Examples of Reconnect with a Former Colleague: 3 Effective Examples That Actually Work

Let’s skip the theory and go straight to what you actually need: words you can use.

Below are three core templates—our best examples of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples—with additional variations woven in so you can match your situation. You’ll see how to tweak each example of outreach depending on whether you’re job searching, networking, or just rebuilding your professional circle.

Example 1: Reconnecting with a former colleague when you’re job searching

This is the classic situation: you’re exploring new roles and realize, “Oh, I should probably talk to people who already know my work.” That’s smart. Research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and other labor economists consistently shows that networking plays a major role in how people find jobs and opportunities, even if it’s not always formally tracked in job reports (BLS.gov).

Here’s a polished but friendly example of reconnecting with a former colleague when you’re starting a job search.

Template A: Direct but warm job-search reconnection

Subject: It’s been a while – quick career update?

Hi [Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well and that things at [Their Company] are going smoothly. I was thinking about our time on the [Project/Team] at [Previous Company] and how much I appreciated your perspective on [specific thing they did or taught you].

I’m reaching out because I’m starting to explore new opportunities in [industry/role], ideally focused on [brief focus, e.g., “product marketing for B2B SaaS”]. Since you know my work from our days at [Previous Company], I’d really value your insight on how you’ve seen the market evolve and what you’re noticing in your corner of the industry.

If you’re open to it, I’d love to buy you a coffee or hop on a 20-minute Zoom sometime in the next couple of weeks. No pressure at all if your schedule is packed—I completely understand.

Either way, I hope things are going well on your end and would love to hear what you’ve been up to.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples because it:

• Reminds them how they know you
• Gives a clear reason for your email
• Asks for something specific but low-pressure

Variation: When you’re actively applying for a role at their company

Sometimes you’re not just exploring—you’ve already spotted a role at their company. Here’s another example of reconnecting with a former colleague for a referral or insight.

Subject: Quick hello & [Company] role

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I’ve been following your updates at [Their Company] and it’s been great to see how your team has grown.

I wanted to reach out because I just applied for the [Job Title] role on your team/at [Their Company]. Our work together on [Project] at [Previous Company] made me think of you, and I’d really appreciate any insight you might be able to share about the team or the role.

If it’s appropriate and you feel comfortable, I’d be grateful if you’d consider referring me or passing my resume along to the hiring manager. Either way, I’d love to catch up and hear how things have been going for you.

Thanks so much,
[Your Name]

This variation still fits into our set of examples of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples, but it’s more targeted and time-sensitive.

Example 2: Reconnecting with a former colleague when you don’t “need” anything (yet)

Some of the best networking happens before you’re looking for a job. In fact, organizations like the National Career Development Association emphasize maintaining relationships over time, not just when you’re in a career crunch (NCDA.org).

So here’s an example of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples style, where your goal is simply to re-open the door.

Template B: Light, no-pressure reconnection

Subject: Long time no talk – how are you?

Hi [Name],

I was just thinking about our days on the [Team/Project] at [Previous Company] and realized how long it’s been since we caught up. I still remember [specific memory, e.g., “that launch week where we lived on coffee and spreadsheets”] and how much I enjoyed working with you.

I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to at [Their Current Company] and share a quick update on my world as well. I recently [brief update: changed roles, moved cities, started a new project, etc.], and it made me appreciate how many great people I’ve worked with along the way.

If you’re up for it, would you be open to a quick coffee or a short Zoom sometime this month? No agenda—just a chance to reconnect.

Hope all is well with you,
[Your Name]

This is a great example of reconnecting when there’s no urgent ask. You’re signaling, “I value you as a person and professional,” not “I only appear when I need a favor.”

Variation: Super-short LinkedIn message

Sometimes email feels too heavy. Here’s a shorter example of reconnecting with a former colleague via LinkedIn message:

Hey [Name], I was just thinking about our time at [Previous Company] and realized we haven’t caught up in ages. How have you been? I’d love to hear what you’re working on these days if you’re up for a quick virtual coffee sometime.

This still counts within our examples of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples, just in a more informal channel.

Example 3: Reconnecting with a former colleague to learn about a new field or industry

Career pivots have become more common in the last few years. Surveys from organizations like the Pew Research Center and other labor studies show that many professionals have changed industries or roles since 2020, often more than once. When you’re exploring something new, former colleagues can be a safe place to ask questions and reality-check your assumptions.

Here’s an example of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples style, focused on learning.

Template C: Informational conversation / industry insight

Subject: Could I pick your brain about [industry/role]?

Hi [Name],

I hope things are going well for you. I’ve been following your move into [New Industry/Role] and have been really impressed by how you’ve built your path there.

I’m currently exploring a shift toward [industry/role] myself and immediately thought of you. Since we worked together on [Project/Team] at [Previous Company], I’ve always respected your judgment and the way you approach your work.

If you’d be open to it, I’d love to ask you a few questions about your experience transitioning into [industry/role], what surprised you, and what you’d recommend for someone just starting to explore it. A 20-minute chat sometime in the next few weeks would be incredibly helpful, but no worries at all if your schedule is packed.

