Networking is an essential aspect of professional development, whether you’re looking for a new job, researching an industry or role, or expanding your professional connections. However, reaching out to people you hardly know can be uncomfortable. To ease this, use these templates to make networking more manageable and increase your chances of forming valuable professional relationships without the added stress.
1. Reaching Out to a Professional You Admire
Subject: Introduction and admiration for your work
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name] and I work as [Position] at [Company]. I learned about your work via [how you discovered this person], and I wanted to reach out to express my admiration for your [skill or specific experience].
I would really love the opportunity to connect with you and learn more about your experience. If you are open to it, can I invite you to grab a coffee/meet up for lunch/ connect on LinkedIn, to keep in touch and discuss more about [specific topic]?
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example:
Subject: Introduction and admiration for your work
Dear Jack,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Grace and I work as an architect at Wesley & Sons. I learned about your work via your guest appearance on A.D.’s podcast, and I wanted to reach out to express my admiration for your unique and modern designs.
I would really love the opportunity to connect with you and learn more about you and your experience. If you are open to it, can I invite you to grab a coffee with me next week and discuss more about the coming trends in architecture and how we can make it our own?
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Grace
2. Following Up with Someone You Met Briefly
Subject: Follow-up from [event name]
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up with you after our brief meeting at [event name]. It was nice to meet you and chat about [topic you talked about].
I came across this article [link to the article] that I thought would be of interest to you. I believe it relates to the topic we discussed and it is an enlightening read.
I would be delighted to keep in touch with you and I would be happy to discuss more about [topic]. Please let me know if you are interested in getting together and bouncing around some more ideas.
Wishing you all the best,
[Your Name]
Example:
Subject: Follow-up from Marketing Association Meeting
Dear Peter,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up with you after our brief meeting at the recent marketing association meeting. It was nice to meet you and chat about content marketing trends.
I came across this article [link to the article] that I thought would be of interest to you. It is about the most effective B2B headlines and I believe it relates to the topic we discussed and it is an enlightening read.
I would be delighted to keep in touch with you and I would be happy to discuss more about click-worthy article titles. Please let me know if you are interested in getting together and bouncing around some more ideas.
Wishing you all the best,
Grace
3. Requesting an Informational Interview
Subject: Request for an informational interview
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [job title] at [Company]. I came across your work [how you discovered this person] and I was impressed by your [work/experience] with [Outlet].
I am currently researching more about [specific area] and I would be honored if you would be willing to share your insights and knowledge with me. I would like to set up an informational interview, either in person or via email, where I can ask you some questions and learn more about your [journey/career path].
I understand that your schedule may be busy and if that’s the case, I am also happy to pass along some questions via email.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Example:
Subject: Request for an informational interview
Dear Joyce,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Grace and I am a freelance writer specializing in career and self-development content. As a fellow writer, I came across your advice articles for Entrepreneurs and I was impressed by your writing skills and knowledge.
I am currently researching more about writing about entrepreneurship topics and I would be honored if you would be willing to share your insights and knowledge with me. I would like to set up an informational interview, either in person or via email, where I can ask you some questions and learn more about your writing journey.
I understand that your schedule may be busy and if that’s the case, I am also happy to pass along some questions via email.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
Grace
4. Connecting With a Friend of a Friend
Subject: Introduction and connection request
Dear [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I [how you know mutual contact] [mutual contact’s name]. [Mutual contact’s name] has recommended that I reach out to you as we share a [passion for/interest in/experience with] [shared interest].
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and let you know that I am interested in connecting and learning more about your experience with [specific area].
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Example:
Subject: Introduction and connection request
Dear Angelica,
My name is Grace and I am good friends with Pam Clark. Pam has recommended that I reach out to you as we share a passion for dog rescues.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and let you know that I am interested in connecting and learning more about your experience with Saving Paws Rescue.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards, Grace
Networking can be an awkward task, but it’s a necessary step in expanding your professional connections. Using these email templates will help you establish new connections with ease. Remember to personalize the templates and let your personality show.
