I know someone high up in investment banking - Is it a bad idea to ask them directly for a referral for a job via email?

I know a close, family friend and I'm 98% sure they would help me. What is the best way to play this out? Should I do the typical asking for a career advice, get them on the phone for 5-10 minutes, and then pull my ask? I'm only going to use the referral for an internship, so it's not like there's a lot at stake. They work in a different, but similar field than what I'd be applying for.

2 Comments
 

If you are truly a close family friend and you see them regularly or have their contacts info, just tell them you’re applying and they’ll refer you and just tell you. Otherwise just get in touch and ask to speak with them for a bit on their career path and what not then say it sounds interesting and ask the best way to break in.

whatever you do don’t straight up ask for a referral. (If you’re an analyst or above just tell your contact you’re applying and there’s a 95% chance they will refer you because they want the referral bonus)

 

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