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Getting a response to a networking email can be difficult, especially during a pandemic. These networking three email templates were designed to make it easier for you to craft your message and get a response.

The best time to network is BEFORE a job is posted. You're more likely to get a response to your request because employees aren't involved in the hiring process yet. This is even true during a pandemic.

You'll find three networking email templates:

• Request for Informational Meeting
• Ask A Contact to Make an Introduction
• Reaching Out To Someone You Know When There's An Opening At their Company

The Purpose of Networking

Your primary purpose in networking is to get AIR (advice, information or recommendations) from someone who works inside a company or has expertise in an industry or role you are interested in. Secondarily, you are building a relationship with someone who may keep you in mind when they hear about job opportunities in the future.

Read more about why networking isn't a waste of time and how to do it right.

Here's an example of how NOT to ask for a favor from someone.

Networking During A Pandemic

Now is a perfect time to network with people. Keep in mind, the majority of the workforce is still working — and most of them are working remotely.

If people are working remotely, they most likely have more flexibility in their schedule to talk with people. And because they don't need to worry about their boss or co-worker listening in.

The Coronavirus also is a great excuse to reach out to people you haven't talked with to see how they are doing. If you discover they are out of work, then you can share your resources and perhaps team up as accountability partners.

Don't assume that people are too busy, overwhelmed, unemployed, or don't want to talk with you. You may find exactly the opposite.

Types of People You'll Network With

Here's a list of 10 types of people you should network with during your job search. And what you'll notice is that these are ALL people you know!

Always, always, always focus networking on the people you know before reaching out to strangers!

• You know someone who works for a company you might like to work for
• You know someone who knows someone who works for a company you are interested in
• You don't know the person but they work for a target company (do not contact them until you find someone or something in common!)

Basic Networking Email Rules

• Don't ask for too much too soon
• Make it easy for someone to respond or take action
• Be clear in stating the information you want. Never ask for a job
• Write short paragraphs to make your message skimmable
• Use a clear and concise subject line
• Email is more widely used that LinkedIn InMails or messages

What To Include In Your Email

Here's what your networking email message should include:

• Be personable and/or friendly and ask how they are doing
• Remind your contact how you know each other
• State what you are asking for (advice, information, recommendations)
• Concisely remind them of your background
• Thank your contact in advance for their cooperation
• Always use a signature block in your email

Networking Email Template #1: Request for Informational Meeting

Reaching out to people you know and asking for a quick conversation is the best way to refine your networking skills AND get the word out that you are looking for a new role.

Networking Email Template 2: Asking A Contact to Make an Introduction

Keep in mind, you want to make it easy for someone to facilitate and introduction. In fact, you want to make your message to your contact easy to forward along.

Networking Email Template 3: Opening At Company Where You Know Someone

Here's a template to help make it easier to ask (and get) a referral when you know someone inside a company with an opening.

Adapt As Necessary

Each situation is unique, so please be sure to modify these networking email templates to suit your needs.

Hannah Morgan is one of this year's LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and a nationally recognized author and speaker on job search strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to combine her career expertise with her love of writing, speaking and social media. Her mission is to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today's job search process. Hannah is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, Aol Jobs, LifeHacker, The Muse, Business Insider, SmartBrief, Payscale as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.