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LinkedIn Messages to Reconnect With a Former Colleague
Send a short LinkedIn message that names one specific thing you worked on together. Say briefly what you're doing now. Then ask one easy question about them. Lead with shared history, not a request. When you do need something, like a referral, say it plainly after that opening line. Then the note reads as honest, not as a setup.
Former colleagues are often the people who can vouch for your work, refer you or send business your way. The bond fades quietly when nobody reaches out. A good message restarts it before you need anything. Then later asks feel natural.
What makes it land is being specific. "Great working with you" could go to anyone. "I still use your checklist from the Denver launch" could only go to them. Share one real memory, one line about you and one question back. Keep it short enough to answer from a phone.
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Free, no signup. The example is filled in: press the button, then replace it with your own situation. In Capstone, a message like it is written for each person you know when their check-in is due.
15 examples to copy
One message is easy. Hundreds of people, all year, is the hard part. Capstone Outreach puts everyone you know on a rhythm you pick, from weekly to every three months. When someone is due, a message like these is already written in your voice from your history with them. You approve it, and it goes from your own email or phone. See how it works.
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Everyone on a rhythm. Who is due, and when. Recorded in the app on a demo account.
1. Connection request note, not yet connected
Why it works: It reminds them just who you are in under 300 characters. It gives them a reason to accept.
2. After years of silence, no ask
Why it works: A specific compliment with no strings makes replying feel easy and good.
3. Congratulating them on a new role
Why it works: It ties their news to your shared past. It ends with a question they'll enjoy answering.
4. Responding to something they posted
Why it works: Engaging with their ideas shows you read their work, not just their job title.
5. Asking about a job at their company
Why it works: Being upfront and giving them an easy out makes it comfortable for them to say yes.
6. Asking for advice on a career switch
Why it works: Promising focused questions respects their time. It shows you've done your homework.
7. You started your own business or practice
Why it works: It shares your news without a pitch. That plants the seed for referrals later.
8. You were laid off and want them to know
Why it works: It states the facts plainly and names the role you want. That makes it easy for them to help.
9. They were laid off and you want to help
Why it works: Real offers of help, plus no need to reply, take pressure off someone having a hard week.
10. Thanking a former manager
Why it works: Managers rarely hear how their coaching played out. So specific thanks is memorable.
11. Reaching out to a former direct report
Why it works: It celebrates their growth and offers support without asking for anything.
12. Moving to their city
Why it works: A move is a natural, low-stakes reason to meet in person. Asking for local tips invites a quick reply.
13. A former colleague you didn't know well
Why it works: Admitting you weren't close and naming a real memory makes a thin link feel believable.
14. Recruiter with a role that fits them
Why it works: It leads with the shared past and a clear reason they fit. That sets it apart from cold recruiter notes.
15. Inviting them to an event you're hosting
Why it works: An invite gives before it asks. That's the easiest way to restart a relationship.
Sending these to more than a few people? See how people keep track of who to follow up with, and when: what a personal CRM does and the best personal CRMs, compared.
When to send it
- Send it within a week of a natural trigger. That could be a new job, a promotion, a post they wrote or news about your old company.
- Reach out a few weeks before you need a favor. Then the reconnect and the ask arrive as two separate moments.
- If you're not connected yet, send a short connection note first. Save the longer message until they accept.
- If they just started a new role, congratulate them now. Wait until they've settled in before asking for anything.
- Send it on a weekday during their work hours. Then your note doesn't sink under a pile of weekend alerts.
What to avoid
- Sending a connection request with no note, or the default line, leaves them guessing who you are.
- Opening with the ask before you've reminded them of your shared past makes the whole note feel like a trade.
- Writing "great working with you" instead of naming a real project or moment makes the note feel like a template.
- Packing your full life update into the first message turns a quick reply into homework for them.
- Pasting the same message to dozens of old coworkers backfires. Former teammates often talk to each other.
- Following up more than once in the same week makes a friendly reconnect feel like pressure.
After you send it
If there's no reply after a week or two, send one short follow-up that adds something new. A useful article or a congrats on their latest post works. Don't ask whether they saw your message. If there's still nothing, let it go for a few months. Once they reply, keep the thread alive. React to their posts now and then. Note their work anniversaries and job changes. Send a real message every three to six months. Aim to give more than you ask.
Building the habit: how to keep in touch with contacts and what a personal CRM does.
Keep the old team in one place Import former colleagues from your phone. Capstone keeps one timeline per person with where you worked together. It also keeps what you last talked about, so the next message is easy.
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A study of 20 million LinkedIn members found that acquaintances, more than close friends, led to new jobs (Science, 2022). Capstone keeps those people warm. You approve every message, and it goes from your own email or phone.
Frequently asked questions
What is a professional way to say "old coworker"?
Say "former colleague." It's the standard term and works in messages, intros and references. "Former coworker" is fine too and a bit more casual. "Ex-colleague" is common in British English but can sound a bit negative in the US. So "former colleague" is the safest choice. You can also be specific, like "my former manager at [Company]" or "we worked together on the [Team] team."
What is the 4-1-1 rule on LinkedIn?
The 4-1-1 rule is a guide for what you share. For every six things you share, four are useful posts from others. One is a reshare, and one is about you or your business. It keeps you from feeling like a constant pitch. The same idea applies to former colleagues. Most of your contact should be congrats, helpful links and real questions. Keep asks rare.
What's a good LinkedIn message?
A good LinkedIn message is short, specific and easy to answer. Mention one real detail you share. Say briefly why you're reaching out now. End with a single clear question or request. Keep it to a few short paragraphs so it reads well on a phone. If it could be sent to anyone, it's too generic. Add a name, project or moment only they would know.
How do you reach out to an old colleague on LinkedIn for a job?
Reconnect with a specific memory first. Then name the exact role and company you want. Ask for something small, like a 15 minute call about the team, not a referral up front. Give them an easy out. If the talk goes well, they'll often offer to refer you. If not, you can ask directly once they know your goals.
Should I send a connection note or a message first?
If you aren't connected, send a connection request with a short personal note. Keep it under 300 characters and say how you know each other. Once they accept, send your fuller message. If you're already connected, go straight to a direct message. A note that names your shared company or project gets accepted far more often than a blank request.
Is it weird to message a former colleague after years of silence?
No, it's normal. Most people are glad to hear from someone they worked with. The silence only feels awkward to the sender. Mention it lightly, like "it's been a while since our [Company] days" and move on. Share a specific memory. Don't ask for anything in the first message. That makes the gap stop mattering and gives them an easy reason to reply.