Networking Email: 7 Templates + Subject Lines

Effective networking emails can open doors to new opportunities, connections, and insights. These templates help you build professional relationships through email.

What to Include in a Networking Email

A good networking email should include:

Essential elements:

• Clear subject line: Specific and relevant
• Brief introduction: Who you are and your current role/status
• Specific reason: Why you're reaching out to them specifically
• Value proposition: What you're hoping to gain or offer
• Clear call to action: What you're asking for (conversation, introduction, advice)
• Professional closing: Thank you and contact information

Optional but helpful:

• Reference to mutual connections
• Specific thing you admire about their work
• Mention of where you found them or how you know them
• Offer to help them in return
• Flexible scheduling options

Subject Lines for Networking Emails

Cold outreach:

• "Introduction - [Your Name] and [Their Name]"
• "Admiring Your Work in [Industry/Topic]"
• "[Mutual Connection] - Introduction Request"

Post-event:

• "Great Meeting You at [Event Name]"
• "Following Up - [Event Name]"
• "Re: [Event Name] - [Your Name]"

Informational interview:

• "Informational Interview Request - [Your Name]"
• "Career Advice Request - [Your Name]"
• "Learning More About [Industry] - [Your Name]"

Alumni/connection:

• "[University Name] Alumni - [Your Name]"
• "Following Up on LinkedIn Connection"
• "[Mutual Connection] - [Your Name]"

Best practices:

• Be specific and relevant
• Include your name
• Keep it professional
• Make it easy to identify the purpose

When to Use Each Template

Cold Outreach Networking: Use when reaching out to someone you don't know but want to connect with.

Request for Introduction: Use when asking a mutual connection to introduce you to someone.

Post-Event Follow-Up: Use within 24-48 hours after meeting someone at an event or conference.

Informational Interview Request: Use when seeking career advice or insights from someone in your target field.

LinkedIn Connection Follow-Up: Use after connecting on LinkedIn to start a conversation.

Alumni Networking: Use when reaching out to fellow alumni from your school or organization.

Industry Expert Outreach: Use when reaching out to someone you admire in your industry.

Best Practices

Personalization:

• Research the person before reaching out
• Mention something specific about them or their work
• Show genuine interest
• Customize each email

Respect their time:

• Keep emails brief and concise
• Be clear about what you're asking for
• Offer flexible scheduling options
• Don't ask for too much at once

Follow-up:

• Follow up after 1-2 weeks if no response
• Be polite and brief
• Don't be pushy
• Accept if they decline

Reciprocity:

• Offer to help them in return
• Share relevant resources or connections
• Show appreciation for their time
• Maintain the relationship

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't:

• Send generic, copy-paste emails
• Ask for too much (job, referral, etc.) in first email
• Be vague about why you're reaching out
• Forget to follow up appropriately
• Be pushy or demanding

Do:

• Personalize each email
• Be specific about why you're reaching out
• Respect their time and boundaries
• Offer value in return
• Build genuine relationships

Related Resources

For more guidance on professional networking:

• Follow-Up After Meeting - Templates for following up after meetings
• Professional Email Templates - Browse all professional templates
• Inbox Zero Guide - Learn email management strategies