Cold Emailing MDs and Board members, Heads of Banks

I've got my hands on some great alumni databases which give me access to contacts of MDs, boardmember, and regional head of different banks. I was thinking of cold emailing a few, one for each bank that I still haven't heard back from after making my internship applications. So what do guys suggest in terms of how i should approach this. And Should I email Board members or MDs? And should I email a few from the same bank or just keep it one per bank?

Any input would be appreciated

Thanks

52 Comments
 

I've got a email contact of a chairman of a BB, head of a specific region. Do you guys it would be even worth emailing him, or should I just stick to cold emailing MDs.

 

I personally would stick to e-mailing junior people that you can relate to - build up from there. Unless you know the MD or Chairman, the chances of them responding to your e-mail are slim to none.

Btw many people with access to CapIQ can usually get the e-mail address of a very senior banker - the hard part is getting them to respond. Good Luck.

 
CapToedI personally would stick to e-mailing junior people that you can relate to - build up from there. Unless you know the MD or Chairman, the chances of them responding to your e-mail are slim to none.

Btw many people with access to CapIQ can usually get the e-mail address of a very senior banker - the hard part is getting them to respond. Good Luck.

But isn't it true that junior level people don't really have much leverage in terms of getting my CV through for a possible interview?

 

The size of institution plays a huge role in this. I got a an interview with a PE firm by cold emailing the head of the firm but that only happened because it was a small firm. If you're talking about most BBs and MM shops, I would go with the the previous suggestion of emailing more junior guys, but if its a smaller firm, don't under estimate the value of stricking up a conversation with the higher ups.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 
BobbWhy not do a similar email to the one you sent the MD last summer? If it worked no need to change it.

Keep it simple, introduce yourself and explain how you are looking to break into banking/trading/etc and would like to speak with them to gain some insight and knowledge.

makes sense I guess...At the end do you guys ask if there are any intern positions open? Or no?

I banana back
 

1 Just intro yourself 2 show your passion, explain to him why YOU deserve to work for him and what you want to learn from him. 3 explain to him how your past/present will help you with the role (for example ER = I am president of my school newspaper so I am an established writer) 4 then ask him if he would like to meet sometime

5 send email

6 send thank you card next day.

I want a lady on the street, but a freak in the bed, Go Bucks!!
 

thank you card? lol maybe after you guys meet or he offers you the job. dont do it after the email you will look like an idiot.

 

you give him a thank card if he meets you my bad that is what I was attempting to get it.

I want a lady on the street, but a freak in the bed, Go Bucks!!
 

^^^^ yea man if he wants pussy do it,,,,, I knew a girl at Yale that did stripper work for the Mafia to pay for college, and she did some in NYC and met a MD and he was impressed by her "sales" and gave her job and i can say for a fact she is doing well with her own shop....... I say do whatever the fuck they want unless you morally dont find it correct.

I want a lady on the street, but a freak in the bed, Go Bucks!!
 

Don't attach your resume in the initial email. Just make your interest known and ask intelligent questions in your email.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

Thanks for the reply. What kind of questions do you suggest I ask? About the specific position?

Edit: I think this is a good way to go about it but I dont know what type of questions would be appropriate for this because this wont be a typical networking email. Ask about the firm? The job even though I have the job description? Any ideas?

 

Would it be smart to attach your resume with the following quote?

"To elaborate further about myself, I have attached my resume to this email."

I spoke to a MD and he actually preferred it this way, since it was easier to see whether my background matches up with his division.

 

In the cold email just say who you are, why you're emailing, and you'd love to speak with them about the exciting work they are doing in X group. They will probably do nothing, but if they did do something, it would be to have one of their associates contact you. Wait a week, then cold call.

 

Well, if it's time sensitive b/c you're looking for a currently open position, don't you need to just be direct, attach your resume, and ask to be considered?

 

I got in through flattery! I took an internship in I.T just to get in the door, and while looked up people on the org chart talked about how i was a summer intern, and I would love to go to lunch with or just speak with them for 10minutes about progressing in a career and becoming successful like them, how to be a leader like themselves, etc.....I mentioned NOTHING of Banking in the email. But once I got the opportunity to sit down with them they saw I had a passion, desire, and work ethic to be able to learn the business. I would say SELL YOURSELF not your not your knowledge (if that makes any sense). Then if they like YOU then your good because you already have the knowledge. Also keep in mind there is a fine line between flattery and completely sucking his balls.

You give me a gift? *BAM* Thank you note! You invite me somewhere? *POW* RSVP! You do me a favor? *WHAM* Favor returned! Do not test my politeness.
 

To me, I wouldn't. The only way this would work was if you knew the person personally. But, if it's someone you don't know, it looks like you're only reaching out to them for a job. It's like talking to women...be subtle but tell them what you want.

 

Yea actually. Back in the day Hiter Harris and I traded emails and even got drinks once (for like 15 min).

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

I've actually gotten the best response ratio from MDs and Head ofs. 85% to be precise.... This is for S&T though... The responses have been very positive and 50% of them got me interviews. The rest didn't have any openings but encouraged me to stay in touch. I never thought this would work with BBs but it does, at least in Europe.

Cut to the chase and forget about the informational interview. They all know what you want.

Max. 4 sentences + Resume

 

Yes, though mainly at smaller shops. A few have responded, some even asked me to let them know when I was in town (NYC) and chat with them then.

Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
 

I get more responses from MD's and other Higher ups. I cold e-mailed the CEO of my BB my 2nd day on the job. He replied in 30 mins on a Saturday and I e-mail him once a month to touch base ever since.

Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.- JFK
 
paulydreamerI get more responses from MD's and other Higher ups. I cold e-mailed the CEO of my BB my 2nd day on the job. He replied in 30 mins on a Saturday and I e-mail him once a month to touch base ever since.

Isn't once per month a bit too much?

 

I actually only contact associate and higher. I figure analysts are going to already go to bat for their friends from college rather than associates and higher who no longer have friends in college.

Why make life harder for yourself? A couple of phone calls and emails aren't going to overcome 1+ year of friendsgip.

 

Do you guys format your cold e-mails to higher-ups (associates, VPs, MDs) differently than your cold e-mails to analysts?

I haven't had a great response rate from higher-ups, but have a pretty decent rate from analysts.

 
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