How to write a career networking email
When you have the right people in your professional network, it can lead to new opportunities. Your contacts can help you get a job and give you valuable advice based on their own experiences.
For every job opening in the U.S., there are 0.6 unemployed people. While this is good news for job seekers, connecting with professional contacts can help you get past the application stage.
And, if you're considering changing your career path, being friends with an industry expert can give you a confidence boost.
If you're interested in making new professional connections, start with email networking. You can grow your network when you reach out to people you know, acquaintances, mutual connections, and strangers.
How do you send an effective networking email? Keep reading because we've put together these top email networking tips.
Plus, we've created free templates to help you write the perfect email:
What is networking?
When you network, you build relationships with other professionals. Your connections can be in the same industry or in another field that you’re interested in.
You can network in person or online. For example, you can meet a coworker for coffee, make a connection on Jobcase, or email a mutual connection about a job opportunity.
Professional networking should be mutually beneficial. You’ll need to invest time into these relationships, and you may be asked to give someone a referral.
People network for a range of different reasons. They could be looking for a new career, mentors, or like-minded individuals to brainstorm with.
You can start networking by reaching out to family and friends. Do they know anyone who would be a good match for your skillset, career interests, and long-term goals?
You can also attend virtual networking events and send emails to those who inspire you.
When should you send a networking email?
If someone has given you their business card or email address, try to email them soon after. You want to make sure the meeting is fresh in their mind and show them you’re genuinely interested in making a connection.
When contacting friends, there are no rules about when you should send your email.
For everyone else, the best time to send a networking email is on a Tuesday or Wednesday. On Mondays, inboxes can be full after the weekend. On Thursdays and Fridays, people are usually catching up on work for the week.
Top networking email tips
There are a few key elements you need in a networking email, regardless of how well you know the person. Before you hit send, check out our top email networking tips:
1. Address your email to the right person
You should always address the recipient by their name. You’re looking at building a relationship with this person, and they want to know you’ve done your research.
The introduction will depend on how formal the relationship will be. Most people will be comfortable with their first name. For example:
Hi Melody
If you’re addressing a teacher or professional, you can also use their surname. For example:
Hi Mr. Davis
Hi Dr. Daniels
2. Choose an appropriate subject line
Next, you should focus on your subject line. Your email needs to stand out, so give it a personal touch.
For example, you can use their name or mention where you met in the subject line. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
I enjoyed meeting you at Click Cafe. Would love to connect
Hello from Leo! We met at Kate’s bridal shower
Hoping to connect with you David
Hi Jen, Melissa said we should connect
3. Keep it short and sweet
Your email recipient is probably busy. They won’t have time to read a page-long essay. Try to keep your networking email short and sweet without missing any key details.
Your email should include an introduction and explain why you want to connect. If you’ve met before, you can mention something you have in common.
You should always thank them for their time and finish with a clear call to action. What is the outcome you are looking for? Do you want to meet in person, add them to social media, chat over email, or arrange a phone call?
4. Check your content
When sending a professional networking email, you should always check your content. Read your email out loud to flag any spelling or grammatical errors.
And make sure you've entered their email address correctly.
Always send out emails individually, and avoid sending “bcc” and “cc” versions.
5. Follow up
If you haven't heard back after three days, try again. Emails can get missed or caught in spam filters, so if you’re serious about making a connection, a follow-up may be necessary.
When following up, create a fresh email. It should be shorter than the previous email, and it should be friendly and polite.
For example:
Hi Craig,
This is Alicia from Supernova. We met at the Big Networking event.
I recently sent you an email looking to connect, and I wanted to make sure it didn’t land in your junk folder. I’ve included the original content below.
(CONTENT OF ORIGINAL EMAIL)
Kind regards,
Alicia May
Examples and templates to help you build your own networking email
We have created a range of email networking templates depending on how you know the recipient.
Check out these free email networking samples and templates:
Networking email template for someone you know
If you're sending an email to a personal connection, the tone of your email can be more casual. You can mention shared experiences and plan to catch up in person or over the phone.
Here's an example of an email you could send to someone you already know:
Sample networking email to someone you know:
Hi John,
I hope you're well,
I enjoyed catching up with you over the weekend and learning more about your company. As I mentioned, I’m looking for new job opportunities and hope we can discuss this further.
Can we organize a time for a quick meeting? I’d love to buy you a coffee and get some career advice.
Thanks, John. My schedule is flexible, so please let me know when suits you.
