Recently began cold emailing alums and some recruiters and it's usually hit or miss. I know that there are times when your mailbox is practically full and there's just too much work to do - I'll probably won't hear from you (which I understand).
I was wondering what you all would prefer to see in an email. What would grab your attention enough to want to meet/call i.e., how forward should one be with what they're looking for without looking pretentious? If you don't answer, can I attempt to email you again in a few weeks?
For e.g: "I've been following transactions in the X space and I'd love to get your views. Can we catch up for a quick coffee? I'll keep it brief (20 min)".
2 important ones mentioned above: Some common ground - school, fraternity, hometown, etc. - and a referral.
To be honest, one of the biggest ones for me is totally out of your control: how busy I am when the email comes through. If I'm having a bad day getting a ton of BS from my VP, I'm just gonna say fuck this kid's email and forget about it. If it's slower, then I'll happily respond. If that first case happens, then it's important for you to follow up in a week or two - or better, if you had a referral introduction (that you're close enough), ask them to bother me about it.
Take a look at my networking overview. I almost always respond to cold emails, but two things that will definitely make me not respond are if your email is poorly worded (e.g. spelling mistakes, demanding that I help you, or too long) or if you're a lost cause. I would love to help everyone, but if you're a senior with a terrible GPA and no prior experience, no amount of help from me will help you break into IB, and I would rather spend my limited time helping those who have a chance, but just need a little boost.
I believe including a resume in a cold/networking e-mail is a gamble. Many people want to speak to someone to network with them, and while the underlying thought behind the contact (initiation of it) is "help me get a job" or something similar, it could easily be seen as too forward and a lack of "respect" maybe, even. It depends.
I've done both and to be honest, I don't think it's too possible to really gauge how to do it best. People are different. You can roughly gauge whether or not to attach a resume depending on your e-mail, i.e. are you asking about opportunities at XYZ firm, or are you simply looking to jump on the phone with this person?
As for a must to include, definitely something that will show an inclination of a common ground connection. People want to talk with people they can relate to. Doesn't matter if you're at their alma matter, are from their cultural background, etc.
For me, the following tend to get the best responses:
1) Conciseness - make it quick and simple. People are busy and the quicker you get the point, the better. 2) Enthusiasm- give a compelling reason for me to help out. It may be your accomplishments, your interest in the industry (e.g. touch upon a recent company event.....for example a recent M&A), etc. 3) Personalized - it helps a lot when I don't feel like the cold email is pure spam. Don't just cut-and-paste; add some customization to the specific individual. 4) Polite - essentially recognize the person is busy and offer some alternatives. For example: talking over email, referring you directly to the recruiter/HR, etc.
One particular helpful email I used as an undergrad was asking about classes. Essentially, I was interested in consulting and emailed several alums asking what classes they found the most useful for their jobs and what professors they liked the most. This proved a good segue to conversations about careers and recruiting.
Final note: I personally answer almost all cold emails as: (a) I feel "what goes around comes around" and (b) since I've been helped in the past by people simply out of the goodness of their heart, I do feel the need to pay it forward.
I always respond if they include nudes. But I'll only grab coffee with them if they have a nice piece of ass!