Screwed for Blackrock?

Long story short, I saw Blackrock comes out in March and haven’t sent any cold emails. However, I have 1 (and hopefully another) high ranking personal connections at BR but not in the division of BR I’m applying to. I’m gonna reach out to ask them to refer me to more people in my division but am I screwed not having done cold emails and building direct connections with people in my division?

Given BR comes out in March, is it too late to cold email now or even past the deadline? Overall, how much damage did I do by not networking earlier?

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, you're not entirely "screwed," but there are some key takeaways and strategies to consider:

  1. Timing and Cold Emails: While starting earlier is always better, it's not too late to cold email even now. Many professionals understand that candidates may not always have the foresight to network months in advance. However, the response rate might be lower as the recruiting cycle progresses, especially if you're reaching out past the application deadline. Analysts and associates tend to get inundated with emails closer to deadlines, so your chances of standing out decrease.

  2. Leverage Your High-Ranking Connections: Your personal connections at BlackRock, even if they aren't in the division you're targeting, can still be a significant advantage. Use them to get introductions to people in your desired division. A warm introduction is often more effective than a cold email. Make sure to communicate your interest clearly and ask for advice or insights about the division, not just a referral.

  3. Damage Assessment: Not networking earlier might have limited your ability to build deeper relationships with people in your target division, which could have helped you stand out more. However, all is not lost. Many candidates secure interviews and offers even with last-minute networking efforts, especially if they can demonstrate strong qualifications and genuine interest.

  4. Action Plan:

    • Start cold emailing immediately, focusing on professionals in your target division. Keep your emails concise, professional, and tailored to each recipient.
    • Follow up with your high-ranking connections and ask for introductions to relevant people in your division.
    • If the application deadline has passed, networking can still be valuable. It might help you get noticed for off-cycle opportunities or other roles within the firm.

Remember, while earlier networking is ideal, it's better to start late than not at all. Focus on making the most of the time and resources you have now.

Sources: Dear College Students..., Cold email networking while employed?, Is it too late to start networking in April?, Any point in cold-emailing if you haven't started university?, One Cold Email to Change Your Life (Result right here)

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

You’re not screwed, but you’re definitely behind. It’s not too late to cold email—just be direct and move fast. Your high-ranking contacts are a huge asset, even if they’re not in your division, so use them to get warm intros ASAP. Yeah, starting earlier would’ve helped, but what matters now is how you play catch-up. Focus on quality outreach, make a strong application, and push hard. You still have a shot.

 

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