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I have been networking extremely aggressively this summer and would say without a doubt email the MD. I have had numerous phone calls with MD's and would actually argue that a higher percentage of MD's have answered my emails vs analysts/associates (crazy but that has been the case on a % base). The kicker is to make sure you have something in your email that draws their attention. Mine was that I lost my job. One MD from an elite boutique (Evercore, PJT, Centerview) told me that he gets a ton of these types of emails every year, and he usually only responds to 3-4 a year. Luckily, I was one of them, and he sympathized with my situation. Unfortunately, they didn't have anything at the time, but it was a connection I made, and he offered to be a resource going forward.

In addition, if your resume is extremely strong, some MD's actually just skip the phone call and will forward your resume to campus recruiting (this lead to a couple interviews for me). Emailing MD's can be more intimidating, but I would definitely say go for it. In fact, I have a call next week with a global head of banking at a BB who's a school alumni (semi target). Pretty much all bankers at all levels are willing to get on the phone with you. 

Remember, the worst thing that could happen is your email gets deleted. 

 

When MD's sent your resume to campus recruiting, did they tell you so in e-mail? Or did they not respond to your original e-mail for a phone call but you ended up getting an interview at their bank later?

 

Not directly related and don't mean to hijack this thread, but has anyone ever bombed a call/coffee chat with an MD? Had an experience recently where I didn't really hit it off with the MD (would attribute it to differing personalities). Don't think he necessarily dislikes me, but I don't think I really impressed him either. Will this hurt my future chances with the firm? 

 

Most prospects operate on the idea that you have to move up the ladder starting from the bottom rung (analyst).

If most everyone is doing this, there is a good chance that senior people don’t receive as many cold emails as junior people.

I tried to speak with one junior person first and then went right to the MD-level for my process.

“When you pull on that jersey, the name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the name on the back"
 
[Comment removed by mod team]
 

The author has stumbled onto something important here. This is one of those little known facts about the banking world...if you can manage to get an MD on the phone, it ALWAYS plays well in your favour, as long as you’re literate and can make them like you. Generally what happens when an MD suggests the group interview someone, the group takes this to mean the MD likes them, and will generally fall in line, unless of course you perform poorly on the interview.

Here’s evidence - I got my first IB gig by doing same, and I was based outside the US and needed sponsorship at the time. Persistence is the key ... every opportunity I’ve ever had has come about through going to the top. It just takes guts. That’s it.

 

Yes, email the MD. I would recommend finding someone junior on his team (A2As are best IMO) to email first even if they’re not from your school. State you found their contact information while preparing to meet the md. State you’d like to make a good first impression and would value their advice. Worked for me and got to network with other people. sounded intelligent when I met the MD because I knew more about the group. In my email to my MD I even referenced the people in my group.

Essentially you’re manufacturing a warm lead.

 

I once called an MD directly on his cell because I read some dumbass thread about "confidence" and "believing in yourself." It was a mistake and a meme.

 

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