Career Networking Email and Letter Examples

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.

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.

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:

• How to Ask for a Job Referral
• Letters of Introduction
• LinkedIn Message Asking for a Referral
• Referral Letters for Job Search Help

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Job Lead Thank You Letter
• Networking Thank You Letter
• Thank You Letter for an Informational Interview
• Thank You Letter for Helping Get the Job
• Thank You Letter for Networking

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.

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:

• Letter Requesting Career Advice
• Letter Requesting an Informational Meeting

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:

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:

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.