How to Write a Thank You Email After a Networking Meeting

Chris Scherting
2 days ago
6 min read

Thank you notes are definitely becoming a lost art. It’s a common courtesy, but also a valuable tool to keep your job search moving forward. “Thank you” or “TY” in a text is not enough.

Think about the goal for your networking meeting. Typically, you are looking for help, advice, and introductions to more people.

A thoughtful, well-written thank you email does three important things:

It reinforces the connection you just made.
It shows you’re organized, appreciative, and professional.
It makes it much easier for someone to help you.

I network all the time and am very happy to help anyone in their job search.

I won’t introduce you to anyone in my network until I receive that thank-you email!

My referral of you is a reflection on me. I need to make sure you will follow up promptly!

I am amazed by how many people never follow up after a networking coffee chat or Zoom call! To me, this is simply part of the project management of your job search.

A strong thank-you email starts with preparation before your informational interview or networking conversation.

1. Research the Person

This isn’t about memorizing their entire LinkedIn profile. It’s simply to be prepared. Make a note of:

Their current title and company.
Their career path, past companies, titles, or volunteer work.
What do they post on LinkedIn? Does that inspire a question or something you have in common?

2. Prepare Your Questions

Go in with intentional questions. People can tell when you’ve put thought into this, and they appreciate it. Be specific with what you hope to gain from the meeting.

Are you interested in their industry, company, or role?
Are you looking to switch careers and need advice?
Are you trying to expand your network in their industry or company?

3. Review their Network

Before the meeting, look at their LinkedIn connections and identify 3–5 people you’d eventually love to meet.

You’re not asking for introductions yet. You’re just being strategic and prepared (and a little nerdy, in the best way). A lot of people want to help, but they don’t always know of people in the network who might be a fit for you. Your list will get them thinking.

4. Take Notes During the Networking Chat

Treat this conversation the way you’d treat a meeting at work. It is an informational meeting. The better your notes during a networking meeting, the easier it is to write a personalized follow-up thank-you email.

Seriously. Grab a notebook and a pen! Or use your laptop.

Make note of:

Stories they share
Advice they give you
Companies, roles, or trends they mention
The names of people they want to introduce you to and any notes about the person for context
Any of your own action items or help you offer to them

This gives you specific details to personalize your thank-you email.

5. The Secret Weapon: Write Your Intro Paragraph

This short paragraph dramatically improves your chances of getting warm introductions during your job search. This is one of my favorite job-search hacks, and almost no one does it.

I am a strong believer that networking can uncover the hidden job market. The thank you email with your intro paragraph is key!

Why this matters

When someone offers to introduce you to others, they usually have to:

Draft an email
Explain who you are
Explain what you’re looking for

This can be a real pain in the butt! They met you for 30 minutes, and now they have to summarize you, your experience, and what you are looking for.

You can make this ridiculously easy for them!

Create a short intro paragraph they can copy and paste directly into their email.

Think 2–3 sentences, max.

Starter examples

Early career example:

[Your name] is a recent college graduate in marketing. She’s completed several strong internships and is now looking for her first full-time role. She’s particularly interested in working at a marketing agency, so I thought you’d be a great person for her to meet.

Experienced professional example:

[Your name] is a seasoned IT Director with enterprise experience, leading large global teams and driving infrastructure transformation with a strong focus on cybersecurity. He’s conducting a confidential job search, and I thought you’d be a great person for him to connect with.

You’ll customize this based on you, of course, but having it ready makes you look prepared, proactive, and easy to help. You are much more likely to get that warm introduction when you make it so easy for them!

6. Think About Your Subject Line

Before we get to the body of the email, let’s talk subject lines.

You don’t need anything clever or salesy here. Clear and human wins every time.

A few easy, effective options:

Thank you — great to meet you today
Thank you for the conversation
Appreciate your time today
Thank you for the advice
Great meeting you

If you met over coffee or Zoom, you can absolutely reference that too:

Thanks for the coffee chat
Thank you — great Zoom conversation

Simple. Polite. Professional.

7. How to Write the Thank You Email

This networking follow-up email structure works for informational interviews, coffee chats, Zoom meetings, and in-person networking conversations.

Good news: you can absolutely create a template for this. You still need to personalize it.

The Goal of the Email

In many cases, the goal of a networking meeting is to get a warm introduction to 1–3 new people.

Your thank you email is where you politely and professionally remind them of this ask.

Thank You Email Template

Opening

Start with gratitude and specificity. Remember my suggestion above about taking notes? Here is where is comes to play.

Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today. I really enjoyed our conversation and especially appreciated your advice on [specific topic or insight they shared].

The Networking Ask

This is where many people freeze. Don’t overthink it.

Be clear, polite, and appreciative.

If you’re able to introduce me to [name(s)], I would really appreciate it. I’ve included a short intro paragraph below that you’re welcome to copy and paste if helpful.

You’re not demanding. You’re making it easy.

Your Intro Paragraph

Paste the short intro you wrote about yourself.

Yes, it can feel awkward at first.

No, it is not bragging.

It’s professional, efficient, and honestly? It makes it so easy for them to make the introduction!

Close

Wrap it up warmly.

Thanks again for your time and generosity. I really appreciate it.

Thanks, [Your Name]

Full Template

Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today. I really enjoyed our conversation and especially appreciated your advice on [specific topic or insight they shared].

If you’re able to introduce me to [name(s)], I would really appreciate it. I’ve included a short intro paragraph below that you’re welcome to copy and paste if helpful.

Thanks again for your time and generosity. I really appreciate it.

Thanks, [Your Name]

Frequently Asked Questions About Networking Thank-You Emails

When should I send a networking thank-you email?

Ideally, send your thank-you email within 24 hours of the networking meeting or informational interview. While the conversation is still fresh, your message feels timely and thoughtful, not like an afterthought.

How long should a networking thank-you email be?

Short and focused wins. Aim for 3-4 short paragraphs. You want to express appreciation, reference something specific from the conversation, and (if appropriate) make a clear networking ask without overwhelming the reader.

What if they didn’t offer to introduce me to anyone?

That’s okay. They still deserve a thank you for their time. Focus your thank you email on appreciation and reflecting on the conversation. You can always build the relationship and make a networking ask later once the rapport is stronger.