How to craft a networking email to reconnect with contacts

I sent 300+ job applications. Got rejected from every single one. So I decided to try networking instead. Got ghosted on 95% of those messages too. Then I changed my strategy and scored referrals into Microsoft, Google, & Twitter. Here's the 7-step referral system I used: Context: Your Networking Isn't Working For One Reason I just reviewed 20+ calls with prospective clients who are deep in their job search. Almost every person said the same thing: "I'm networking, but it's not working." Digging deeper, almost all of them were making the same mistake I did when networking wasn't working for me. If you can relate, I wrote this post to help you unlock the power of networking like I did. 1. The Message Is About You, Not Them I used to open with what I was interested in: "I saw you work at [Company] and I'm interested in [role]. Can we connect?" Nobody replied to that. So I started asking myself one question: Would I be excited to reply to this email if I received it? That shift changed everything. 2. Spend 10 Mins On Research Before You Write I browsed their LinkedIn profile, Googled their name, looked them up on other socials. I looked for anything that gave me insight into their goals and interests: ↳ Career Changes ↳ Personal Projects ↳ Content ↳ Article Mentions ↳ Etc. Then I asked myself the same question: What would they be excited to receive? 3. Lead With Something Specific & Real Would I be excited to read this? "I came across your profile and I'm impressed by your career!" ❌ Or would I be excited to read this: "I read your post on [X] and your point about [Y] made me completely rethink how I thought about [Z]. I actually shared it in my team meeting this week, and now 3 of us are adopting it into our workflows! Just wanted to let you know that your content is making a difference. ✅ Specificity shows you did your homework. 4. Your Only Goal Is To Get A Reply You read that right. Not a referral. Not a coffee chat. Your first message should only be focused on getting the person to reply. Because once they do? Now they've cemented themself as someone who replies to you. And you can build the conversation from there! 5. Create Your Next Stepping Stone Once you get that reply, keep the conversation going. My advice? Ask them for a quick piece of advice you can act on in the next 2 days. Keep it simple: 2-3 sentences max, ending with a question. This opens the door and sets the expectation for the next touchpoint. Now you're building a real relationship! 6. Ask For The Referral When You've Earned It If you take the approach I just mentioned? You'll have 3-4 touchpoints that feel natural and authentic. At that point, you've earned the referral. Ask for it with this script: "I'm in the market for a new [Job Title] role in [Industry]. I really appreciate your mentorship so far and I just wanted to ask if you'd be willing to keep me in mind for any roles you hear about."

I tested 𝟭𝟬𝟬+ 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 (During my last job search and as a career coach). These 𝟱 get the highest response rates, especially from hiring managers👇 1. The Profile Viewer Message Check who viewed your LinkedIn profile. They’re already aware of you, don’t let that warm lead go cold. Try this: "Hey [Name], I noticed you stopped by my profile, appreciate you taking a look! Curious, was there something specific that caught your eye, or are you open to conversations around [industry/topic you're exploring]?" 👉 Tip: Warm > Cold. Always start with people who’ve already shown interest. 2. Acknowledge + Ask Find something unique about their background or a recent post, and ask a question. "Hi [Name], I saw your talk on [topic], your insight on [specific point] stuck with me. How did you land your current role at [Company]?" People love talking about themselves, especially when you show genuine interest. 3. Value First Offer a useful insight, article, or trend that aligns with their work. No ask, just value. "Hey [Name], I saw your post about [topic]. Just came across this article, it touches on a similar trend. Thought you might find it interesting." Position yourself as thoughtful, not transactional. 4. Mutual Connection Approach Bridge a real mutual connection or shared experience. "Hi [Name], I noticed we both worked with [Person] / went to [School] / worked in [Company or Industry]. I'd love to learn more about your path, especially how you made the transition to [Role/Company]." Relatability opens doors faster than credentials. 5. Compliment + Curiosity Start with a specific compliment, then open the door. "Hi [Name], really enjoyed your article on [topic], especially your point about [detail]. Are you open to connecting with people exploring similar roles in [industry]?" It’s respectful, direct, and makes it easy for them to respond. Reminder: You don’t need to spam 100 strangers. Start with 10 meaningful messages a week. Track responses. Iterate on what works. Focus on warm leads, shared interests, and genuine curiosity. What template would you like to see next? If you're ready to level up, let’s position you for the roles you actually want. ➕Follow Jaret André for more daily data job search tips.

