Things that kill your outreach email

Here’s a breakdown of the key points that can kill your outreach email based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Messaging at Inappropriate Times:

   • Avoid sending emails from Friday afternoon to Monday midday. Bankers typically don’t respond to emails over the weekend.
   • Stick to business hours during the week for better chances of a response.

2. Over-Following Up:

   • Following up too soon (e.g., within 24 hours) can come across as pushy.
   • If you’ve followed up 3-4 times without a response, it’s best to move on. Persisting beyond this point can leave a negative impression.

3. Over-the-Top Flattery:

   • Avoid excessive compliments or generic, AI-generated language (e.g., ChatGPT-style emails). It comes off as insincere and lazy.

4. Targeting the Wrong Audience:

   • If you’re looking to lateral into IB from another job, don’t reach out to MBA associates unless you’re also an MBA student. They’re unlikely to engage.

5. Getting Details Wrong:

   • Errors like misspelling the recipient’s name, firm, or other details are immediate deal-breakers. Double-check everything before hitting send.

6. Sharing Responses Publicly:

   • Don’t tell others at your school or network that someone responded to your outreach. If they spam the same person, it diminishes the value of your initial connection.

7. Lack of Common Ground:

   • While some professionals may respond to cold outreach without shared connections, the absence of commonality combined with other mistakes (e.g., poor timing or errors) significantly reduces your chances.

By addressing these pitfalls, you can improve your outreach strategy and increase your chances of getting a positive response.

Sources: Note to People Networking - Don't Copy & Paste Emails, DO BETTER WITH YOUR COLD EMAILS, Cold Call Email Mistake Made - Sharing Response (Advice) Received, Cold Call Email Mistake Made - Sharing Response (Advice) Received, Note to People Networking - Don't Copy & Paste Emails