Is my cold email bad?
My cold email response rate is sitting at 5 - 7.5% Does anyone have any good examples of any follow up emails?
This is the script I use:
SUBJECT: (Target) Student Reaching Out
I am a sophomore from [location] interested in Investment Banking, specifically M&A. I admire your position and was wondering if you could jump on the phone with me for a quick 10-minute chat.
I am eager to learn about your experience at [Company Name], as well as any advice you may have. I would be happy to find a time that works best with your busy schedule.
In case it's helpful to provide more context on my background, I have attached my resume below.
Best regards,
(Name)
Yes, this reads like the 25 odd emails I get a week that go direct to my spam because they all say exactly what you're saying. And I'm at a no name.
We all know these are mass emails, and thats ok, but at least put in a bare minimum effort to personalize.
How do I personalize? Do you have any good examples that have worked in the past?
It’s a volume game so better to reach out generally than not at all, but I’d be far more inclined to answer someone if they said they were a member of my former college sports team or a member of a club I was a part of
this may be a bit of a time commitment, but when I was recruiting I spent hours looking into every persons background and highlighted them in the email. Something like, "I see you were a [position] at company previously, and would love to connect regarding your career path." In my experience, people LOVE it when you do a bit of research.
Hi Mr. _____,
I am a fellow [school alumni, tennis player, Texan, basket weaver, etc.] interested in a career in investment banking... rest of your email here.
Would also recommend reaching out to more senior bankers who can actually make hiring decisions.
It's tricky because it's a volume game and you won't have time to personalize every single one. Back in the day, I'd skim profiles on LinkedIn and if there were any higher potential names, I'd drop a line about anything in common - schools, clubs, any thread I could think of.
I am a sophomore looking to get a sophomore summer internship at a regional boutique. I've emailed 29 people and only gotten 2 responses. I am seriously worried that I am going to exhaust all of my contacts and not get anything. My resume is quite good and as been complimented by the two MDs who responded.
I send this email from mon - thursday at 7:45am ish using scheduled send
I wouldn’t send things in the morning. I woke up at 8:30ish during my banking stint and usually already had a bunch of client / angry VP emails when I woke up, so I’m usually just focused on dealing with that. If I’m up early because I’m at the gym, I also wouldn’t respond to you.
Others may disagree but I’d send some time in the afternoon - you’re more likely to catch me sitting around at my desk bored at 4pm, which definitely increases odds of a response
Use this:
Hi Banker--
My name is Monkey and I am a sophomore at Target studying subject. I found your name on LinkedIn while doing some research about investment banking and I noticed you have something in common with me. I'm interested in careers in investment banking and I'd love an opportunity to learn more about your background. Would you be able to spare a few minutes to discuss your career and your experience at name of bank. I am available at the following times:
- Monday 6/9 anytime after 4PM ET
- Tuesday 6/10 from 10AM - 3PM
- Thursday 6/12 anytime after 3:30 PM
I know you're extremely busy so if none of these times work, I can be flexible. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Monkey
Bro it sounds good on the surface but listing your available times in the first email is entitled as fuck. Automatic ignore in my book
Everyone is different. There is no cold email that is universal enough to work on everyone. This one worked extremely well for me during recruiting and I’m FT at an EB now.
DO NOT list your availability in the initial email
"I admire your position" sounds like you want to wear his skin as a suit.
This is how to get ahead of the crowd
1. Download a free version of Apollo and you’ll get a handful of free credits for emails.
2. Identify different roles at different companies you would want to work for.
3. Search for who manages that role (MFWIC) on LinkedIn.
4. Get their email using your free trial.
5. Cold email said managers using the following checklist:
P.S. [personalization that makes you relatable and shows you’ve done research on them]"
I promise you, it works.
It’ll also put you ahead of the 200+ other applicants who are simply submitting their resume, crossing their fingers, and hoping for the best.
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