🌐 Are Your Networking Messages Going Unanswered? Here’s How to Change That! 🌐 If you’re reaching out to people and not hearing back, you’re not alone. Many job seekers experience this—but here’s the thing: Networking isn’t just about sending messages; it’s about building genuine connections. Here’s how to get responses and turn your outreach into real opportunities: 1️⃣ Shift from Cold Outreach to Warm Introductions The “cold message” can often be met with silence. Start by reaching out to people who already know, like, and trust you—your power circle (friends, past colleagues, or even family members). They’re more likely to introduce you to someone in your target company, turning a cold connection into a warm introduction. 👉 Example: Message a former coworker: “Hi [Name], I’m exploring roles in [Industry] and thought of reaching out to you for advice. Do you know anyone at [Company] who might be open to a chat?” 2️⃣ Make It Easy for People to Help You Be specific about the kind of help you’re seeking. It’s easier for someone to assist if they know exactly what you’re looking for! Provide a shortlist of companies or roles to give them direction. 👉 Example: “I’m currently focused on roles at [Company A, Company B, Company C]. If you know anyone there who could offer insight, I’d appreciate any connection or advice you might have!” 3️⃣ Personalize Every Message Generic outreach messages are easy to ignore. Show you’ve done your research by referencing something specific about the person’s work, recent achievements, or shared connections. Personal touches help your message stand out from the crowd. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I saw your post about [Topic], and I really appreciated your insights. I’d love to connect and learn more about your role at [Company] as I explore similar opportunities.” 4️⃣ Focus on Relationship-Building, Not Immediate Favors Networking is more than just reaching out with a request. Engage with your connections over time by commenting on their posts, sharing resources, or offering help where you can. When you nurture relationships, people are more willing to help when the time comes. 👉 Example: “I noticed you’re speaking at [Event]. Congrats! If there’s any way I can help promote it, let me know.” Showing support without asking for anything in return builds goodwill. 5️⃣ Follow Up, but Don’t Be Pushy People get busy, and your message may have slipped through the cracks. A polite follow-up can remind them without feeling intrusive. Give it at least a week before sending a gentle nudge. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I just wanted to circle back in case my last message got buried. I’d still love to connect when you have a chance. Thank you!” 💡 Final Thought: Networking isn’t a one-time outreach—it’s an ongoing relationship. Build trust, offer support, and be specific in your asks. This approach won’t just get your messages noticed; it’ll help you grow meaningful connections over time.

Most job searches fail for the same reason. I see it constantly when people come to me for help. They tell me they are doing "all the things." And they're not getting results. My client Amanda had a great resume and excellent experience. She was: ➞ Tailoring her resume ➞ Optimizing her LinkedIn profile ➞ Keeping her skills up to date ➞ Applying through the company website Then I asked about... networking. Her response? "Well, that hasn't really worked for me." Which led to more questions... Who was she reaching out to? "Mostly top people at companies I like." How was she reaching out? "DMs on LinkedIn." What was she saying? "I introduce myself, and ask about openings at their company." How many people had she tried to connect with? "About 10. I never heard back." Amanda's approach represents the most common mistakes with networking. When we adjusted her approach, she started getting results. Here's the exact process I share with all of my clients: 1. Start with where you want to work Build connections in advance. ↳ Make a list of 40-50 target companies ↳ Prioritize them based on your interest ↳ Note connections you have at each 2. Consider the information you need Look at this as research. ↳ Identify people who've got insight about specific roles ↳ Look for people who can speak to company culture ↳ Include people with industry knowledge 3. Identify 2-3 people at each target company These should be near-peers, not senior executives ↳ Focus on people who can offer insight ↳ Find them through LI company pages ↳ Pick fellow alumni and common fields 4. Send your 1st message via email Few people check their LinkedIn messages ↳ Email is most likely to get a response ↳ Use hunter[dot]io or similar email finder ↳ Subject line: "Fellow Terrapin with a question about Comcast" 5. Keep the message simple The more detail, the less likely you'll get a response ↳ Your ask should be simple, you're doing research ↳ Mention your interest in them what they do ↳ Ask for a phone call or a Zoom 6. You're in charge of the conversation Don't ask about job openings. ↳ Ask role-related questions ↳ Ask company-related questions ↳ Ask industry-related questions 7. Wrap strong and follow-up ↳ Ask, "Who else should I be talking to?" ↳ Send a thank you note immediately ↳ Follow up with updates every few months 8. When you see a role that fits ↳ Ask if they have details on the job ↳ Ask if they know the hiring manager ↳ Ask if they'd be open to being a referral It's what separates the people who get the offer from the ones who don't. Networking is uncomfortable. Resistance is a reasonable response to that. But what if you looked at this as weight lifting? Start light and build the muscle. If you're resisting networking, grab my tips here: https://lnkd.in/exx-5eYS 🔖 Save this to help you take the plunge! 🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrushttps://lnkd.in/exx-5eYS 🔖 Save this to help you take the plunge! 🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for job search tips.

