How to Reach Out to Random People?
Does anyone here have any tips for how to reach out to random people? I go to an extreme non-target and don't have any contacts in the finance industry, so I am forced to reach out to random people through either Linkedin or guessing their firm's email format. The people that I am reaching out out to generally fall into one of two categories: they are from target/semi schools located near my school(hoping that they've driven past it) or are from other non-targets. Do you think its appropriate to say, after giving a brief background about myself, "I am reaching out to you because you are an alum x target which is near my Y(my school) and I was wondering if you would be available to speak briefly over the phone?" And for non-targets I was thinking of saying, "I am reaching out to you because you are an alum x non target and, as a student at Y non target, I am having trouble finding people from non target backgrounds and wanted to ask if you would be available to speak briefly over the phone?
Any advice on how to make this better because I'm not getting many responses?
@_KrK, check out my networking overview. That and the WSO networking guide are all that you need.
To your point regarding saying "you attend _____ near my school" is not necessary at all. And even though you may not have a chip on your shoulder, it may come across that way if you say that you're having trouble finding other nontarget backgrounds. It's fine to just ask for a phone call.
Otherwise Sil's advice is golden.
@_KrK It's important to reach out with an email request to potential LinkedIn contacts explaining why you are reaching out and not just sending a blind request to connect. Also, don't worry about explaining the school connection, just stating that you are looking to connect for advice, etc and provide an alternate method for them to contact you as opposed to messaging back and forth over LinkedIn. Good Luck
Darleyc So you're saying that I should email people before I send them a connection request on Linkedin?
If there is a direct email available for them to be contacted. If not, send an email to them as part of your request to connect detailing that you are interested in the industry and wish to be able to ask them for some advice as you have reviewed their profile, etc. hope that is clear and makes sense.
Bump. Hoping to get some more insight on this, hopefully from people who have done it before.
Honestly, I've done a lot of random reaching out before, and Sil's guide is pretty much on point.
I agree that he provides some great points about how to generally approach networking. However, I'm having trouble with the areas he doesn't cover(mainly what to say in the intro emai). It's easy enough for me to find people on LinkedIn or find email formats and I've been doing this but I haven't gotten any responses. This low success leads me to believe I'm not saying the right things in my emails.
Ive had some downtime around year end / early January and decided to meet with professionals outside of my immediate industry. I've had a good hit rate via LinkedIn in terms of asking people to grab coffee and network.
Firing emails to people I don't know during job hunt (Originally Posted: 10/12/2015)
I'm currently working as an I-banking intern doing M&A advisory services, and am in the process of looking for a full time job for after my internship. I've heard a lot of things about what should be written in an email fired out to people whose contact info I've found online - primarily that I should be looking to settup an informal phone call and not out right state that I'm looking for a job (even though this is obviously implied). I'd love to hear some feedback on what people have found works best, and get some comments on my current approach. Currently, I am basically stating outright that I'm looking for a job. I've typically been contacting boutique investment banks, and asset management firms.
Here's my typical opening email. However, I switch it up typically.
" Dear ___,
I am writing to inquire about potential employment opportunities within ___. I have recently completed a Finance and Economics bachelor degree from the University of ___, and am currently working as an Investment Banking Intern for an M&A advisory firm in New York City - however, my permanent residence is in ___. I am also currently enrolled as a Level 2 candidate in the CFA program and will be writing the exam in June of 2016.
Attached is a copy of my resume. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any inquiries regarding my qualifications or experiences.
Thank you for your consideration,
Name Phone Number Email Address "
Any advice would be appreciated,
Thanks
If you know that going for the informal phone call is often talked about, why are you ignoring it? Honestly, and i think I speak for most people on here when I say, I wouldn't even bother responding to your current format.
First, try starting off by introducing yourself. And giving a couple quick sentences about your background and basically where you're coming from in sending the email in the first place. Then maybe mention how you heard about the firm and why you're interested in learning more about the person you're emailing and the work that they do. Ask if they'd have a few minutes in the following days to discuss their experiences, as well as any potential future opportunities, and ask for a date/time that works for them. Simple.
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