Coming across as a genuine kid when networking with bankers
I have a few coffee chats set up with bankers across the street next week. Just wondering how I should approach these conversations? I've seen some of the previous posts but none of them really seem to tackle the idea on how you can make them know you are a genuine candidate (This networking would hopefully be to land a SA position next year). Are there specific things you should talk about? Any advice would be appreciated.
I was always the most successful when I cultivated a genuine interest in how and why they joined the industry. It's no secret people enjoy talking about themselves. If you can tap into that without being obnoxious or sounding fake the rest is pretty easy.
Easiest way imo is just to guide the conversation by what they say and not off of your set questions
Try instead to come across as a likeable and interesting kid.
P.S.- The title was different when I typed this. I am not usually this dumb.
Like you I've been doing a lot of networking (60+ phone calls, about 10 in person). I've found that in-person tends to be way easier than on the phone. In person chats tend to be more relaxed, just getting to know you as a person (i.e. what you like to do, where you're from, what you're looking for in terms of bank size) . Phone conversations tend to be more focused (i.e. what can I do for you, why banking, why our group). Just be yourself and you'll be fine, alot of the time the person you're talking to will lead the conversation. Hope this provides some insight
That is very impressive that you've already done 60+ calls and met 10 in person. How did you manage to get so many people reply your email? I am also in the course of networking, have sent probs over a thousand emails already in 2 months but just a few replied. Do you have any strategies on the best time to send emails or anything like that? Thanks, much appreciated
No worries...I'm from a west coast non-target. So what I did was I went on LinkedIn and looked for people who were similar to my background (i.e school on the west-coast). LinkedIn > Email for initial connections (people can put a face to a name, see your previous experience, etc). Also, timing isn't that much of an issue, although I've read on here that afternoon towards later in the week is better.
How do you send 1000 emails? I've sent 100 at most and I've talked to around 30 people at this point. Are you just sending a stock template?
My suggestion is a story line, weave a tale that ends up showing how perfectly natural it is that... here you are. Talk about growing up, parents, mentors, influences, challenges, interests, etc that weaves together the points you are trying to make in a non-obvious way. Televangelists are very good at this right up until the very end when they go into the hard sell.
As a both a mentee and mentor the last few years, I've come to discover there are two reasons why someone becomes a mentor:
I've done it so often now that I am able to pick up on it within the first 30 seconds, and know how to play both styles. As a mentor, if someone who is seeking my advice is generally willing to just listen to me and learn from me, they come off as genuine. Asking questions actually related to what I'm saying, instead of continually pivoting back to "so in my situation, how can I apply this" or "so for me" -- I like to hear "so in YOUR situation, (Mentor Name), how did you think about this" or "why did you do this" -- it sounds counter-intuitive, but the more the mentee listens and asks questions about the mentor (not themselves), the more they'll learn.
In the end, ask thoughtful questions and dont tell the person what you know, tell them what you dont know, and let them fill in the blanks for you.
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