normal for contact to pause and restart as careers evolve.

Email vs. LinkedIn in 2024–2025

If you’re wondering whether to send your message by email or LinkedIn:

• Use email if you already had an email relationship, especially with professors, managers, or formal mentors.
• Use LinkedIn if you only met once, or if they tend to be active there. You can send a shorter version of the same reconnecting email in a LinkedIn message.
• It’s fine to do both, but stagger them—email first, then a short LinkedIn note a week or two later if you haven’t heard back.

The structure and wording from the earlier examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors can be copied almost directly into LinkedIn messages; just trim the subject line and keep paragraphs tight for mobile.

How and when to follow up

If you don’t get a response, it doesn’t mean they’re annoyed. It usually means they’re busy.

A reasonable approach in 2024–2025:

• Wait 7–10 business days.
• Send one short follow‑up: “Just wanted to bump this in case it got buried in your inbox—no pressure at all if now isn’t a good time.”
• If there’s still no response, let it go for now and try again in a few months only if you have a real update or new reason to reach out.

This rhythm respects their time while still giving your message a second chance to be seen.

Adapting these real examples to your situation

The best way to use these real examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors is to treat them like a starting point, not a script you must follow word‑for‑word.

Here’s how to customize them quickly:

Swap in specific memories. Instead of “your class,” try “your spring 2022 project management class where we built the nonprofit campaign plan.” Specifics make your email stand out from generic networking messages.

Match their tone. If your mentor is formal, lean slightly more formal: use titles like “Professor,” avoid slang, and keep subject lines straightforward. If they’re casual and you’ve always written informally, you can mirror that—within reason.

Right‑size the length. For mentors you’ve spoken with often, a slightly longer update is fine. For someone you met once, stick closer to the short examples of reconnecting email above: quick reminder, one‑sentence update, one small ask or none at all.

Be honest about your situation. If you’re burned out, changing careers, or dealing with a setback, you don’t have to share everything. A simple line like “I’m rethinking my path and would value your perspective” is honest without oversharing.

For broader guidance on mentoring relationships and career development, you can also look at resources from organizations like the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and MIT’s mentoring programs, which outline healthy expectations on both sides.

Extra example: reconnecting after you didn’t follow their advice

A lot of people hesitate to reach out because they didn’t follow their mentor’s earlier recommendation. That’s okay.

Subject: Update since our last conversation

Hi Anika,

I hope you’re doing well. You might remember we spoke in 2022 about whether I should move into management or stay on the individual contributor track.

At the time, you encouraged me to consider management roles. I ended up staying IC for a while longer, but your questions about what kind of work energizes me have stayed with me. Recently, I’ve started leading a small team on a trial basis, and I’m finding that I really enjoy the coaching side.

If you have any suggestions for developing leadership skills at this stage, I’d love to hear them. And either way, I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to talk with me back then—it made a bigger difference than I realized at the time.

Best,
Chris

This is one of the best examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors for awkward situations: you acknowledge the past, share what you learned, and focus on the present.

FAQ: examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors

How long should a reconnecting email to a mentor be?
Aim for 150–250 words. Most of the examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors in this guide fall in that range. Short enough to skim on a phone, long enough to give context.

Is it okay to ask for a job in a reconnecting email?
You can express interest in opportunities, but avoid asking directly for a job. Instead of “Can you get me a job at your company?” try “If you hear of roles that fit my background, I’d be grateful if you’d keep me in mind,” or “Could you suggest one or two companies I should be looking at?” The earlier example of reconnecting email for job searching shows this approach.

What if my mentor doesn’t respond at all?
Send one polite follow‑up after about a week, then let it rest. Silence usually reflects their workload, not your worth. You can still send a brief update months later if you have meaningful news (a new role, graduation, a project they’d be proud of).

Can I use these templates for reconnecting with former managers or professors who weren’t formal mentors?
Yes. The same structure works for ex‑managers, internship supervisors, or instructors. Just adjust how you describe the relationship (“I appreciated your feedback as my manager on the support team”) and keep your ask aligned with how well you know them. Many of the real examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors above can be reused with minimal edits.

Do I need to apologize for losing touch?
A short acknowledgment is plenty: “I know it’s been a while since we last spoke.” Long apologies can make the email feel heavy. Mentors understand that careers are busy; they’re usually just glad to hear from you again.

If you’ve read this far, you now have multiple examples of reconnecting email examples to mentors you can copy, paste, and personalize. Pick the one that’s closest to your situation, make it sound like you, and send it before you talk yourself out of it. Your mentor is more likely to be happy to hear from you than you think.