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Networking is an excellent tool for building professional relationships, advancing your career, and uncovering job opportunities. But if you’re accustomed to wearing name tags or shaking hands at events, it can be daunting to attempt virtual networking — even if that means sending an email to someone you’ve already met.
Although some people find it easier to communicate online, many struggle to showcase their personalities and get their point across virtually. And it removes the mannerisms you may lean on, such as body language and humor.
Using networking email templates for inspiration can help you get the ball rolling and not overthink when you need to make a connection digitally.
The importance of networking
According to job search hub Zippia, 85% of jobs are filled through networking with personal and professional connections. If you’ve been given an opportunity from your network or have written a job referral or two, this number probably doesn’t surprise you.
Hiring managers want to onboard hardworking individuals who are easy to get along with — so it’s a distinct advantage if they already know and like you. Professional networking provides an excellent opportunity to get in front of the right eyes, make a striking first impression, and build connections that can accelerate your career development.
According to Indeed, cold applying to jobs with no links in the company can yield fewer interviews and callbacks. That’s why it’s essential to find contacts that can help you in your career (and become a helpful connection yourself).
And it’s understandable if conversation comes more naturally to you in person — after all, face-to-face interactions are how most people learn to develop their communication styles. But developing virtual communication skills is becoming just as important, whether you’re relying email because you work remotely or you’re simply nervous to reach out to someone to ask a question.
4 online networking examples
You’ll need to tap into the digital landscape to build your professional network if you’re looking for remote opportunities or jobs beyond your physical location. Here are four examples of networking opportunities in online spaces:
1. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a great resource for building online connections and receiving industry news. According to LinkedIn statistics, there are more than 950 million users in 200 countries and regions worldwide, making it a valuable place to connect with professionals in just about any industry and location.
You can build a professional network on LinkedIn by sending connection requests or messages or attracting attention to your profile by interacting with others’ posts and sharing original content.
2. Email
Whether you come across an email address on a company website, LinkedIn profile, or job posting, sending an email is a considerate way to make a first impression.
With the right intro and approach, even a stranger can become a powerful professional connection. You can express interest in their work experience, direct them to your online portfolio, or share your contact information and request a video call or informational interview to ask them about their professional experiences.
Sending a follow-up email to someone you meet face-to-face is also a great way to solidify your connection, thanking them for their time or letting them know it was nice to meet them. Once you’ve sent that first email, you’ve taken the second stepping in a new professional relatinoship.
3. Networking events
Traditional networking events were in-person, with local and traveling professionals meeting face-to-face. Today, networking events can be held online with professionals from any physical location, making them far more accessible.
During these online events, you can listen to keynote speakers and meet like-minded professionals from the comfort of your home. And most online networking events include a segment that allows participants to engage with one another and share their contact information for follow-ups.
Plus, if you thought someone asked an awesome question after a panel interview, you can look up their email and send them a note to express your appreciation. You might even make a friend.
4. Courses and certification programs
Online educational programs offer an opportunity to connect with classmates and professors within the same industry. You can turn your personal connections from class into professional contacts by adding one another on LinkedIn and staying in touch.
In group projects, you gain insight into your classmates’ work ethics. Who knows: you may even consider them for opportunities at your current company. Similarly, if you’re on an entrepreneurial path, you could find your next business partner in a lecture hall.
How to write a networking email: 7 templates for any situation
Your approach to your virtual message will depend on your connection to the recipient. For someone you met recently, you may fall back on talking points from a previous conversation. With a stranger, you might need to dig deeper and conduct some research first.
There’s a formula for making any new connection, no matter who your message is meant for and what your goal is. Here are seven email templates you can use to craft an effective networking email or contact someone via LinkedIn:
1. For a stranger you admire
Reaching out to a stranger could be the perfect way to gain industry knowledge or catch your next big break, whether it’s someone working at your dream company or a professional in your field. Regardless of the reason, you want to establish a connection and inspire them to add you to their network.
Hello [their name],
My name is [your name], and I work as a [position] at [company]. I came across your work through [how you discovered them] and wanted to reach out and tell you how much I admire your [list one or two things you appreciate about their work].
If you’re open to it, I’d love to hop on a video or phone call to get to know each other better and learn more about your experience. I’m interested in [describe what you want to learn], so I think your insight could help me [explain the impact their knowledge may have].
I’m looking forward to hearing from you and keeping in touch.
Best,
[Your name]
2. For someone you met recently
Whether you met the individual at a career fair or networking event, sending a follow-up email is an excellent way to re-establish communication and keep the connection fresh. Here’s an example:
Hi [their name],
It was great meeting you [where you met them]. I really appreciated our conversation about [describe the topic of your discussion and one main takeaway]. After our conversation, I found this recent article [link here] that you may find interesting.
