Job Search

The Basics of Email Networking + Email Templates

The next time you have a pesky networking email to write, have no fear! We created these networking email templates so that you don't have to.

By Career Contessa Team
December 20, 2023

This post is sponsored by Southworth—you know, the brand you go to anytime you need beautiful resume paper.

Looking for an easy, approachable way to bet back into the basics of networking?

Here at Career Contessa, we’ve covered hundreds of career advice topics, even some of the most obscure. But sometimes? You don’t want the shiny, glamorous new stuff. You just want classic.

We’ve previously covered the ideal way to format a resume, the best approach to writing a cover letter, and how to optimize your LinkedIn profile. Today, we’re back for our final installment on how to write the perfect professional email. Because none of the other stuff matters if they don’t read your initial message.

The Dos and Don'ts of Writing A Networking Email
Templates for Common Email Situations

What To Do When Writing A Networking Email

Below, you’ll find some templates for various situations. But first, let’s just lay down some rules you should follow every time.

DO spell check and use Grammarly.

Spell-checking should be obvious, but it’s more rampant than you think. Beyond that, make sure you’re not making a horrible grammatical mistake. Installing a free program like Grammarly on your computer is the best way to do that. It will catch all those instances when you misuse “your” versus “you’re.”

DO keep it brief. But not too brief.

Still, don’t go overboard with the “I hope you had an amazing holiday season and saw lots of fun holiday movies!”

DO skip words or language that make you seem less confident.

Don't use weak language or indecisive language. Here’s a list of the ones to avoid. Be confident and self-assured in your email.

DO follow up.

Especially if you’re applying for jobs, following up will set you apart from the dozens who don’t. (And trust us on this, it really is dozens).

DO have a mutual contact introduce you if you can.

Cold emailing is hard. If you share someone in common with the person you want to email, see if they could contact you to make an introduction.

What Not To Do When Writing A Networking Email

Sometimes, what not to do is just as important. Don't kill your own opportunity by making some of these common mistakes when networking via email.

DON'T add people who don’t need to be in the email.

We’re seriously considering launching a campaign called #SpareTheInbox. No one likes to waste their time on an email thread that’s not relevant to them. If you can avoid adding them, do.

Also, never mass email a few professional contacts with the same ask.

DON'T email something important at 5 pm on a Friday.

It's basically the weekend and we're all trying to get home. Even if your contact does open the email at 5:01 pm, do you think they'll answer it? Will they remember it by Monday?

DON'T email on the weekend.

Even if you’re working on applying for jobs over the weekend, it’s better to save the draft and send it during the week for two reasons:

It lessens the chance that your email will get buried come Monday morning.
Let’s say whoever you emailed gets push notifications. How annoying would it be for them to open something on the weekend that they know they could have seen on Monday?

DON'T follow up too much/too often.

You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take, right? Well, sort of. We recommend the following for job applications: follow up five business days after your first email, then one week after that. Then move on because you’ve got other things to do and they do, too.

Got all that? Great. Now let’s go into our favorite networking templates:

Templates for Common Email Situations

1. Tell Friends/Contacts That You’re Looking for a New Job

Hi friends,

I hope this email finds you well! As you may know, I recently decided to [A FEW WORDS ABOUT YOUR NEW DIRECTION] to work with [TYPE OF COMPANIES/PEOPLE YOU’RE LOOKING TO WORK WITH].

As I dive into my job search across the country [or SPECIFIC LOCATION], I’d love it if you could keep your eyes open for people I should connect with and/or positions that might be a fit for me. Below is a bit about my background and what I’m looking for, and you can view and share my personal site with anyone you’d like [INSERT LINK TO PERSONAL SITE].

MY BACKGROUND

With over [NUMBER] years of experience in [YOUR FIELD OR SPECIFIC SKILLS], I’m looking to translate those skills into [DESCRIBE YOUR NEW DIRECTION]. Here’s a bit about my work experience [LINK TO EXPERIENCE SECTION OF YOUR SITE] and testimonials [LINK TO TESTIMONIALS SECTION OF YOUR SITE].

WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR

A full, part-time, or consulting position for [TYPE OF INDUSTRY, COMPANY, TEAM, AND/OR ENVIRONMENT]. I work best in an environment where I can utilize [LIST YOUR TOP 1-2 SKILLS], and I definitely want to find a position that [LOCATION AND/OR ANY OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS].

Please feel free to forward this email to any contacts or companies that are hiring and would benefit from [SOMETHING UNIQUE YOU BRING TO THE TABLE]. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this email and for keeping me on your radar!

All the best,

[YOUR NAME]

[EMAIL] | [PHONE] | [LINKEDIN] | [WEBSITE]

2. Request a LinkedIn Connection

Dear [NAME],

I hope this message finds you well. [INCLUDE PERSONAL COMMENT: e.g., “It was great seeing you at the networking event last week!” or “How did that big September marketing push turn out?”]

I’m currently updating my resume and online presence as I prepare for my next career move. My goal is to find a new job in the [INDUSTRY OR FIELD]. Because you know my personality, expertise, and experience first-hand from the time we spent working together, I am hoping that you’d be willing to write a LinkedIn recommendation [« LINK THIS TO YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE] that I can share with others. Perhaps you could share briefly how my suggestion that you [AN ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT YOU’D LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT] has helped your business grow?

If you have any questions, please let me know. I really appreciate your help with this!

All the best,

[YOUR NAME]

[EMAIL] | [PHONE] | [LINKEDIN] | [WEBSITE]

3. Follow Up with Someone You Met at a Networking Event (Or Anywhere Really)

Hi [NAME],

I just wanted to send you a quick note to say that it was so nice meeting you at [EVENT OR PLACE]. I enjoyed talking to you about [CALL OUT A SPECIFIC PART OF YOUR CONVERSATION. IF APPLICABLE, INCLUDE A LINK TO AN ARTICLE ON THE SUBJECT YOU DISCUSSED]

I wanted to share my website with you as well in case you know of anyone who might need help with [THE SERVICES YOU OFFER AND/OR THE WORK YOU’RE SEEKING]. Please let me know if there’s anything I can help you with as well! And let’s catch up again soon.

All the best,

[YOUR NAME]

[EMAIL] | [PHONE] | [LINKEDIN] | [WEBSITE]

4. Request an Informational Interview

Hi [Name],

I hope this email finds you well! My name is [NAME], and I'm currently a [YOUR CURRENT POSITION] at a [COMPANY]. I’m reaching out to you because I’m exploring new career opportunities, and I’ve found myself drawn to learning more about a career in [HIS/HER INDUSTRY].

If it’s possible, I’d love to book a 20-minute phone call [OR YOU CAN SUGGEST A COFFEE IN-PERSON] with you to discuss your work and role at [COMPANY]. I'd be especially interested in learning how you [insert a specific aspect/detail here that you’d like to know more about so they know what your questions will cover].

Do you have time in the coming week(s) to connect? I am available [GIVE A RANGE HERE, BUT ONE THAT’S SPECIFIC—e.g. anytime after 4:00 p.m. PST Monday through Friday].

Looking forward to your response! Best regards,

[YOUR NAME]

[EMAIL] | [PHONE] | [LINKEDIN] | [WEBSITE]

5. Follow-Up About Booking a Coffee / Informational Interview

Hi [Name],

I just wanted to circle back to ask if you’d be open to hopping on a quick call with me to discuss your career and experience. I’d still love to hear your story and learn any insight you can provide about working [AT COMPANY OR IN INDUSTRY]. I’m free this week or next [INSERT WINDOWS WHEN YOU’RE OPEN AGAIN]. I’m sure your work schedule is fairly packed, so please let me know if there’s a better time or if you’d rather chat via email! Whatever works best for you is perfect for me.

Thanks,

[YOUR NAME]

[EMAIL] | [PHONE] | [LINKEDIN] | [WEBSITE]

This post was sponsored by Southworth. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Career Contessa.

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Career Contessa Team

Career Contessa is an online job search and career advice resource. Since 2013, Career Contessa staff have been writing career advice articles on a variety of topics from job search to advancing at work with insight from experts, research-backed tips, and personal stories to help you become more fulfilled, healthy, and successful at work. When tackling big pain points like job search, interviewing, and career transitions, we need all hands on deck. The articles attributed to the team feature hard work, research, and real experience.