Cold Messages through LinkedIn -> Informational Interviews?
To those in industry, how would you feel about getting a message asking for an informational interview through LinkedIn? Assuming the message comes from some kid in UG you don't know, and maybe share a random, large group with. My school's alumni database is subpar when it comes to people's position and LinkedIn allows me to target people doing what I'd like to do. Would you be receptive to a message? Or would you just ignore the kid?
Thanks
You'd be surprised, more people are willing to help than you think. Most of us were in your shoes at one time and know how difficult it could be. It could be very helpful especially in your case where there aren't an abundance of alumni on the street and hence they'd probably appreciate seeing another alumni represent their school on the street.
Just follow the same common sense rules that you normally would when cold emailng and you'll be fine.
rebelcross,
Thanks for your response. What about with regards to messaging people not from your alma mater? My school gets good IB representation but when it comes to S&T it's pretty weak and I was thinking of messaging some random people.
I have the exact same question. My alumni base in I-banking isn't that strong, so I really need to try other avenues. I've been sending very polite messages to people, but to no avail so far. Can anyone share some experience?
maybe a frat or honor society? or try and make something up that you have in common?
Just do it and find out. Most people are very willing to help out. Those that are not will simply ignore you.
Got nothing to lose. People will help...just give them a reason to. Nice profile, good story, sheer persistence, etc.
I had a great response from people that I shared groups with who were not alums. Many of these groups were specific to my experiences and not as big as say "Finance Club of NY" so it made it a little easier. No sense in not trying.
Very little to lose. However, when I've contacted people off of LinkedIn, I don't use the site's messaging, I just figure out their email from firm & name.
I guess email is better than linkedin, all else equal, but if they're wondering how you discovered their email address (if it's not on the firm's site) won't your email be much less effective? Plus, if your commonality is not mentioned in the peson's web bio, then how will you explain to them that you share XYZ commonality? These problems are solved by going through linkedin, just throwin' that out there.
How was your response rate? I've been doing the same, but I got zero response so far. My email really is as polite as it can possibly be, so not sure if I haven't sent out enough emails or this isn't an effective strategy.
I'd say my response rate cold-emailing people was around 90%, but I didn't do it very frequently, and usually had more of a connection than "you work in finance, let's talk."
What exactly are you guys saying when cold-emailing these people? Also, are all of you just looking for informational interviews, or are some of you asking about jobs/internships?
Bump to an old thread...
Is it ok to follow-up with a 2nd LinkedIn message if they don't respond after a week or two? This is for people in my fraternity's national alumni group that haven't responded (I have nearly zero school alums in IB). Or should I wait longer since it's LinkedIn?
I was going wondering the same thing actually. The way I thought about it was that alot of people probably don't check their email accounts associated to LinkedIn, but was still wondering if it's ok to follow up with another message...
I do follow up with a second message, but I usually wait a few weeks. Sometimes I'll get responses weeks, even months, later, so you may just have to be patient. What actually worked best for me was to just e-mail people directly by guessing their work e-mail.
I say follow Drexel's advice and email them at their work email (its not that hard to figure out). Or if you want to show some guts call the banks main line/directory, and get them to transfer you to said person, and just talk on the phone (i've never done this haha i'm just throwing out some ideas)
But isn’t emailing stalker-style the riskiest option b/c it makes bankers uneasy?...Given that, and the fact that I have time (not doing recruiting this fall), should I try linkedin one/two more times, then try calling a couple weeks later?
BTW, I realize I’ve got “nothing to lose”; I’m just saying that an email from someone who was never provided an address (and especially if it's not listed on their website) seems, to me, to be much riskier than 2nd/3rd linkedin messages and follow-up calls.
if you want help, email the person
No one gives a shit man. And regardless, the type of person that would actually care about that sort of thing most likely isn't going to want to help you out anyways...
Thanks, but everyone's missing my point. I should have expounded more initially, sorry...
I'm wondering about the RELATIVE effectiveness of 3 follow-up methods to linkedin messages: an additional linkedin message, a phone call, or a stalker-style email.
Only the email involves conspicuous stalking. Right or wrong, it’s been drilled in my head that a stalker email can turn off otherwise helpful people…so why not reserve stalker emails as a last resort when linkedin messages fail AND you can’t get through on the phone?
My line of thinking is to e-mail first before calling someone (especially if it is a straight up cold call) 'cause people do not like to be caught off guard. Especially if it is an MD or someone fairly high up in the org.
Also, I e-mail (or am going to, haven't started yet) using the company e-mail rather than through linkedin. The linkedin method seems less professional, less ballsy, and more likely to be rejected, imho. It really is not that difficult to find the person' s e-mail address on the web.
Best of luck.
How is an e-mail stalking, but calling isn't? How do you have their phone number anyway?
I had the exact same concerns as you do about cold-emailing guys I found on LinkedIn. I went ahead and did it anyway though and had no problems whatsoever. No one ever asked where I got their contact info, and surprisingly, most people actually ended up getting back to me.
