LinkedIn networking in the UK
When someone you are networking with on LinkedIn (say an MD) accepts your connection request, what are the most effective ways (in the UK) to have an engaging conversation?
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Simply put, don't use LinkedIn to network. It's incredibly impersonal. I get at least 50 requests a month, sometimes significantly more. Vast majority are wildy underqualified, filled with grammatical mistakes, etc. As I came from a unique background, I initially responded to some but over time I just stopped looking at them. Sure there are great candidates on there but I don't have the time to click through each one to find them. That's what our HR/recruitment teams do. Personally I also find it a bit lazy to send me an email.
This is a career that relies on personal interaction. Impressive candidates are ones that find a way to communicate with me in person. Sending a LinkedIn message or "connecting" with me puts the candidate in the 1 in a 1000 category. Top candidates find a way to differentiate themselves. I know it sounds harsh but that's been my experience along with my fellow MDs in our office.Go to networking events, join charities where you see MDs participate, attend conferences, approach someone at the gym with a logo shirt, network with friends and family. No matter where you come from, if you ask around enough, you can always find a connection! We are always willing to chat but a random email/linked in message will almost always remain unanswered.
Thanks
Echo this.
I've seen people be successful sending a letter in the post. Letter includes a personal letter with contact details and a one page CV.
Try it, people always open letters. It's 95p for a first class stamp.
Where do they send the letters? To the bank’s office?
Nice advice bro, will keep my eye out for a Goldman Sachs tank top next time I’m in the squat rack.
ngl i sometimes have my GS banker bag with me at a gym near the office in farringdon and have been approached by students who wanted to network
This is great advice, thanks!
I am seriously thinking about making the switch from pursuing a career in corporate law to IB - would you mind sharing some advice with my situation: thread title is "Need Help: Law Grad (UK) With Some Decent Intern Experience --> IBD And Finance" (doesn't seem like WSO allows users to share URL/link).
I'll put out a slightly different response to the other poster on here. I'm based in the US now but started my career in London (currently visiting at the moment).
LinkedIn can definitely be a method of networking and there's no problem with that -but make sure you do it right. I get 20 or more connection requests over the course of a week so I feel I have a pool of historical data to pull from:
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