How do I reach out to someone I used to work with but haven't spoken to in years?

Start by breaking the ice naturally. Reach out to say hello, ask how they've been, ask about their work or their company — make it a human reconnection first, not an immediate ask. Once you've established a little warmth, you can share that you've been paying attention to what their company is doing and that you've found some roles that interest you. Then make a specific, low-friction ask: can they connect you to a recruiter, or would they be willing to forward your resume to the right person? You're not asking them to advocate for you or vouch for your performance. You're asking them to make an introduction. That's a small ask, and most people are happy to do it — especially for someone whose work they know. If they say no, you're no worse off than before.