I'd appreciate any insights/advices on how to correspond with young, junior bankers. Unlike VPs/MDs, most of junior bankers are only 2-5 years older than rising seniors.
P.S.: if you are a junior banker, please respond even if it's small advice.
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like you said, they are only a little older. just keep it brief and to the point, and don't write as if they owe you anything. In fact, if you do not know them directly or indirectly, you will probably get nowhere, as we have very little pull, and we will not put our ass on the line for someone we have no connection to.
The above poster is pretty spot on. In general, it is best to just keep it brief, and don't ask for anything other than some insight perhaps into the position, or firm, or group (if you are interested in that particular group). If they respond, great, then you can ask them more about their experiences, how they got in, what they thought of the process, etc. If they don't respond, then nothing lost, nothing gained - no big deal.
After some back and forth, the topic may eventually come up as to the proper channels for the resume, don't directly ask them to submit your resume and get you a job, but it wouldn't be bad to ask about the channels (i.e. it's fine to ask if there is a more effective channel than submitting online, or the like).
For alumni, I would follow the same protocol, but you can add a bit more personality and "school spirit," if you will, to the email to try and inspire a response. Alumni will usually be more receptive (especially compared to someone you have zero connection to), but that is not always the case. Remember to be patient, and keep at it - a few people (or several) ignoring you, alumni or not, is normal, and to be expected. You are looking for those who respond with some good information - you don't need a bunch of them, but a few would be nice.
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Oh, and, junior bankers, a few years older than you, or not, is irrelevant. The point is they are in a place (position) that you are hoping to be in a year, 2, whatever, and, as such, they should of course be treated in the same manner as a VP, etc - that is, until they set the stage for a more casual atmosphere. I know it sounds obvious, but a lot of people will contact analysts as if they are their friends, or if they should just understand how hard it is (since they were there themselves recently), and, as such, should immediately be willing to help. This is not the case - a lot of people worked hard to get where they are, and may take it seriously (not in a D-bag way, but in a professional way) - they may be willing to help, but they are not just going to send your resume all over the bank because you are trying to break in too. Yes, I know, I know, it's obvious (to most), but a lot of people will shoot an email with this odd sense of entitlement, and then post on this forum 3 days later wondering why the analyst wasn't running to help them out.
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Should emails be addressed "Dear Mr. __"? At one point, if ever, should the salutation change to first name?
I always use first name. Using Mr. makes them feel like they are not your contemporary, but rather that you are asking for something. You are not asking for something; you are giving them an opportunity to do something nice for someone, and good for their school.
if I ever get any email that says "dear mr." it goes straight to the trash unless I know the person. If I know the person, I respond to cut the shit. I slightly disagree with the above posters that it should not be to informal, but the more formal you make it, the stupider the e-mail may sound, which will make you come off as an awkward kid.
Don't use Dear Mr. for analysts, associates and VPs, but I've always used it for senior level people and it's always worked for me.
The first email I say Dear Mr., if they reply, I send the next one with the first name.
I agree with that breakout Tuaj, although I would consider using Mr. for a VP under some circumstances. If the VP is an alum or you were referred to him/her from an analyst in the group or a friend (of the VP), etc, then first name. If you are reaching out to a VP for a first email without this sort of a connection, then I would address with the Mr. After the first email, if the conversation continues (and he addresses you by your first name), then definitely drop the formalities; first names are appropriate, otherwise it comes off as disconnected or awkward.
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Yeah, agree with BankonBanking. I've always wondered about the VPs...BankonBanking's advice has always been on point.
I honestly don't think you would look like a tool if you used Mr. for VP above, even if it's an alum so don't worry there. But definitely don't use it for analysts and associates.
If someone asks me to pass on his/her resume, I will do just that.
Yes, if some gets my information, it will be because they looked me up on the alumni website or something like linked in. I then pass them onto the manager who is in charge of recruiting
What is the most appropriate way to open a email then? Assuming you use their first name, should it be:
Hi Brian,
Dear Brian,
Brian,
?
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