Networking Email Examples for Different Situations

Most networking emails need four ingredients: an honest connection, a short introduction, a reason the person's experience is relevant, and one modest request. Keep the message easy to scan and make declining acceptable.

The examples below are intentionally different. Replace the details with facts from your situation, and remove any sentence that does not apply.

Subject: Current UBC student exploring customer success

Hi Jordan, I found your profile through the UBC alumni directory and noticed your move from campus recruiting into customer success. I’m a second-year communications student exploring the field and trying to understand which early experiences build useful client skills. Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation sometime this month? I’m happy to work around your schedule. Thank you, Maya.

Use this when the school connection is real and the request is primarily for perspective.

Subject: Question about your work in climate finance

Hi Alex, I read your public report on municipal climate projects and was interested in how you evaluate implementation risk. I’m a recent economics graduate volunteering on a local energy project and exploring finance roles that connect analysis with public outcomes. If you have 15 minutes, I would value hearing how you built that perspective. An email reply is also welcome. Best, Daniel.

Use a specific project or public idea rather than broad praise.

Subject: A focused question about moving into UX research

Hi Priya, I’m a teacher exploring a transition into UX research. Your path from education into user research stood out because I’m trying to understand which parts of my classroom experience are transferable and which I need to build. Would you be willing to answer two questions by email, or speak for 15 minutes if convenient? I understand if you do not have capacity. Best, Sam.

A narrow question is easier to answer than a request for a complete career plan.

Subject: Reconnecting after the Northstar onboarding project

Hi Renee, it has been a while since we worked together on the onboarding project. I saw that you moved into customer education, and I’m now exploring that area after completing a training-design course. I’d enjoy hearing how your work has changed and sharing a brief update if you have time for a short call this month. I hope things are going well. Best, Chris.

Acknowledge the gap and give the person a genuine reason to reconnect.

Subject: Following up on your career-fair advice

Hi Taylor, I enjoyed our conversation at the university career fair about analyst onboarding. Your suggestion to compare reporting projects with process-improvement work helped me choose a course project. I’ve attached the short summary I mentioned, and I’d be glad to stay in touch as I continue exploring roles. Thank you again, Noor.

Reference the actual conversation and complete any promise you made.

Subject: Elena Park suggested I reach out

Hi Morgan, Elena Park recommended I contact you after I asked her about early-career roles in public policy. I’m preparing for a research assistant search and would value hearing what you focused on during your first year. Would a brief call in the next two weeks be possible? I’m not seeking confidential information or a referral; I’m hoping to learn from your experience. Best, Ben.

Name the mutual contact accurately and clarify a modest purpose.

For more detailed guidance, see the [cold networking email framework](/blog/how-to-write-a-cold-email-for-networking) and [cold email subject-line examples](/blog/cold-email-subject-lines).

Use networking email examples as structures, not scripts. The strongest message reflects the real connection, asks for one manageable next step, and gives the recipient enough context to respond thoughtfully.