Career Networking Email and Letter Examples

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You might not think of a simple thank-you letter as networking, but that single type of communication can help you with your future career. After all, networking is about relationship building, and one way to build relationships is through written correspondence, whether by letter or email.

Networking Email and Letter Examples

Successful business people use networking to develop an arsenal of business and personal connections that help them grow their businesses or gain new employment.

Ultimately, networking is marketing, whether for yourself or your business. Below, we’ve gathered a list of networking letter examples you can use to develop your own professional relationships. These samples include networking letters, referral cover letters, informational interviews, letters of introduction, and more.

Referrals and Introductions

Many people find positions through someone they know—or a friend or colleague of someone they know. These letters help you spread the word that you are seeking new employment.

A key piece of advice is to always sound grateful for any help a friend or colleague can provide.

The following examples can help you reach out to a potential employer, through a referral or introduction to another party, such as a current employee or other mutual connection.

Referral Letter Template

Below is a sample cover letter with a referral. This is an example of a cover letter. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

 © The Balance 2018

Sample Letter of Referral (Text Version)

Jane Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
jane.applicant@email.com

August 17, 2021

Virginia Lee
Operations Manager
Acme Accounting
123 Business Road
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee,

I am writing to you in regard to the position of billing manager that you have posted on your company website. I worked with Sloane Greene in the billing department of XYZ Enterprises for several years before taking a hiatus to raise my children.

When I mentioned I was returning to the workforce, she recommended I contact you about this position, as she felt that I would be an excellent fit for your organization.

At XYZ, I worked closely with Sloane to convert our billing system to handle the increase in sales volume the company was experiencing. I oversaw the seamless transition when our deliverables doubled in less than six months. I have successfully managed both small and large billing departments, but I am most comfortable in an environment like that at your company. I feel that my experience would be an asset to Bright Enterprises, and would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you regarding the open position.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Signature ( hard copy letter)

Jane Applicant

Referral Letter Examples

Similarly, you can use a referral from a colleague. You can do so by requesting one on LinkedIn and more. Find out how by exploring these additional resources:

Networking Letter Examples

Networking meetings can be a highly effective way to find new job opportunities and build valuable connections, but how do you ensure you'll get an answer to your networking emails? Your email should be polite and professional, outlining your background, relevant experience, and why you want to meet.

Provide some context as to what you're hoping to get out of the meeting, but you shouldn't say outright that your intention is to expand your network and discover job opportunities. That much is assumed. Instead, frame the letter as a request for a learning experience or a chance to gain insight from a respected mentor.

If it's not clearly obvious to the recipient, be sure to mention how you met or received their contact information.

Close with an expression of gratitude and also a date as to when you will follow up. Remember that a mentor or a networking contact isn't necessarily obliged to meet you, so be sure to communicate that you're flexible and willing to meet at your contact's convenience.

Here is a networking letter example you can tweak to suit the contact you are emailing.

Networking Letter Example Requesting a Meeting

Mary Smith
11222 Happy Lane
Sunshine, Utah
33333
(333) 444-7777 
marysmith2@yihaa.com

August 9, 2021

Mr. Vance Dorza, President
Edgie Marketing, LLC
4545 South Main Street
Rainwater, MO 76777

Dear Mr. Dorza,

Our paths first crossed several years ago when you spoke to my marketing class at the University of Mid Nebraska. At that time, you challenged each of us to make a difference in the world and told us of your early struggles to not only obtain a degree but also launch your company.

Since that time, I've followed the rapid growth of your cutting-edge marketing firm. This past year I read that Edgie had been awarded an Addy for the innovative marketing campaign you created for WarmStone Creamery.

Your advice to find an internship in my senior year was invaluable to me. Upon graduation, my mentor at that firm introduced me to ACB Multimedia. For the past three years, I have worked in all facets of marketing: internet, multimedia, and print. I would now like to explore where my education and experience would be of the greatest value to a firm located in the St. Louis area.

I do remember you telling us you would always be happy to answer questions, so I kept your business card. I will contact your secretary in a few days to arrange a meeting at your convenience. I will gladly clear my schedule for whenever you are available. I look forward to seeing you again and gaining your insight into my career path.