I look forward to keeping in touch and staying up to date on your work. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to catch up virtually and bounce ideas around!
Best wishes,
[Your name]
3. For someone you’d like to learn from
Maybe you found someone who has a lot they can teach you. If you’re a recruiter, you’re probably proficient in sending cold emails — so messaging this unfamiliar person is no big deal. For everyone else, using a template is helpful for shaking off the nerves of reaching out to someone you’ve never met before.
Hello [their name],
My name is [your name], and I’m a [position] with [company]. I came across your profile and really admire your work experience and portfolio. I’m considering changing into [their field] and wanted to reach out and ask if you’d be willing to get together and share some of your insight.
If you’re open to it, I’d love to chat over a video call or by phone (whichever you prefer). I understand you may have a busy schedule, so I’m happy to email you my questions if that’s better for you.
I’m looking forward to talking more, and thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
4. For a friend of a friend
Reaching out can be less intimidating when you share a mutual friend. Most likely, your contact gave you an idea of who they are and a peek into their experience, which makes it easier to craft an email. Here’s an outline:
Hi [their name],
My name is [your name]. [Your friend’s name] gave me your contact information so that I could reach out and ask you a few questions about [describe what topic you’d like to discuss].
[Your friend’s name] mentioned that you have experience working in [describe their field] and share an interest in [an interest you share]. If you have free time next week, I’d love to chat with you over a video call to introduce myself and learn more about you and your career.
I’m looking forward to hearing back from you.
Best,
[Your name]
5. For a college alumnus
Sharing educational experiences is a great way to build connections, whether you’ve met in college or noticed they’re an alum from the same school. Check out this email template:
Hello [their name],
My name is [your name]. I don’t know if you remember me from [school], but we shared [class name] together.
Recently, I’ve been looking into [describe the career or subject you want to learn about] and recognized you from your work. If you have time, I’d love to reconnect and talk with you more about your experience at [the company they work for] and get your thoughts on [describe the subject].
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Thank you,
[Your name]
6. For an industry leader
When approaching industry leaders, you need to pay careful attention to how you structure your message. The subject line should be intriguing, and your message should be well-thought-out to grab their attention. These professionals most likely receive numerous daily emails and messages, so you’ll need to catch their eye.
Hello [their name],
My name is [your name], and I’m a [position] with [company]. I admire what you’ve done at [their company], especially your work on [describe a project they were a part of] and [describe another initiative].
I’ve been following [their company’s] journey for the past few years and am inspired by [describe what you appreciate about the company]. I’m currently looking for a new opportunity to advance my career and thought my experience in [describe your experience] and my [skills] would make me an excellent fit for [position].
If you’re up to it, I’d love to connect by phone or video to get to know each other better. I know you probably have a busy schedule, so if it’s easier, I can also stick to email to get in touch.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
7. For an old contact you want to reconnect with
Staying in contact with old connections is a great way to strengthen your professional network, whether you’re just checking in, sharing industry-related news, or reaching out to ask questions. Here’s an example:
Hi [their name],
I came across your post today about [describe the topic of their post] and found it very insightful. It made me think about [the ideas their post sparked in you].
I wanted to check in to see how you’re doing and how everything is going with [describe a position or project they’re involved with].
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your name]
4 networking tips
When crafting a message, it’s crucial to carefully consider how your email will make the recipient feel and what outcome you’re looking for. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while shaping your message to build a fruitful professional network:
- Don’t just reach out when you need something: Staying in touch with connections even when you don’t have any questions is an excellent way to foster a healthy relationship. It shows your contacts that you value them in the day-to-day and will ask them to help you when the time calls.
- Ensure you’re helping others as much as possible: No one likes someone who only takes and gives nothing in return. Seize as many opportunities as possible to help others and be a considerate connection. This could mean sharing one of your LinkedIn connection's job search posts or writing a referral letter for a trusted colleague.
- Add a personal touch: A personalized message makes anyone feel valued, regardless of who you’re contacting. If you’re looking to build a connection, including information that touches on the recipient's experience or what you value in their work shows that you’re considerate and admire them as an individual. When you don’t include personal touches, the recipient may feel like you’re attempting to use them for their position or knowledge, and you don’t really care to get to know them.
- Use a catchy subject line: Most people have a busy inbox, so you’ll need to catch their attention if you want them to open your message. Keep your subject line short, obvious, and intriguing. Try something like: “[Friend’s name] suggested I reach out” or “Reaching out for expert advice on [topic].”
Build better connections
Creating a rich online network is far from impossible. Networking email templates can be the tool you need to communicate confidently and make a great first impression.
There are networking email samples for any occasion, whether you’re in the midst of a job search and connecting with a recruiter or aiming to strike up a conversation with an old colleague. Remember to keep your chin up and be bold — you never know what online connection could lead to your next career opportunity.