Warm regards,
Georgia Mills
0400 000 000
TEMPLATE: networking email to someone you know:
Want to build your own email? Try this:
Hi (First Name),
I hope you're well,
I enjoyed catching up with you (when you saw them) and learning more about (what you spoke about). As I mentioned (mention your career goals), and I hope we can discuss this further.
Can we organize a time for a quick meeting? I’d love to buy you a coffee and get some (career/business/education) advice.
Thanks (First Name), (mention your availability), so please let me know when suits you.
Warm regards,
(Your First Name/Last Name)
(Phone number)
Networking email template for an acquaintance
If you've met someone briefly and want to add them to your network, you can send them a quick email.
For example, they may have given you their business card at a networking event, function, or dinner party.
You should re-introduce yourself and mention something you previously discussed.
Here's a sample email:
Hi Lucy,
My name is Lydia, and we met recently at the Kale hiring event.
Thank you for giving me your business card. I really enjoyed learning about your time working in the food services industry.
I’m currently training to be a chef, and I wondered if I could add you to my network. I’d love to hear more about your experiences and get any tips you may have.
Please let me know when you’re free to chat. I’m available via phone, email, or social media. My contact information is below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Lydia Jones
TEMPLATE: networking email to an acquaintance
Want to build your own email? Try this:
Hi (First Name),
My name is (Name), and we met recently at (location).
Thank you for giving me your (business card/email/phone number). I really enjoyed learning about (discussion topic).
I’m currently (studying/working) and wondered if I could add you to my network. I’d love to hear more about your experiences and get any tips you may have.
Please let me know when you’re free to chat. I’m available via (preferred contact methods). My contact details are below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
(Your First Name/Last Name)
(Email)
(Phone)
(Social Media)
Networking email template to a mutual connection
If you're sending an email to a mutual contact, be sure to mention your shared connection.
The content of your email message will vary depending on your goals. Think about whether you're looking for new career opportunities or advice from an industry expert.
Here's an example of a networking email to a mutual connection:
Sample networking email to a mutual connection
Hi Michael,
My name is Chris O'Reilly, and we have a mutual friend, Jill Green.
Jill mentioned you’d be interested in meeting me to discuss the receptionist position at your company.
I have experience working as a personal assistant and think my skills make me a good candidate for this role. I've attached my resume for your reference,
Please let me know when you’re available for a quick phone call,
Thank you for your time
Kind regards,
Chris O’Reilly
0400 000 000
TEMPLATE: networking email to a mutual connection
Want to build your own email? Try this:
Hi (First Name),
My name is (Your First Name/Last Name), and we have a mutual friend (referral's First Name/Last Name).
(Referral’s First Name) mentioned you’d be interested in meeting me to discuss the (reason for the email)
I have experience (your experience) and (what you can offer).
(I’ve attached my resume/here's my social media page/website) for your reference.
Please let me know when you’re available for a quick phone call.
Thank you for your time
Kind regards,
(Your First Name/Last Name)
(Phone)
(Social media)
Networking email template to a stranger
If you’re looking to make a professional connection with someone you’ve never met, you can send an introductory email.
The perfect email will be personalized and professional, with a clear call to action. Here's an example:
Sample networking email to a stranger:
Hello Kathy,
My name is Rachel, and I’m currently working as an assistant manager at The James Restaurant.
I’ve been following you on Twitter and enjoyed reading your article about changing jobs. I’m interested in leaving the restaurant industry to work in administration.
I wanted to get in touch to see if you had any advice to help me make the change.
Do you have time to connect? I’d love to speak to you either in person or online if you're available.
Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Rachel Fisher
040000000
TEMPLATE: networking email to a stranger
Want to build your own email? Try this:
Hello (First Name),
My name is (Your Name), and I’m currently (working as/studying/looking for work) at (Location).
(Explain where you found them) and (what you admire about them),
I wanted to get in touch to see if you (the reason for the email).
Do you have time to connect? If you’re available, I’d love to speak to you either (in person/online/via phone)
Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
(Your First Name/Last Name)
(Contact details)
Sending a networking email
If you want to grow your professional network, you’ll need to connect with others.
Having a strong network is useful if you are looking for new job opportunities, you need advice, or you’re considering a career change.
You can meet people in person or online, and email will usually be part of your communication mix. When sending networking emails, make sure they're personalized and have a clear call to action.
Check your content for spelling and grammatical errors, and follow up if you don’t hear back within three days.
To help make it easier, we’ve included templates and samples that you can use for your email communication.
Want more tips, templates, and career advice? Visit our Getting Hired Resource Center. Or, if you’re ready to start your job search, head over to our job board.