Networking advice UK

you always should ask for their revolute at the end of your message. if they respond and you schedule a call, right before the call you should tip 50 - 75 pounds, after the call another 50-75 pounds, if you get an interview, around 100 pounds, and if you manage to get an offer 25% of your bonus.

Hi,

1) network ideally when it's quiet season. That means I have a lot more time. Don't take it personally if you get ignored - the banker you're reaching out to might be doing all-nighters on a deal. But in general we have more time in the summer.

2) for me at least, reach out on LinkedIn. That's what it's there for. I get sometimes people guessing my email address which feels a bit invasive. 

3) write a personal note in your LinkedIn outreach. So much more effective than cold "connects". There's only so much time in the day, and I'm going to prioritise those who take the time to write something personal. Ideally you'll start by people who went to the same university as you, studied the same course, or have something else in common.

4) It's good to be humble in your message. Recognising that the banker has only limited time, but it would mean so much to you if you could grab 15 minutes, etc.

5) don't faff about organising a VC or coffee. We both get the joke about what this is about. So thank them for connecting, and ask for the coffee. Suggest maybe if you could send them an email they coud send a Teams link or vice versa

6) for the referrals, try to have a good conversation. I know that's vague, but ask personal questions, if you can build a connection (e.g. if you have something in common with them), be humble and appreciative of their time. Bankers (well, humans in general) like it when someone recognises they're tired and working hard (even if you're not sure if that's true).

7) for the referrals, don't overestimate them. In my bank I fill out a form that goes to HR saying how I know them, but you still need to do all the application, online tests, etc. like everyone else. But to ask for them, I think what works for me is (A) don't call them recommendations (you didn't but some people do) which is way too presumptious, and (B) again be appreciative - you know this is a hard ask but you understand that if you get a referral, your application will be flagged. You're really keen on the industry and it's a competitive and stressful time, so it'd mean a lot. Ask at the end of course

I'm sorry but you'll get assholes who schedule calls and don't show up or who agree to connect but don't. Give them the benefit of the doubt and move on

Good luck with the application season