Multiple cold-emails backfired. Now what?
So I'm currently unemployed after the startup I was working with went under. I found a job opening a couple weeks ago, and proceeded to try and get in contact with someone on the team to speak with. I was sure this job would be gone soon, so I took the unusual route of emailing multiple people (as opposed to the normal one and done approach). I regret that now. See below.
- 4/1: Emailed a pretty senior member (Alum #1) of the group, who happens to be an alum from my school, although he is based in a different state. Was hoping I could speak to him and in turn he could recommend me for the role.
- 4/10: After not hearing back from alum #1, I decided to move forward, so I shot a note to a VP in the NYC office (VP #1). I received an Out of Office reply with a colleagues email included. Naturally (because I am an impatient idiot), instead of waiting till this week for her to return, I reach out to that colleague (on her automatic away message) and ask him if he would be available to chat. Surprisingly he responds and sets up a call for 4/12
-4/12: I speak to this person, who is a relatively new member at the firm and at a similar level as where I would be. So, basically we just talked about his role and day-to-day. He mentioned he has no influence in the process at all, given what I mention above, so I just used the opportunity to learn more about the role.
-4/15: While researching the company more, I realized there was another senior member (Alum #2) who was an alum from my school, and he was based in NY. Given that the VP #1 was on vacation, I just figured my email would get lost in the weeds and I wouldn't hear back from her when she returned. Soooooo, I go ahead and write this guy (the fourth person I've contacted).
- Later in the f'ing day: VP #1 returns from vacation and responds to me and asks me if I'm available to meet this Thursday in the office. I was so sure I wouldn't hear back (why couldn't I just wait a couple more hours?!).
4/16: To make matters worse, I get an email from another VP in the group (VP #2) asking me when would be a good time for me next week to discuss and come in the office. WTF? Turns out that Alum #1 (that I just assumed was not planning on responding after 1 1/2 weeks) passed on my information to VP #2.
Any advice on how to respond to this last email (on 4/16)? VP #2 mentioned coordinating with others in the NY office when I come in. Given that I plan on meeting VP #1 for coffee on Thursday, I am worried how this will come off once they find out I've been contacting multiple people! How should I word my response? Surely I have to mention that I plan on meeting VP #1 (which seems more of an informal meeting), just so I'm not hiding anything or being shady.
Ughhh, the one time I say YOLO and start emailing multiple people is the time they all respond (as opposed to the usual 20% hit rate). I feel like sh1t will hit the fan soon enough once they start talking amongst each other. Patience is key. Obviously I'll never do this again.
Hopefully Alum #2 does not respond and further compromise things...
So, multiple people want to talk to you from the same firm.....what's the problem again?
^exactly, I thought you were going to say they blasted you. "VP #2 mentioned coordinating with others in the NY office when I come in."
Sorry, to be clear, she meant that SHE would coordinate with her co-workers (as opposed to me coordinating with them).
Yeah dude, I dont see a problem. There's no rule about talking to more than one person at a firm.
What you have is really good. I would now collaborate with all of them. Tell VP1 that you are trying to schedule a meeting with VP2 and tell VP2 that you are trying to schedule a meeting with VP1. You all work together and I think you increase your chances.
I'd say you should count yourself lucky considering you did many things wrong here, in theory.
You've got a great sense of humor but check again in your pants and see if you have dropped your balls somehwere. Kidding. Best of luck dude!
Roses are red violets are black...yes?
Unless I'm missing something, I don't see an issue. My office sees it as a plus when you have spoken to multiple different alums (and especially if you independently came off well in all of your conversations).
Frankly, I kept waiting for something bad to happen in your post and kept getting more and more anxious... and then nothing. Good for you - go do well in your meetings.
wait... a VP on vacation?
WTF??
If you think this is a tough situation, maybe you aren't cut out for IB. Just sayin. The other posters can sugar coat it for you, but this is a blessing, not a curse.
So everyone you cold emailed responded. Good job, this is a success
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