How to Send a Networking Email
When networking, it is important to be upfront and honest about why you would like to network with them. For example, you might ask for help in seeking a new job or inquiring about job opportunities in other cities or fields.
Being upfront will help solve some of the biggest issues when it comes to reaching out and asking to network. You want to make sure you are clear with what you are seeking but do not make to big of a request in the opening email.
Too many people start a networking email with a subject line with “Introduction” or even “Remember me?”. Here are some tips to craft and write a networking email that will get a response.
1. If You Met Someone Once:
If you had a brief conversation at a conference and connected with each other on LinkedIn, you should think closely about how much you know about the person before starting the networking email.
If you have met the person before, even just briefly, start by saying where you met to remind them of how you are connected. This will help the conversation flow more naturally and they will be more likely to help you network.
Example:
Hi Mark,
Last year we met at the engineering conference in San Francisco, where we briefly talked about coding on a new app that I am working on. I wanted to reach out because I see that you work for (Company) and they have a job opportunity that I am interested in. Would you mind if I can ask you a couple questions about the work culture at (Company)?
Best,
Thomas
2. Somebody Who You Have Not Seen or Spoken to in Years:
For someone who you used to be close with, but stopped talking to each other for a multitude of reasons, opening an email with “Remember me?” is not the right way to start an email. Since they were once an acquaintance, they will know more about you than someone who you met briefly at a conference or connected with on LinkedIn. Before writing the email, do some searching on the internet to see what they are currently doing.
Example:
Hi John,
I saw on LinkedIn that you are currently working in [Job Field]. That’s great! I have actually been thinking about a move into this field and would like to hear how you like working in it. Do you have time coffee, or to answer a couple questions by email?
Best,
Jennifer
3. Contacting an Executive
Reaching out to a CEO or an executive of a company can feel overwhelming. You are likely thinking that since they are an important person in a company, they will not have any time for someone reaching out to network.
These people likely get networking emails very often, you want to make sure that your email stands out to improve the odds that they will reply back to you.
Example:
Hi Teresa,
It was a pleasure to introduce myself after your speech at (event). I loved how you were able to motivate all the attendees in encouraging them to pursue their goals. I hope to see you at more events over the next year.
Best,
Eric
If you do not talk to someone often, it is important to be thoughtful and brief which will be more likely to lead to a response.