Cold Emails - How to not be a Creep?
My school has only one alumnus that works in REPE in NYC (where I’m visiting soon and networking for SA 2025). In my search for people at target firms I’ve looked for those that also played the same sport as me. Is there any way to take advantage of that in my cold email to increase my non-alumni hit rate while also not coming off like a creep?
Currently, the template I’m writing has “Beyond my professional pursuits, I also have an interest in X, Y, and Z.” (with X being the shared interest)
Swinging in with some advice, here's how you can leverage your shared interest in sports without coming off as a creep in your cold emails:
Common Ground: Start by mentioning your shared interest in a way that feels natural. For example, "I noticed we both have a passion for sport, which I've found to be a great way to develop teamwork and leadership skills."
Professional Connection: Transition smoothly from the personal connection to the professional one. "I admire the work you've done in REPE, particularly [specific project or aspect of their work], and I'm eager to learn more about your journey in this field."
Purpose of Email: Clearly state the reason for your email. "I'll be in NYC soon and am seeking to connect with professionals in the REPE sector to gain insights and advice as I explore opportunities for a Summer Analyst position in 2025."
Respect Their Time: Acknowledge that their time is valuable. "If you have a few minutes to spare, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to chat over coffee or a quick call at your convenience."
No Pressure: Make it clear that there's no obligation. "I understand you have a busy schedule, so even if we can't meet, any advice you could share via email would be incredibly helpful."
Close on a Friendly Note: End your email with a friendly and open-ended remark. "I look forward to potentially discussing both our experiences in sport and your insights into the REPE industry."
Remember, the key is to be genuine and professional. Show that you've done your homework and you're not just using the sport as a gimmick to get their attention. Good luck with your networking efforts!
Sources: Should I get straight to the point in my cold email?, Cold email networking while employed?, Cold email advice from analyst, So you want to cold email me? Here's how you do it right., Cold emails - what makes you answer?
It’s not creepy to show that you actually took the time to read about their background. And it’s actually BETTER to do that. Heck, you can even put it in the email subject line: ie. Fellow ex-hockey player interested in REPE It’s also an easy ice breaker for the first 5 minutes of a coffee chat.
This is incredibly helpful thank you. How would I go about mentioning it in the body text?
Here’s an email I got a few weeks ago from a student that I gave a call to:
Good evening AFoldingChair,
Thank you for taking the time to read this email. My name is BLANK and I am a sophomore Finance major at BLANK University interested in learning more about BANK NAME and a career in investment banking. I noticed that you have competed in multiple international case comps and love to ski! I understand you must be very busy, but if you have the time I would love to sit down with you for ~15 minutes to hear more about your experience. My resume is attached below for your reference.
For your convenience, please see below for my availability this week:
My LinkedIn has tons of other personal stuff on there that he could have picked out on. And we spent the first bit of the chat talking about our favourite places to ski, and why I love case comps.
I don’t love every aspect of the email and there is always stuff to tweak, but this is a solid starting point.
Write something that starts like this:
Dear MD,
Trust me, I'm not a creep. I've been stalking you and think your background is amazing. I want to be with you. In a work environment of course. I can't wait to hear your voice and do models together. We will be a great team and you can depend on me. I won't take much vacation as I just want to see your beautiful face as much as possible. You are the light of my life. Pick me, you will not regret it.
Warmest Regards,
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