Not getting emails back at all

Hi all,

Im a rising senior interning right now trying to build contacts with alums and non-alums in IB. I've sent about ~90 emails and have gotten like 4 responses total. In my last batch I schedule sent about 35 and havent gotten any responses, not sure if i'm doing something wrong. I'm using my .edu. I'm worried because i'm not even getting responses from alums which should be pretty high rates. Any advice?

9 Comments
 

If I had to guess, your email probably isn't tailored enough to each person you're reaching out to. Try to find something from their linkedin, social media, or quick google search that's unique about them and mention that. Your resume also may not be up to scratch if you're attaching it to your emails.

 

I've used my personal email and found it to be much more successful; my response rate is ~50%. 

What's your format? How much is copy-pasted vs. personalized? I always try to include at least one sentence on their specific background and, if possible, how it overlaps with mine.

 

It varies a lot. Half are handtyped emails specific to the person, here and there i mention deals and shared groups, and the other half are short and to the point.

 
Most Helpful

There are a few reasons your response rate is low right now both with alums and non alums. I've shared them below. ** Some of these reasons may not apply to you but something to be aware of **

1. People are on vacation -- The summer is a hit and miss to recruit for FT or SA roles. It's generally slow across the board so easier for people to make time for a chat versus in the fall and spring. HOWEVER, it is summer and many people will be taking vacations at some point from now through Labor Day. Therefore, you may be catching people at a time they are out of office. 

2. High volume -- Heightened awareness of high finance have led to a higher increase in people interested in finance. which in turn has resulted in a high number of people sending out emails.

3. Email may be vague -- For starters, I haven't seen your template and am not saying this is you, however, I like to bring this up for anyone reading. Its good practice to make your emails specific to each person. Doesn't need to be 3-5 paragraphs really a reason why their background is interesting. Can be a  recent deal, market update you read, industry focus or about a career transition. Something other than "saw you work at ABC Capital and I'd love to learn more".

4. Timing -- I avoid Mondays and Fridays. Tuesday to Wednesday are your best bet. Would also reach out between 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. This is a good window as its mid week where people know their schedules and can make more time. Fridays are the worst as people check out on those days

5. Timing part 2 -- Be aware of the time zone you're reaching out. No one will get mad getting an email to early or too late. However, if you want to catch someone at a good time see the point above for the best times.

Hope that helps 

 

(Not OP here): If I have emailed someone recently and not gotten a response from either that or my first followup (sent 1 week later), would it be better for me to wait until the end of the summer before attempting to follow up again? Or should I just let it go? Thanks!

 

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