Best examples of networking email examples for job opportunities (that actually get replies)

Real examples of networking email examples for job opportunities

Let’s skip the theory and go straight to what you actually need: real wording you can steal and tweak.

Below are several examples of networking email examples for job opportunities in different situations. Read through them first, then pick the one that’s closest to your scenario and personalize it.

Cold networking email to someone you’ve never met

This example of a cold networking email is for when you want to connect with someone in your target role or company, but you don’t have a mutual contact.

Subject: Quick question about your career path at [Company]

Email:

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile while researching [role or team] at [Company], and your move from [previous field/role] to [current role] really stood out to me. I’m currently a [your role or situation] interested in moving into [target field/role], and I’d love to learn more about how you approached that transition.

If you’re open to it, would you be willing to share 15–20 minutes for a brief Zoom or phone call sometime in the next two weeks? I’d be especially interested in how you decided [specific question about their path] and any advice you might have for someone with a background in [your background].

I know your time is valuable, so no worries at all if your schedule is packed. Either way, thank you for sharing your experience publicly—it’s already been helpful.

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]
[City, Time Zone]

Why this works:

It’s specific, respectful of their time, and focused on learning—not asking for a job. Ironically, this kind of curiosity‑driven message is one of the best examples of networking outreach that can lead to job opportunities later.

Networking email to someone at a company you want to join

Use this when you’ve spotted a role you like and want an insider’s perspective before or while you apply.

Subject: Quick perspective on [Role Title] at [Company]?

Email:

Hi [Name],

I hope you don’t mind the cold outreach. I’m a [your current role] with [X years] of experience in [field/skills], and I’m very interested in the [Role Title] opening on your [team/department] at [Company].

I’ve been following [Company]’s work on [specific product, initiative, or news item], and your post about [something they shared, if applicable] really resonated with me—especially your point about [brief reference].

I’m planning to apply this week, but before I do, I’d love to ask a couple of quick questions about the team culture and what success looks like in this role. If you’re open to it, would you be willing to chat for 15 minutes sometime in the next week?

Either way, thank you for any insight you’re able to share, and thanks for your time.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is one of those examples of networking email examples for job opportunities that gently signals your interest without putting pressure on the other person to “get you the job.” You’re asking for insight, not favors.

Networking email after a conference or webinar

Events and webinars are underrated for networking, especially now that many are hybrid or virtual. This is an example of a follow‑up email that keeps the momentum going.

Subject: Great insights on [topic] at [event name]

Email:

Hi [Name],

I really enjoyed your session on [topic] at [event/webinar] on [date]. Your point about [specific takeaway] gave me a new way to think about [related challenge].

I’m a [your role] at [your company or “currently between roles"], focusing on [short description of what you do or want to do]. I’m exploring opportunities in [target field/role] and would love to stay in touch and learn more about how you’re approaching [topic/area they’re known for].

If you’re open to it, I’d appreciate the chance to connect here and possibly schedule a brief call in the next few weeks. In the meantime, thanks again for such a thoughtful talk.

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

Examples include small, concrete references to what they actually said—this shows you’re not sending a generic blast to every speaker on the program.

Reconnecting with an old contact about job opportunities

Maybe you haven’t spoken to someone in years. That’s okay. People understand that careers ebb and flow. Here’s an example of how to reconnect without sounding transactional.

Subject: Long time no talk – quick catch‑up?

Email:

Hi [Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well. I was thinking about our time at [shared company/school/project] and realized it’s been way too long since we caught up.

Since we last spoke, I’ve been [brief update: “working in X,” “leading Y projects,” or “recently finished my degree in Z"]. I’m now exploring new opportunities in [target field/role], ideally at organizations that value [two or three things you care about: e.g., data‑driven decision‑making, mentoring, or public service].

If you’re open to it, I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to and get your perspective on where someone with my background might add value. If anyone comes to mind who you think I should talk to, I’d really appreciate an introduction—but no pressure at all.

Would you be up for a brief coffee or Zoom in the next couple of weeks?

Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is one of the best examples of a networking email that balances honesty (“I’m exploring opportunities”) with genuine interest in the other person.

Asking for a referral to a specific job posting

Referrals are powerful. Research from sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor consistently shows that referrals can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview. When you ask for one, make it easy for the person to say yes—or to gracefully decline.

Subject: Quick favor? Re: [Role Title] at [Company]

Email:

Hi [Name],

I hope things are going well at [Company]. I’ve been following your updates about [team, product, or initiative], and it looks like you’ve been working on some exciting projects.

I saw the [Role Title] opening on your careers page and it aligns really closely with my background in [key skills/experience]. I’m planning to apply this week.

If you feel comfortable doing so, would you be willing to refer me internally or pass my resume along to the hiring manager? I’ve attached my resume and included a short blurb below that you can use or edit if you’d like to make an introduction.

Thank you for considering this—no worries at all if it’s not possible or the timing isn’t right.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[LinkedIn URL]

Short blurb you can paste below your signature:

I’m a [your role] with [X years] of experience in [field], focusing on [2–3 relevant strengths]. Recently, I [brief accomplishment relevant to the role]. I’m particularly interested in [Company] because [specific reason].

