19 Comments
 

Doesn't hurt I guess. I'd be concerned that the letter would be tossed out as junk mail.... I've only ever called when I've got a positive reply to my emails, and we always ended up setting a time for the call. IMO Cold calling such busy people might not be such a good idea. If they want to help you, they'll read the email and reply. Perhaps consider sending a follow up email 2-3 weeks later if they don't reply. You definitely don't want to come across as annoying.

thots & prayers
 

I kinda love the idea of sending a letter, assuming you're just trying to get someone's attention and have nothing to lose. We all delete dozens or hundreds of emails a day. I can't remember the last snail mail I received at the office that wasn't a credit card bill. It's attention grabbing without being unprofessional. Would be curious what others think.

 

Agreed, please do not send an email, people find this so weird. I worked under a VP who received two letters and he made it clear to the group how weird he found it.

Also, if they genuinely want to reply, they will leave your email in the inbox and not delete it as a reminder when they clean out their email. A letter will be trashed / lost even if they want to reply. There are so many paper stacks in IB it will get lost

“If you ain’t first, you’re last!” - GOAT
 

If it's not for IB, and more for HF/AM, would it be fine? Truth be told, it's a long shot HF i'm going for and my emails have been unanswered. I don't want to call because the receptionist etc won't really take it seriously imo. I figured sending a letter is better and at least trying is better than nothing.

 

If you sent me a cold letter I’d 100% think you’re weird and it’d go in the trash. Just send an email like everyone else. If you share something in common with the person the response rate will be higher than you think.

 
Most Helpful
"Personofwalmart" If you sent me a cold letter I’d 100% think you’re weird and it’d go in the trash. Just send an email like everyone else. If you share something in common with the person the response rate will be higher than you think.

This. I get, generally older candidates, who send me cover letters and resumes by mail and then follow up by email, usually from a yahoo account. I have never met any of them.

Just email please, and say something compelling enough for me to want to meet you.

 

If you sent me a physical letter i'd definitely reply, i get emails all damn day from students at wharton, harvard etc. theyre all the same and its hard to stand out. also id feel like a douche bag trashing your letter that youve obv went into some trouble to write

What concert costs 45 cents? 50 Cent feat. Nickelback.
 

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