Catching Up with a Former Colleague via Email: Major Talking Points

Maybe you’re wondering how that coworker you used to be friends with is doing now…

Or perhaps you’d like to check up on an old pal from college. Either way, one of the best options to reach out is an email approach. It’s a method that shows you care but isn’t as intrusive as a phone call out of the blue.

Consider these four steps when attempting to reconnect:

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1. Find out how they’re doing

The first order of business is to figure out how your colleague has been since you two last spoke. Depending on your relationship, the message can be casual or formal. Let’s opt for an informal tone here…

Example:

Hey, how’s it going, buddy? It’s been a while! How are the wife and kids?

2. Ask what they’ve been up to

The next step is to try to get an idea of what they’re currently pursuing. They might work in a different field, live in a new town, or have exciting life events happening. Feel free to ask in a curious but respectful manner!

Example:

I’m just reaching out to see what you’ve got going on nowadays. Is there any news that you’d care to share?

3. Mention your own news too

Now’s an opportunity to bring up some of the updates you have! Talk about your job, projects, family, personal life, etc.

Example:

As for me, I got a promotion and have been taking on more responsibility at work. Oh, and I almost forgot… My daughter is starting kindergarten this year!

4. See if they want to reconnect

Assuming you wish to meet up, have a conversation, or even collaborate in some fashion, the final piece of the puzzle is to suggest options to talk further.

Example:

Anyway, I hope everything is great with you, and I’d love to chat on the phone or grab lunch sometime. Just let me know! Talk soon,

With everything together, the full email looks like…

“Hey X,

How’s it going, buddy? It’s been a while! How are the wife and kids? I’m just reaching out to see what you’ve got going on nowadays. Is there any news that you’d care to share?

As for me, I got a promotion and have been taking on more responsibility at work. Oh, and I almost forgot… My daughter is starting kindergarten this year! Anyway, I hope everything is great with you, and I’d love to chat on the phone or grab lunch sometime. Just let me know!

Talk soon,”