Among the examples of networking email examples for job opportunities, this one stands out because you’re doing the work for them: you provide your resume and a pre‑written blurb.

Networking email when you’re changing careers

Career changes are common, especially post‑2020. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that people change jobs and even occupations multiple times over their working lives, and the last few years have accelerated that trend (BLS data). Here’s an example of how to talk about a pivot without apologizing for it.

Subject: Advice on moving from [Old Field] to [New Field]

Email:

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile while researching people who successfully moved from [Old Field] to [New Field], and your path really resonated with me.

I’ve spent the last [X years] in [Old Field], where I [1–2 concrete achievements]. Over the past year, I’ve been building skills in [New Field] through [courses, certifications, volunteer work, personal projects]. I’m now actively exploring roles such as [target roles].

If you’re open to it, I’d be grateful for 20 minutes of your time to learn how you approached your own transition and what you wish you’d known when you started. I’m especially interested in how to position prior experience so it’s relevant to hiring managers in [New Field].

I know you’re busy, so I completely understand if now isn’t a good time. Either way, thank you for sharing your story—it’s been very encouraging.

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is one of the best examples of networking email examples for job opportunities when you’re pivoting: it shows you’ve already invested in the new path, rather than just “thinking about it.”

Networking follow‑up after someone doesn’t reply

Sometimes people don’t respond. That doesn’t mean they’re not interested; it usually means they’re busy. A simple, polite follow‑up can double your chances of hearing back.

Subject: Quick follow‑up

Email:

Hi [Name],

I know you’re likely very busy, so I just wanted to quickly follow up on my note from [day or date] about [topic—e.g., “your work at X” or “the [Role Title] role at Y"].

No rush at all, and no pressure to respond if now isn’t a good time. If you are open to a brief conversation, I’d still really value your perspective.

Thanks again for your time,
[Your Name]

Among all the examples of networking email examples for job opportunities, this is the simplest—but it’s often the difference between no response and a helpful conversation.

How to personalize these networking email examples

You’ve seen several real examples of networking email examples for job opportunities. Before you hit send, take a moment to customize them so they sound like you.

A few practical tips:

Use specific details. Mention a recent article they wrote, a project they led, or a talk they gave. This shows you’re reaching out to them, not just to “someone at [Company].”

Keep it short. Aim for 150–250 words. Busy professionals skim. Long essays get saved for “later,” which often means never.

Be clear about your ask. Are you asking for a 15‑minute call, a referral, or just permission to stay in touch? Spell it out in one sentence.

Make it easy to say no. When you write, “No worries at all if your schedule is packed,” you reduce pressure. Paradoxically, that makes people more willing to say yes.

Include your LinkedIn. In 2024–2025, people almost always click through to your profile. Make sure it’s updated and easy to scan. For guidance on building a strong profile, you can look at resources from universities like Harvard’s Office of Career Services.

2024–2025 trends that shape networking emails

Networking hasn’t gone away; it’s just moved platforms.

Remote and hybrid work. Many informational calls now happen over Zoom or Google Meet. When you propose a call, mention that you’re flexible on time zones.

LinkedIn as a starting point. It’s common to send a short LinkedIn message first (“Hi [Name], I’d love to send a quick email with a question about your work at [Company]. What’s the best address to reach you?”) and then follow up with one of the email templates above.

Shorter attention spans. People skim on phones between meetings. That’s why these examples of networking email examples for job opportunities are tight, scannable, and front‑loaded with context.

Well‑being and boundaries. Many professionals are more open about burnout and workload, and more protective of their time. Acknowledging that (“I know your schedule is probably packed…”) shows respect and awareness. For broader context on workplace stress and health, you can browse resources from NIH or Mayo Clinic.

FAQ: networking email examples for job opportunities

How long should a networking email be?
Most effective messages are between 150 and 250 words. The best examples get to the point in the first two sentences: who you are, how you found them, and what you’re asking for.

What’s an example of a subject line that gets opened?
Real‑world examples include: “Quick question about your work at [Company],” “Loved your talk on [topic],” and “Advice on moving from [Old Field] to [New Field].” These are specific and respectful; they don’t scream “sales pitch.”

How many examples of networking email examples for job opportunities should I send at once?
You can adapt one or two templates to start, then send them to a small group of people you genuinely want to learn from. Avoid blasting the same wording to dozens of contacts in one day; pace yourself so you can personalize each message.

How soon should I follow up if there’s no response?
A good rule of thumb is 7–10 days. Send one polite follow‑up like the example above. If there’s still no response, move on gracefully. People see more messages than they can answer, and that’s about them—not about your worth.

Can I mention that I’m unemployed?
Yes, briefly and confidently. Many strong examples of networking email examples for job opportunities include a line like, “I’m currently between roles after a recent layoff and am exploring opportunities in [field].” You don’t need to over‑explain; focus on where you’re going, not just what happened.

If you use these examples of networking email examples for job opportunities as starting points—and layer in your own voice, specifics, and curiosity—you’ll be miles ahead of the average “just checking in” message. Start small: pick one person, adapt one template, and send it today. The hardest part is that first email. After that, you’re just continuing a conversation.