To clarify, I'm talking about calling numbers available on the company's website, be it HR or actual bankers' numbers; using this readily available information is not stalking. In the case of email, it is also not stalking if the banker's address is available online. But if it's not online and you have to guess it, that's a little more stalker-ish. Get it?
I appreciate you letting me know you've had successful responses after just guessing email conventions. And I also believe that a call is MUCH easier to make if you're following up on a message or email...but you're still not precisely addressing my point: what makes starting off with email BETTER than linkedin?
It just makes more sense to start off with linkedin, ESPECIALLY if you share a common group. If you circumvent linkedin and go straight for the email, it’s a little weirder when you mention that you share a linkedin group. You have to mention that you looked up their linkedin profile, and that makes it a bit more conspicuous that you had to guess their email address after noticing their linkedin profile. If you linkedin message first, then in a follow-up with email you can just say you’re following-up on a linkedin message; that way, it’s a little less conspicuous that you guessed their email, and it makes for a “warmer” email b/c you’re following-up rather than totally cold emailing.
Bottom line- In my opinion, messaging on linkedin first makes it easier to mention your commonality (if you share a group or whatever) and it makes a follow-up call or email easier. If you disagree, feel free to let me know exactly why. Hope this clarifies what I'm saying.
first off, bookmark this thread
//www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/email-structure
You won't have to 'guess' anyones email structure anymore. If people don't want to talk to you, they just won't email you back. Feel free to go through LinkedIn, but the best way to get a response is to go through email since it goes directly to their work, at least in my opinion. I've done this and no one ever questioned me as being a stalker.
A lot of things I have done to network is just trial and error. I've done everything from fine ER emails on research publications and emailed those people to finding people in IDD magazine and shooting them an email. Sometimes they won't reply and you just move on. LinkedIn is great, but I just was never a fan of the messaging system and I prefer to just send emails directly to the person.
Thanks LIBOR. I shouldn't have used the word "guess" b/c I didn't mean it literally; by "guessing", I meant acquiring email addresses by using a first and last name to fit a company's email structure, i.e. get their address in a shady way as opposed to being given it or finding it through a "legit" source like the company's website.
But I get what you mean. I guess what you're saying is, it comes down to "feel" for you - you feel like emailing is more effective. All else equal, I agree, but I feel more comfortable linkedin messaging first if we share a group such as fraternity alumni b/c it makes the follow-up “warmer” to me. Maybe it’s all in my head but it just makes me a little more confident.
What about contacting 2nd connections on Linked-in? Are there any "rules" about telling the in between person?
Cold Email / Message Networking - LinkedIn Message vs Email? (Originally Posted: 09/07/2013)
Hi All,
I did a search and there were similar posts, but it didn't quite answer my question for my case, so maybe you guys can provide some input.
A firm opened up a regional office, and the head guy shares a number of linkedin connections as me (e.g., my old bosses, some connections I made through networking, interviews, etc). Though unfortunately, not from the same school. But the firm still hasn't listed the office or his profile on the website. I don't have his email, but I can probably guess it based on the format.
I was wondering what would be a better option/more likely way to reach out to him and get his attention? Email would allow me to write a more detailed piece about my background and include my resume (I have decent exp - local and international markets, top tier IB, etc). LinkedIn may allow him to see we have some common connections, but limits me to probably 300 characters. Also, it's a bit more informal and some people may or may not check their LinkedIn as frequently.
I've had a higher success rate with LinkedIn responses, but I've only done a few linkedin messages, whereas I've done a number of cold emails (generally with a decent success rate - probably 60-70+%, higher for alumni). Would be great to hear people's thoughts and their own experiences. Thanks!
Email. End thread.
Oreos - why? I generally would think email as well, but him and I don't share a background school-wise. If I was maybe sharing a nationality with him in a foreign city, he might entertain the thought because we share circumstances.
LinkedIn is a little stalkerish, but it's kinda hard to reference this guy's experience in an email without outwardly making that point cause I think his full work background is only covered in LinkedIn, and not anywhere else (e.g., news articles, or former firm profiles, etc)...
It doesn't matter. If he's going to respond, it probably won't matter whether its through email or Linkedin. If you email him, just say you found his profile on Linkedin.
I actually came across his name from a news article that mentioned the opening of the new shop in the region. I'm wondering whether it's better to reference that or LinkedIn (referencing both - would that be overkill?). If by email: referencing the article could come off proactive for following the particular market the firm's in. Referencing LinkedIn, he could check out my profile out of curiosity and see the number of mutual, legitimate connections and that could be a positive.
Email is probably better because a lot of people don't check their LinkedIn frequently. Tip: put a link to your LinkedIn in the signature of your email if you want people to see it. Also, stop overthinking this, it's a recipe for disappointment...
Between the two, I'd go with email. Unless there's already a relationship established, LinkedIn is a bit "stalkerish", as mentioned above. In any case, odds of a response are low unless the wording is succinct, relevant to the target's needs & has a touch of originality.