Blessed are those who personalize their outreach—for they shall be rewarded. Email outreach has a reputation problem, and honestly? It’s earned it. We've all been on the receiving end of those generic, templated, and frankly, soulless emails that clog up our inboxes. No wonder people are skeptical when they hear the term "cold email." But when done right, email outreach can be a powerful tool for growing your network, making valuable connections, and even landing dream projects. Follow these simple commandments, and you're well on your way to more clicks and replies: 1. Reach out to others as you would have others reach out to you. Approach every email with empathy. Would you respond to your own message? If the answer is no, go back and rewrite. 2. For the love of all things holy, use people’s first names. It’s the easiest way to make a connection and show that you’re speaking to them, not a faceless group. 3. Don’t forget to personalize—always! Mention something specific about their work, their company, or a recent project they shared. It’s all about making the email feel unique to them. 4. Link to relevant case studies and portfolio pieces instead of your entire website. Show them exactly what’s relevant. No one has time to sift through a massive website—be concise. 5. Don’t diagnose—it’s gross! Avoid implying there’s something “wrong” with the way they’re doing things. Instead, frame your expertise as a potential value add. 6. Lead with a service that is an ongoing need—not branding! Focus on how you can genuinely help in a way that is practical and impactful. Start with the pain point they are likely dealing with. Branding is a hard sell through a cold email. 7. End with a strong call to action, such as a request for a meeting. Make it easy for them to say “yes.” Give them a simple next step—like a quick chat or a 10-minute meeting just to get to know them. Which leads us to... 8. Remember that this is about relationship building and not just a quick lead. Play the long game. Think of every email as the start of a relationship, not a transaction. 9. Always follow up. A polite, well-timed follow-up can make all the difference. People are busy—sometimes a second email is all it takes to get a response. 10. And above all else—remember that you’re emailing a person. Keep it human. Keep it genuine. If your email doesn’t sound like something you’d say in person, rewrite it. These principles have not only helped TheFutur Accelerator members (the program I run with Ben Burns) grow their networks, but many have booked dream projects by sticking to these commandments. Real connections, real conversations, and real opportunities start when you approach outreach the right way. Curious about how you can improve your email outreach? Drop your questions in the comments—I’d love to help you level up your networking game!

