Best examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates

Short, friendly examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates

Let’s start with the situation most people face: you changed jobs or roles and want to reconnect without sounding like you’re just “using” someone.

Here’s a short, warm example of reconnecting email you can adapt when you’ve just started a new role:

Subject: Quick hello and a career update

Hi [Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well. I was thinking about our work together on [project/team] and wanted to reach out with a quick update. I recently started a new role as [Your Title] at [Company], focusing on [one‑line description of what you do].

I’ve been here for a few weeks and it already reminds me of some of the lessons I learned working with you—especially around [specific skill or memory]. I’d love to hear what you’re working on these days and how things are going on your end.

If you’re up for it, I’d be happy to catch up over a quick call or coffee sometime in the next few weeks.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates because it:

• Leads with genuine connection, not a request.
• Gives a clear, concise update.
• Invites (but doesn’t pressure) a response.

Examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates after a promotion

A promotion is a natural moment to reconnect, especially with past managers, mentors, or colleagues who helped you grow.

Here’s an example of reconnecting email you might send to a former manager:

Subject: Exciting news and a quick thank you

Hi [Name],

I’ve been thinking about you lately and wanted to share a quick career update. I was recently promoted to [New Title] at [Company], and I’ll be leading [team, function, or project].

I often think back to our time working together on [specific project or period] and how much I learned from your approach to [skill, leadership style, or habit]. Those lessons played a big part in helping me get to this next step.

I’d love to hear how you’re doing and what you’ve been working on recently. If you’re open to it, I’d be glad to treat you to coffee or a virtual catch‑up sometime this month.

Thank you again for the impact you’ve had on my career.

Warmly,
[Your Name]

Examples like this work well in 2024–2025 because people are more intentional about staying connected across companies and time zones. Whether you meet in person or via Zoom, the email sets a respectful, appreciative tone.

Career change or pivot: examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates

If you’re switching industries or functions, you may feel nervous about reaching out. That’s exactly when good examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates are most helpful.

Here’s an example of reconnecting email when you’re pivoting careers and want advice:

Subject: Quick catch‑up and a career shift

Hi [Name],

It’s been a while—I hope life and work have been treating you well. I’m reaching out with a quick update and a small favor to ask.

After [number] years in [previous field or role], I’ve decided to transition into [new field or role]. I’ve been building my skills through [courses, certifications, side projects—be specific], and I’m especially interested in opportunities related to [niche or focus area].

I’ve always respected your perspective on the [industry/market], and I’d really value your thoughts on how someone with my background might best position themselves for roles in this space.

If you have 15–20 minutes in the next few weeks, I’d be grateful for a brief conversation. Either way, I hope things are going well for you and would love to hear what you’ve been up to.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples because it:

• Explains the change clearly.
• Shows you’ve already taken steps (courses, certifications, projects).
• Asks for a specific, reasonable favor: a short conversation.

If you want to reference credible learning, you might briefly mention platforms or programs and link to them separately. For example, many people in 2024–2025 build skills via university-backed online courses, such as those offered through institutions like Harvard University’s online learning.

Reconnecting after a layoff or career break

Layoffs, sabbaticals, caregiving breaks, and health pauses are increasingly common. The stigma has eased, but the awkwardness of explaining the gap hasn’t disappeared.

Here’s an example of reconnecting email when you’ve been laid off and are starting a search:

Subject: Quick update and a small request

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to reach out with a quick career update and see if I might tap into your perspective.

My role at [Former Company] was recently eliminated as part of a broader restructuring. I’m using this transition as an opportunity to look for roles in [target field/level], where I can build on my experience in [your core strengths].

I’m especially interested in companies that value [two or three things: remote work, learning culture, mission, etc.]. If you hear of any openings that might fit, or if there’s someone you think I should speak with, I’d really appreciate a warm introduction or any guidance you’re willing to share.

In any case, I’d love to hear how you’ve been and what’s new on your end.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

If your break was for health or caregiving reasons, you can keep it simple and professional. For health‑related breaks, you might also draw on guidance from reputable sources like the U.S. Office of Personnel Management or general wellness information from Mayo Clinic when thinking about how to describe your return to work in a sustainable way.

Here’s another example of reconnecting email after a planned career break:

Subject: Returning from a break and excited to reconnect

Hi [Name],

It’s been a while—I hope things have been going well for you. I took some intentional time away from full‑time work over the past [time period] to focus on [family, health, study, relocation—keep it brief]. I’m now actively exploring new roles in [field/role level], and you were one of the first people I thought of as I start reconnecting.

During my break, I stayed engaged by [freelancing, volunteering, courses, part‑time work], and I’m especially interested in opportunities where I can use my background in [skills] to [impact or outcome].

If you’re open to it, I’d really value a quick catch‑up and any advice you might have as I reenter the market.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates to former mentors and professors

Old mentors and professors are often happy to hear from you, especially when you share how their guidance shaped your path.

