Networking message templates for LinkedIn and alumni outreach

Last updated October 21, 2026. Originally written by Kira Hoenes; revised and updated throughout by the Internships.com editorial team.

Key takeaways

A good networking message says who you are, why you're writing to this particular person, and asks one specific question, all in two or three sentences.
Ask for advice or a short conversation, not a job. A first message that asks for a referral puts a stranger on the spot.
When you message someone who went to your school, lead with the school. A shared school gives you common ground from the first line.
Before you send any template, swap in one real detail from the person's profile. A networking message that could go to anyone reads like it did.
If someone doesn't reply, send one follow-up a week or two later, then move on.

How do you write a networking message people want to answer?

A networking message people answer has three parts: who you are, why you picked them, and one question they can answer quickly. "I'm a junior studying marketing at [school], I saw you moved from agency work into product marketing, and I'm curious what made you switch" does all three in one sentence.

Keep the ask small. "Would you have 15 minutes sometime?" is easier to say yes to than "Can you help me get into [company]?" People are usually happy to talk about their own career, and the opportunities tend to come later, once there's a real conversation.

How do you message an alum on LinkedIn?

To message an alum on LinkedIn, mention your school in the first line, say what you're curious about, and keep it to two or three sentences. If you aren't connected yet, add your message as a note on the connection request rather than sending a bare request.

As of October 2026, LinkedIn's help center says free accounts can add a note to three connection requests a month, up to 200 characters each, so save notes for the people you most want to reach. Each template below is a full message: to use one as a connection note, cut it to two sentences so it stays under 200 characters once filled in, and send the rest after they accept.

Kira's tip for writing to alumni: "I have found that if you add something connected to your school in your message, like a catchphrase or call, they are more likely to respond." (A call here means a school cheer, not a phone call.)

"Hi [Name], I saw you graduated from [school] and now work at [company]. As a current student, I'd love to hear any advice you have for someone interested in [field]. [your school's catchphrase]"
"Hi [Name], fellow [school] student here. I'm exploring careers in [industry] and would love to hear how your time at [school] shaped your path. [your school's catchphrase]"
"Hi [Name], I'm part of [club or organization] at [school] and saw you were involved too. I'd love to hear what you're up to now and any advice you have."
"Hi [Name], small world: we both went to [school]. I'm curious how your degree turned into your role at [company]. Would you be open to a quick chat?"

What should you say in a LinkedIn message to someone you don't know?

When you message someone you don't know on LinkedIn, give them a reason you chose them: a post they wrote, a career move they made, or a group you share. Keep it short enough to read in a preview.

"Hi [Name], I read your post about [topic] and it changed how I think about [related idea]. I'm a student interested in [field]. Would you be open to a short conversation about your work?"
"Hi [Name], I noticed you moved from [old field] to [new field]. I'm thinking about a similar switch and would really value your perspective."
"Hi [Name], your work on [project or product] at [company] is the kind of thing I'd love to do someday. Would you have 15 minutes to share how you got started?"
"Hi [Name], we're both in [group or community]. I'm trying to learn more about [industry] and would appreciate any insight you're willing to share."

How do you write a cold networking email?

A cold networking email needs a subject line that says why you're writing, a first sentence that says who you are, and a request someone can answer in one reply. Use email when you have the person's address and LinkedIn isn't a good fit, for example when they rarely post there.

A specific subject line works better than a vague one. "Student interested in [field]: quick question" tells the reader what's inside; "Hello" doesn't.

Subject: Quick question about your path into [industry]

"Hi [Name], my name is [your name], and I'm studying [major] at [school]. I came across your background and was hoping you might have 15 minutes to share advice on breaking into [field]."
Subject: [Mutual contact] suggested I reach out

"Hi [Name], [mutual contact] suggested I get in touch given your background in [field]. I'd love to hear more about your experience, if you have time for a short call."
Subject: Informational interview request

"Hi [Name], I'm a student at [school] trying to learn more about [industry]. Would you be open to a short informational interview sometime in the next few weeks?"
Subject: Student interested in [company]

"Hi [Name], I'm very interested in [company] and noticed you work there. Would you be willing to share what the work and the team are really like?"

What if you'd rather not get on a call?

If a phone call is the part you dread, say so up front and offer to keep it in writing. A couple of questions someone can answer in a reply is an easier ask than a call.

"Hi [Name], I know you're busy, so feel free to skip this, but I'd love to hear a bit about your path into [field] whenever you have a moment."
"Hi [Name], I'm more comfortable writing than talking on the phone, so I hope it's OK to ask my questions here instead of scheduling a call."
"Hi [Name], I'll keep this short: I'm interested in [industry] and would value even a brief reply with any advice, in whatever format is easiest for you."

How do you follow up after a networking conversation?

After a networking conversation, thank the person within a day or two, then follow up later with what you did with their advice. That second message is what turns one conversation into a relationship. Once you know someone, you can ask for a referral. How to get a referral for an internship covers when and how. For follow-ups after an interview or a job application, see our follow-up email templates for after you apply or interview.

"Hi [Name], thank you again for taking the time to chat last week. Your advice about [topic] was really helpful, and I'm already acting on it."
"Hi [Name], I wanted to share an update: based on our conversation, I [applied, reached out, changed my approach]. Thank you for pointing me in that direction."
"Hi [Name], it's been a few months since we talked, and I wanted to let you know that I [your progress]. Thanks again for your advice."
"Hi [Name], I came across an article about [topic] and thought of our conversation. I thought you might find it interesting too."

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if someone doesn't reply to my networking message?

Send one follow-up a week or two later, then move on. People miss messages for all kinds of reasons, and one polite nudge is reasonable. A third message is pressure.

Can I send the same networking message to everyone?

You can start from the same template, but change at least one detail for each person, such as their role, a post they wrote, or a school or group you share. A message with no personal detail is easy to ignore.

How can I network without sharing my personal email?

Use LinkedIn messages or your school email address. Both let you reach professionals without handing out a personal address, and a school address also signals that you're a student.

Sources

LinkedIn Help, Personalize invitations to connect, as of October 20, 2026.

About the author

Kira Hoenes wrote the original version of this post when she was a junior at the University of Arkansas studying Marketing at the Sam M. Walton College of Business. She was hoping to build a career in sales and product marketing. In her free time, she enjoyed running and spending time with her friends.