Below, I want to share one of the best emails I've received from someone seeking to connect with someone in my network for a warm intro about a job they were interested in. Please, steal this approach. The email, with the company name redacted and job titles changed, is included below (with the candidate's permission). Before reading it though, here's the process, one that I highly recommend: 1) My friend, the candidate, contacted me to see if I knew anyone at this company because they were interested in the position (I've worked with them and knew right away they were beyond qualified, so that was easy.) 2) I checked my LinkedIn network and saw I had multiple contacts there, one especially close. I ran this by them. 3) THEN they sent this email that is very clear and direct. It can either be tailored to a specific person or just anyone at the company. The candidate took the latter approach, which isn't bad because if my first contact didn't respond, I could use this same one for someone else there. 4) I forwarded that email to my contact. The contact responded right away that they're game. It definitely helped that both the applicant and the company contact were close ties; they just needed a bit of glue, and I could be the glue gun here. 5) I connected them, and now I get out of the way, hoping it's a productive call for them both. 6) For the candidate, they can then close the loop and let me know what happened. (David Homan writes and talks a lot about this loop-closing; it's common sense for some but not for everyone). One tool recommendation: if you want to do some research yourself on who your warmest connections are somewhere, try CTD.ai - it's free (shoutout to Drew Sechrist and crew at Connect The Dots; I have no business relationship with them but am a fan of the team and product). Now that you know the process, here's the email: --- David, As you know, I have been looking to pivot from a pure-play VP of Marketing remit to working more closely with Product and Sales on expansion and retention projects. The Role of VP of Product Marketing at [Company Name] seems to be just that. Before I 'blindly' apply online, I wonder if you have any contacts at [Company Name] where I might get a better understanding of the organization and my potential fit for this role, or just a warm introduction to HR would help! Let me know. In case you do, I've added my resume here. Stay warm, and thank you in advance! [Name] --- There you go. Not a ton of work for anyone involved. The candidate made it fast for me and easy for my contact to review and reply to. A lot of communication like this isn't rocket science, but it does require the candidate to think about the time and effort involved for both their connection and the end recipient at the target company. That empathy takes practice for most of us; I've had to work on this a ton myself and am working on getting better at it. But it goes a long way.

How to Find a Job in Climate Tech: Part 3 Approximately 85% of users access their email on a mobile device. Knowing this should change how you write networking emails. Scene: You’re in a informational coffee, and you’ve impressed the connector. They agree to make some introductions to your top 10-25 list (tip #2). 🚫 What a C level email looks like: Most people send one follow-up email to the connector, combining their thanks and a reminder of their intro ask. 🚫 What a B level email looks like: One email to follow-up, combining their thanks, reminder of their intro ask, and a forwardable blurb about themselves and a resume. What an A level email looks like at the bottom of this post. ⚡ Tip #3: Send two emails to follow up—one thank you email + one separate forwardable email addressed to your target with a short blurb and resume. ➡️ This drastically increases the probability they’ll send the connection introduction. ❓ Why?  They’re seeing the email on their phone and they don’t have the wherewithal to copy-paste a part of your email, or forward it but delete the irrelevant parts, and send it along on their phone. It sounds crazy but that bit of friction will prevent action from busy people who are being asked for multiple connections each day. ✅ If you do tip #3, all they have to do is click forward, layer on 2 sentences at the top to their buddy about their endorsement of you, and click send. Assuming they want to help you, help them help you and it will get done. 🙏 This was one of the most important life lessons the Techstars program drilled into us as neophyte founders, and they were 💯 percent right. We got more connections when we did it. Next tip will be about where to find climate tech jobs! The ⭐ A level email ⭐ template (send 1 email per target connection): EMAIL #1 Subject: Thank you for your advice, Andy Body: Dear Andy, Thank you for taking the time to chat with me yesterday about my job search in solar development. Your insights helped me realize that [XXX]. Thank you also for agreeing to connect me to Charlotte. Since you're so busy, I am sending along a forwardable email in case that is helpful to you. With gratitude, Fatima EMAIL #2 Subject: Intro to Charlotte Nakamoto at Company XYZ for Fatima Ayad Body: Andy, thank you so much for agreeing to pass this note to Charlotte. Charlotte, My name is Fatima and I'm graduating from the Yale School of Management where I lead the Finance Club. I'm seeking to apply my experience in financial analysis to a cutting-edge solar developer and saw you have an open role. I've been interested in working at Company XYZ since I saw your panel at the RE+ conference in 2022 about your mission to catalyze projects in the Southeast. I'd appreciate the opportunity to learn about any pain points you're experiencing as you scale and whether my problem solving skills may be a fit. I've attaching my resume in case it's helpful. Thank you for the consideration, Fatima