Going against the grain a little, I think Linkedin would be better. Most people's Linkedin filters through to their personal email, and I've personally had better response rate from Linkedin than work emails (as it is easier for your email to get lost in the hundreds of other emails they probably receive at work).
You may have to be a little more concise with Linkedin, but if they are willing to help you anyways, I don't see how a 200 character vs 500 character message will really change that fact.
Also, regarding stalking on Linkedin; that is what it is for. If they are put off by you looking them up/contacting on Linkedin, then they must be missing the entire point of the website.
Thanks for all the responses so far guys.
A recruiter suggested that if I can get one of my old bosses to make an introduction, that I should do that. I imagine that could be pretty helpful... if I am able to call in that favor...
Using LinkedIn to "cold" message (Originally Posted: 09/01/2012)
I got a few free months of the free upgraded version of LinkedIn. If I have the ability to reach out to someone at a smaller AM firm, who do I go to? An analyst? A PM? or the head of Human Resources? I have a limited number of Inmails and don't want to burn them but I have a few specific places that I want to get in touch with. Who is the best person to start with?
1 tip. check your spelling. You won't believe how many "information interview" or "let's connect" requests I get that spelled something wrong. Instant Delete. I don't care how good the rest of the message was
2nd tip. don't make it look like you copy pasted the same message and sent it to a hundred people. If you want me to spend some time with you, spend 10 seconds looking at me and come up with something interesting/thoughtful
Some good basic tips above.
To answer your question, head of HR may be helpful in telling you about available opportunities, but they may not get you far beyond putting your resume in front of the hiring manager (or in this case, probably the PM).
I would plan on reaching out to a PM in a thoughtful way. You want to grab his/her attention and let them know of your interest and that you've done your homework. Getting "in" with someone senior is what will eventually get you in the door, HR is only going to do the very basic work around the hiring process.
Before you send inmails, get yourself a nice profile picture; targetting those with >200 contacts first, because that indicates more frequent usage.
You might want to be slightly less agressive in your InMails (maybe just ask them to chat or grab coffee with you in the next week or two) and then when you meet with them or get them on the phone you can make a smooth transition toward potential opportunities in the firm.
Also, even though InMail is supposedly more formal or 'important', you still want to keep your message brief and to the point if you really want a response.
Should you even mention the word "resume" in a cold-linkedin message? (Originally Posted: 03/15/2016)
So I found an internship posting at a boutique and chatted it up with a few of the interns who gave an insight on who to connect with for the internship. I connected with the MD they mentioned after he accepted my linkedin request. I want to message him on linkedin instead of email because of how much more likely it is to be read. I was thinking I could introduce myself while subtle mentioning that I could send him my resume or Should I go ahead and introduce myself while simultaneously emailing him my resume? The place I applied at formats your resume to a profile that just look weird. If there's something else I should do let me know. Thanks!
bump.
Got a job in buyside research at a 20B firm via a cold linkedin message (Originally Posted: 09/10/2012)
Hi All,
I often see searches from college kids/career switchers about networking and if cold emailing is worth it etc. It seems plenty of people don't know how to/think its a waste of time, but I just wanted to share my story that can show the power of cold emails/messages.
While I didn't end up taking the job below for other reasons I've posted on WSO previously, I just want to show that it's possible.
I saw on linkedin that a PM at a 20B Equity Fund happened to have a stint in Valuation at my firm. I didn't have his contact info so searched both the company site and bloomberg, but still didn't find his email. Ended up seeing a generic [email protected] email for the firm on their site - and tried a few versions of his name in email form. Sent a "would love to hear your story"...blah blah email - and did not get a response. 1 week later I tried again, and he responded to set up a time to talk. Spoke for an hour about his story and then my passion for the industry, and he said his firm was actually looking for someone. He invited me into the office after another phone interview with a PM. I then had 2 in person interviews and a dinner with the CIO over a month period who then gave me the offer to be a generalist research associate with training to become a sector analyst in 3 years.
I hope some of you prospective monkeys take the above story as an indication of what's possible by trying everything. Never think oh there's no way it's a waste of time, or I can't find his email so I won't try anymore. Just keep pushing.
Also, now that I'm spewing advice. Just wanted to comment on all the bashers of insurance internships like northwestern mutual. People here say it's a total waste of time, but a resume filler no1 can argue with. I did it my Sophmore year, and out of 10 interns , 3 ended up at front office BBs. One who did it in his Junior year went on to S&T at Citi, and another 2 I think IB at DB.
As with all internships, jobs, opportunities, it's how you take your experiences and spin it depending on who you're talking to etc. You just need to find the value in what you did, a "crappy" insurance internship as well.
Good luck to everyone.
gg wp
Good job man
Well done.
So you sent the same message to several variations of what might be his correct email address? When did you find out which one was correct? Was that the only one that didn't bounce back? And when you emailed him again a week later did you just send the message to the one correct email address?
Anyway, congratulations on the job offer! You earned it.
Correct, tried a few versions, got those mailer daemon emails for all but one. That's the one I wrote back too.
gjdm
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