Thanks so much for the great advice you gave me while at college, which has shaped my career so far.

Sincerely,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Mary Smith

More Networking Letter Examples

Here are more networking letter samples for a variety of circumstances:

  • Job Search Networking Letters
  • Letter to Follow Up After a Networking Event
  • Letter to Follow Up With College Alumni

Networking Thank You Emails and Letters

Even if the time spent networking with someone doesn’t result in a job, you should still share your thanks for that person’s time. In fact, it's a common act of respect to send a written or digital thank you card following a final interview.

Include a clear subject line, the date, and a respectful way of addressing your contact. Leave the end of your snail mail or email with your regards, name, address, and contact information. A physical letter can provide a surprising and warm touch while an email can give a quick form of communication and respect.

Thank You for Networking Help Letter Example

Tony Rodriguez
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
tony.rodriguez@email.com

August 17, 2020

Bronson Lee
Operations Manager
Acme Accounting
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee,

Thank you for sharing your professional expertise with me during our discussion today. I consider you to be one of my role models in our field, and I am more than grateful for the time you spent reviewing my career objectives and recommending strategies for achieving them.

I especially appreciate your offer to connect me to others in your network. I plan on following up with the contacts you emailed me right away. I have also begun to reach out to local professionals using the online networking resources you recommended to accelerate my job search.

Any additional suggestions you may have would be welcome. I'll let you know how my career search progresses.

Again, thank you so much for your help. I greatly appreciate the assistance you have provided me.

Regards,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Tony Rodriguez

Here are other examples of thank you letters to help with job leads, networking, informational interviews, and more. The following also includes examples that help you share the happy news that you’ve secured a position and express your appreciation for the referral or job search assistance that helped you get there:

Letters Requesting Career Advice

It’s never too early to start networking. Students are encouraged to create polite and enthusiastic communications, as they can earn dividends when searching for a summer internship or full-time job.

College career offices often provide counseling and other career services, including referral cover letter examples and peer reviews. Similar to adults, students can request an informational interview by networking with their friends and contacts in their career field.

Informational interviews provide a great opportunity to learn about a new industry or a particular occupation or organization.

What to Include in the Letter

An informational interview request letter should include an introduction, a brief description of skills and experience, and a clear understanding of how the person you are writing to can help you find what you are seeking. The following resources will provide further assistance in this area:

How to Follow Up

Finally, after a networking event, it’s always a good idea to follow up to solidify the new connections you’ve made. Follow-up letters should be sent within 24 hours, mention a topic from the event, and offer some type of help before asking for a request.

Tips for Writing a Networking Letter

The most effective networking letters are those that immediately and clearly express your intention in writing to the recipient, whether asking for career advice, introducing an industry colleague, asking for a referral, or expressing your thanks for the assistance they have provided you.

Introductory Paragraph

The initial paragraph needs to come directly to the point (explaining who you are if you have never personally met the recipient) and your reason for reaching out to them. If you can establish a point of connection like a shared contact, this will help to engage the reader’s interest. Your statement should be simple and straightforward, as in the following example:

My academic advisor for my senior project, Dr. Joan Smith, recommended you as a good person to ask about the work climate at ABC Company. I am writing to see if you would be willing to meet with me, either in person or by telephone, to discuss your impressions of ABC Company as an employer.

Second Paragraph

In your second paragraph, provide some persuasive context to explain exactly why you are asking for the favor of their time and attention. Consider the following, for instance:

As a native Seattleite with a passion for computer science, my dream has always been to work for a forward-thinking company like ABC Company. To this end, I have majored in Computer Science at the University of Washington and am now ready to begin assessing potential employers.

Closing Paragraph

Your closing paragraph should thank the recipient for their consideration of your request and let them know how they can reach you.

Before sending your letter, whether through email or snail mail, carefully proofread and edit the text to make sure that there are no errors. You should also ensure that the tone and language you have used are professional, as this is a business correspondence.

Sending an Email Message

Before sending, provide a strong subject title, such as, "Referred by Sloane Greene," respectfully address the person you are speaking to, and introduce yourself.

At the bottom of the email, send your regards along with your name, email, and phone number so they can contact you further.