Either way, I hope you’re doing well and would love to hear what you’ve been working on lately.

Thanks so much,
[Your Name]

This example of reconnecting with a former colleague works well because it:

• Gives a clear compliment that doesn’t feel fake
• States your goal (learning about a field)
• Keeps the time request modest and respectful

Variation: When you want advice, not a meeting

Not everyone has time for a call, and honestly, some people prefer replying by email. Here’s another example of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples style, but designed for a quick written response.

Hi [Name],

It’s been a while! I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been following your path into [industry/role] and it’s really inspired me to explore something similar.

I know you’re busy, so no need for a call, but if you’re open to sharing, I’d love to hear:
– What you wish you’d known before moving into [industry/role]
– Any resources (courses, newsletters, people) you found helpful

Even a quick reply or a few bullet points would be incredibly helpful. And if there’s ever anything I can do to support what you’re working on, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thanks again,
[Your Name]

More real examples of reconnecting with a former colleague in everyday scenarios

Beyond our main examples of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples, here are a few more real-world situations and wording you can borrow.

When a former colleague just got promoted

Subject: Congrats on your promotion!

Hi [Name],

I just saw your update about your promotion to [New Title] at [Company]—huge congratulations! Having worked with you on [Project/Team], I’m not at all surprised. You’ve always had a talent for [specific strength].

I’d love to hear how the new role is going and what you’re excited about this year. If you’re up for it, maybe we could grab coffee or a quick Zoom sometime soon.

Cheering you on,
[Your Name]

When you moved to their city

Subject: Looks like we’re in the same city now

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I recently moved to [City] and realized you’re here too. It made me think back to our time at [Previous Company] and how much I enjoyed working together.

If you’re around and interested, I’d love to catch up over coffee and hear how life and work have been treating you.

Best,
[Your Name]

When you want to reconnect after a long silence (years, not months)

Subject: It’s been way too long

Hi [Name],

I know it’s been a long time since we were in touch—time really got away from me—but I still think back to our work on [Project/Team] at [Previous Company] and how much I learned from you.

I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to since then and share a quick update on my side as well. If you’re open to it, maybe we could schedule a short call or coffee sometime in the next few weeks. And if now isn’t a good time, no worries at all—I completely understand.

Wishing you all the best,
[Your Name]

All of these are real examples of reconnecting with a former colleague that you can mix and match with the earlier three templates, depending on your situation.

How to customize these examples of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples

You don’t have to rewrite everything. A few small tweaks will make any example of outreach sound like you instead of a generic message.

Focus on four things:

1. Personal memory or detail
Mention a shared project, a tough deadline you survived together, or something they taught you. This instantly makes your email feel real, not mass-sent.

2. Clear purpose
Every one of the examples of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples has a simple purpose:

• Job search / referral
• Rebuilding the relationship
• Learning about a new industry

Say your purpose plainly. People appreciate clarity.

3. Light, respectful ask
Notice the pattern: “20-minute Zoom,” “quick coffee,” or “even a few bullet points would help.” You’re signaling that you respect their time.

4. Optionality and grace
Every strong example of reconnecting with a former colleague includes an easy out: “No pressure,” “if your schedule is packed,” “if now isn’t a good time.” This reduces the social friction and makes it easier for them to respond honestly.

If you want more structure on professional communication in general, university career centers like Harvard’s Office of Career Services share helpful guidance on networking etiquette and outreach language (Harvard.edu).

FAQ: Common questions about examples of reconnecting with a former colleague

How long is “too long” to wait before reconnecting with a former colleague?
There’s no expiration date. People reconnect after five, ten, even fifteen years. Just acknowledge the time gap briefly: “I know it’s been a while…” and then move on. Many of the best examples of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples work just fine even after a long silence, as long as you’re honest and respectful.

What’s an example of a subject line that gets a response?
Strong subject lines are simple and familiar. Examples include:

• “Long time no talk – how are you?”
• “Quick hello from [Your Name]”
• “Thinking of our time at [Previous Company]”
• “Congrats on your new role!”

Any of these can pair with the earlier examples of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples.

Should I mention that I’m job searching right away?
If your main reason for reaching out is work-related, yes—be honest. It’s better to say, “I’m exploring new opportunities and would value your insight,” than to pretend you’re just catching up and then surprise them with an ask. The first example of reconnecting with a former colleague above shows how to do this without sounding pushy.

What if they don’t respond?
Wait about 7–10 days, then send a short, friendly follow-up:

Hi [Name], just wanted to bump this to the top of your inbox in case it got buried. No worries at all if now’s not a good time.

If they still don’t respond, let it go. People are busy, and silence doesn’t necessarily mean anything negative about you.

Can I use the same email for multiple former colleagues?
You can reuse the structure, but customize at least 2–3 details: how you know them, a specific shared memory, and what you admire about their work. The best examples of reconnecting with a former colleague always feel tailored, not copy-pasted.

Reconnecting doesn’t have to be awkward. Start with one of these examples of reconnect with a former colleague: 3 effective examples, plug in your details, soften the tone so it sounds like you, and send it. Your future self—and your future opportunities—will be glad you did.