When I cold email I usually list a lot of questions 5-6, and then say I'd be happy to talk on the phone. Should I just not list the questions and ask set up a phone call so that I can talk to them live (and possibly lead to an offer to pass along the resume) or should I give them the option to answer via email?
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I think these emails should be as short as possible. 1 sentence- who you are 1 sentence- how you found him and how you are connected (e.g. school) 1 sentence- what you want from him
I don't know if this is the best advice, but it works for me...
I second this. Just to add a couple more things: 1. Simply be direct with him about what you want. Even if you are GENUINELY interested in learning about him or his business, what you really want the most is a fucking internship! 2. It's all numbers game. Don't get discouraged if you get a low response rate; just keep trying until you get one. My magic number was somewhere around 50.
Thanks, yeah, I'm not sure at this point if I could do an internship, I'm 2 years out of school (although I'll obviously start anywhere), but I see your point.
And yeah, definitely understand the numbers game, just feel like I am running out of options in terms of high ranking people (my school has a lot in banking, not so many in consulting). So I'm a little worried, haha, thanks so much for the advice guys!
Subject: Princeton University student seeking career information
Hello Mr. Blankfein,
I was recently introduced to your firm via a former intern of yours, Bill Epstein, and was impressed with your culture and working environment. I’d like to chat for 20 minutes to discuss your job, and how to succeed in investment banking.
I’m currently a sophomore interested in pursuing a career in investment banking upon finishing at Princeton University. What are some of the traits you look for in prospective job candidates? What do you enjoy most about your job? What can I do to position myself as a summer analyst at an investment bank in the upcoming months?
I’m eager to learn the business and welcome advice with respect to Goldman Sachs or the industry at-large. You can reach me between 1-4pm at 212-452-6005, or by email at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards, Carl Icahn
I would like them to get me an interview (and ultimately a job), but I've found I need to talk to them on the phone and let them talk about themselves and then say "do you have any advice on landing an interview" and that will usually lead to a "I'll pass your resume along."
I'm worried that by asking the questions by email, they may be tempted to just answer them and then never respond, where as if I ask for the phone call I might scare them off...
I'm thinking I should leave a way out if they want to reply by email (as this can still be helpful). If I say "I’m wondering if you would have some time to talk on the phone about...." in the first paragraph.
Since I'm sending these through Linkedin, should I add, "If you think it's easier to talk about this via email, my address is [email protected]" I think that would leave them an out through email, but it's also clear I'd like to talk on the phone, wish I hadn't sent out so many emails last night that didn't include this...
BTBanker, I like that way, asks the questions, but also makes it clear you'd like to speak on the phone, too bad I sent out 7 or 8 emails last night, haha, time to change it up...
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