Here’s an example of reconnecting email to a former professor:

Subject: Hello from a former student (and a career update)

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well. I was in your [course name] class in [semester/year], and your course had a big influence on my interest in [field or topic].

I wanted to share a quick career update: I’m now working as a [Your Title] at [Company], where I [one‑sentence description of what you do]. Recently, I’ve been involved in [project or responsibility] that reminded me of [specific concept or project from class].

I’d love to stay in touch and, if you’re interested, keep you posted on how my career develops. If there are ways I could support current students—such as speaking about my role or reviewing resumes—I’d be glad to help.

Thank you again for the impact your teaching has had on my career.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

For academic or early‑career networking, universities often encourage this kind of outreach. Many career centers, like those at major universities (for example, Harvard’s Office of Career Services), provide guidance that aligns with these examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates.

Reconnecting with former colleagues in a remote and hybrid world

Since 2020, more careers have unfolded across Slack, Teams, and Zoom than in physical offices. In 2024–2025, it’s normal to reconnect with people you’ve never actually met in person.

Here’s an example of reconnecting email you might send to a former remote teammate:

Subject: It’s been a while—how are you?

Hi [Name],

I was just thinking about our time working together on [team/project] at [Company] and realized it’s been a while since we caught up.

I’m now working at [New Company] as a [Title], focusing on [brief description]. The experience we had collaborating across time zones on [specific project] has been surprisingly helpful in my current role.

I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to since we last worked together. Are you still in [city/region/company], or have you made a change too?

If you’re open to it, maybe we could grab a virtual coffee sometime this month.

All the best,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates in a remote‑first world because it:

• Acknowledges the shared past experience.
• Gives a quick update without oversharing.
• Normalizes virtual coffee as a way to reconnect.

Reconnecting when you’re moving cities or countries

Relocation is another natural moment for a career update. You might be looking for local insight, introductions, or just friendly faces.

Here’s an example of reconnecting email when you’re moving:

Subject: Moving to [City]—would love your local insight

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share a quick personal and professional update: I’ll be moving to [City] in [month] and plan to continue my work in [industry/role].

I remember you mentioning your experience in [City/region/market], and I’d really value any thoughts you might have on the local job market, professional associations, or communities I should know about.

Right now, I’m especially interested in roles that involve [key responsibilities or industries], and I’m starting to connect with people in the area.

If you have time for a quick chat, I’d be grateful. Either way, I hope things are going well for you and would love to hear what you’ve been up to.

Thanks so much,
[Your Name]

If you’re relocating for family or health reasons, you can keep the explanation light. For health‑related moves, sources like CDC and Mayo Clinic can be helpful as you plan lifestyle changes, but your email only needs a simple, professional summary.

How to personalize these examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates

The real power of these scripts comes from how you tailor them. A few practical guidelines:

Reference something specific you shared. Mention a project, a conversation, or a moment you remember. This instantly makes even the best examples feel less like templates and more like real human notes.

Keep it short and skimmable. Most people read email on their phones. Aim for three to six short paragraphs. The examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates above are all designed to be readable on a small screen.

Be honest about your goal. If you’re job searching, you don’t have to pretend you’re not. Just avoid making the entire message a request. Lead with relationship, then add a clear, reasonable ask.

Match their level of formality. For professors or senior leaders, use a slightly more formal greeting and closing. For peers, keep it relaxed but respectful.

Follow up once, then let it go. If you don’t hear back, it’s usually about their bandwidth, not your worth. A simple follow‑up a week or two later is fine. After that, move on.

As you adapt these real examples, keep your own voice. If you never say “warmly” in real life, don’t suddenly start. Swap in language that feels natural to you.

FAQ: Real examples of reconnecting emails and common questions

What are some real examples of reconnecting email lines that feel natural?
A few easy openers include:

• “I was thinking about our work together on…”
• “It’s been a while since we last talked—how have you been?”
• “I wanted to share a quick career update and see how you’re doing.”
  These can be dropped into any example of reconnecting email in this guide.

How long should a reconnecting email be?
Most of the best examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates are between 120 and 250 words. Long enough to provide context, short enough that busy people will actually read them.

Is it okay to ask for help in the first email?
Yes—as long as you’re respectful and not demanding. The examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates above usually follow this pattern: reconnect → share update → make a specific, low‑pressure ask (like a short call or advice).

Can I use these examples if we haven’t talked in years?
Absolutely. Just briefly acknowledge the time gap: “It’s been a while since we last connected—time flies!” Then move into your update. Most people understand that careers move quickly, especially in the 2024–2025 job market.

What is one example of a subject line that gets opened?
A simple example of a strong subject line is: “Quick hello and a career update.” It’s clear, friendly, and honest—no clickbait required.

Used thoughtfully, these examples of reconnecting email examples for career updates are starting points, not scripts you must follow word‑for‑word. Take the structure, keep the parts that sound like you, and edit the rest. The goal isn’t to send a perfect email; it’s to restart a real conversation.