How to get professionals to actually reply to you during your job search (especially for early careers) Many people think networking “doesn’t work” but in reality, it’s often the approach that creates resistance. Most messages feel too heavy, too vague, or too demanding for someone who doesn’t know you yet. Effective networking is about making your message easy, light, and genuinely pleasant to respond to. So how can you start doing that effectively? 1. Avoid asking strangers for favours right away. Requests like “Can you mentor me?”, “Can you refer me?”, "Can you review my CV?”, or "Can you send me opportunities that align with my profile?" place pressure on the other person. They require time, responsibility, and emotional effort — without any relationship built yet. Start with something smaller first. 2. Don’t send your documents immediately. CVs, portfolios, or long paragraphs feel like assignments. People are far more likely to reply when they don’t feel they’re being handed a task. Build a bit of connection first; if they want to see your materials, the conversation will naturally lead there. 3. Avoid generic, overly broad questions. “Do you have any advice?” or “How do I get into the industry?” is difficult to answer because there’s no direction or context. Broad questions force the other person to do the mental work, and most won’t. The more specific the question, the easier it is for someone to help. 4. Ask one clear, thoughtful question. Something light, specific, and easy to answer: • “I saw you moved from retail to CRM at LVMH, what helped you position yourself for that transition?” • “You’ve been at Dior for three years, which skill helped you the most early on?” 5. Keep your message brief, structured, and nice. A short introduction → one specific question → a sincere note of appreciation. No pressure, no expectations. When you communicate this way, people are naturally more inclined to reply — not out of obligation, but because your message feels respectful, clear, and refreshing in a crowded inbox.

Let’s be real—I get a lot of DMs. And I genuinely love connecting with people! But if I’m being honest, most messages I receive feel… well, random. A generic “Hey” or “I’d love to connect” doesn’t tell me why you’re reaching out or how I can help. If you really want to make an impact, your outreach needs to be intentional and clear—especially if you’re networking for a job, collaboration, or mentorship. So, how do you stand out in a sea of messages? ✅ Be clear on your “why.” Are you looking for advice? A partnership? An introduction? Say it upfront! Something like: “Hey [Name], I admire your work in retail leadership and marketing. I’m looking to transition into a similar space and would love to hear your thoughts on XYZ.” ✅ Show you’ve done your research. Did we work in the same industry? Did a recent post resonate with you? Mention it! A little context goes a long way in making the message feel authentic. ✅ Make it easy to say yes. Instead of “Can I pick your brain?” (which can feel vague and time-consuming), try: “Would you be open to a 15-minute chat? I promise to keep it brief!” or “Could I email you a few quick questions?” ✅ Include links to your work. If you’re reaching out about a job, project, or collaboration, don’t make the recipient search for your experience—send them the links upfront! Whether it’s your website, portfolio, resume, or LinkedIn profile, make it easy to get a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. 👀 Want an example of how I present myself? Here’s my portfolio: https://lnkd.in/eZHdfQqZ 💼 Looking for my experience? Here’s my LinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn work experience section. 📢 Curious about my work in retail, marketing, and partnerships? Check out https://lnkd.in/g2wpvk9B Networking isn’t about transactional asks—it’s about building relationships. The more thoughtful and specific your outreach, the more likely you are to get a response (and make a lasting impression).

Everyone says, “Network your way into a job.” But no one tells you how to make your message actually stand out. I used to send generic cold messages that got zero replies. Then I started attaching specific questions or insights about the company or role. That’s when conversations started. Here’s how to network well: - Don’t ask for a referral in your first message. Start a conversation. - Mention a specific project or product the person worked on that excites you. - Ask one thoughtful question, not “Can I pick your brain?” - Keep it under 3 sentences. Respect their time. Here’s are a few templates you can use: - Hello! I applied to a SWE internship at Meta and had a few questions about the work culture. Would you be open to connecting? I appreciate your time! - Your work in [field/area of expertise] is truly remarkable. As an aspiring [role], I'd greatly appreciate the chance to connect and gain invaluable guidance from your journey. - I'm captivated by your unique approach to [specific aspect of their work]. Could we connect? I'd love to learn more and potentially explore opportunities for collaboration. - Hello! I read the research paper you published on XYZ topic. As a master’s student, I’m interested in pursuing research in similar fields, I’d be thrilled if you could connect! - I'm fascinated by your work on [specific project/initiative]. As an aspiring [role] in [field], I'd love to connect and learn from your expertise. Would you be open to a brief chat? - Your recent [article/interview/presentation] on [topic] resonated deeply with me. I'm keen to explore [related area of interest] and would appreciate the opportunity to connect. Your message should be short, specific, and easy to reply to. Most people just say, “Hi, can you refer me?” Be better than most people. #networking #techcareers #jobsearch #30DaysOfCareerGrowth Day 6 of #30DaysOfCareerGrowth