Thoughts on Lateralling Cold Email format?

Thoughts on this cold email format? Looking to lateral recruit.

Hi (Banker),

My name is xxx, I’m currently a first-year Investment Banking Analyst at (LMM/MM Investment bank) in NYC. I found your contact through xxx. I’m reaching out to see if you would be willing to schedule a call or meeting to learn about your experiences at (Bank)

I’ve been at (LMM/MM Investment bank) since last May, and I’ve been primarily working on transactions for (Industry) companies in the middle market space. I saw you started from a background in (xxx) and made your way into investment banking. 

If you have time in the coming weeks, I’d love to chat. I am interested in learning more about different (Industry) investment banking platforms, and I would love to hear your perspective.

I have attached a copy of my resume for your reference.

Best,

(xxx)

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, the format of the cold email you've provided is quite solid for a few reasons:

  • Personalization: You've made an effort to personalize the email by mentioning the banker's background and relating it to your own experience. This shows that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the banker's career path.

  • Clarity of Intent: You clearly state your current position and your intent to learn about the banker's experiences. This direct approach is often appreciated as it respects the recipient's time.

  • Relevance: You've mentioned your experience in the industry which aligns with the banker's work. This creates a relevant talking point and a basis for the conversation.

  • Professionalism: The tone is professional and courteous, which is key in making a good first impression.

However, based on the WSO Dataset, there are a couple of points you might want to consider:

  • Resume Attachment: Some professionals prefer not to receive attachments in a cold email as it can be seen as too forward. You might want to wait until they express interest or ask for it before sending your resume.

  • Scheduling: Instead of leaving the timing open, you could propose a few specific dates and times for a call. This can make it easier for the banker to say yes by reducing the back-and-forth needed to schedule the meeting.

Remember, the goal is to start a conversation, not to ask for a job outright. Keep the email focused on seeking advice and learning from their experiences. Good luck with your lateral recruiting efforts!

Sources: Cold Emailing/LinkedIn Messaging, So you want to cold email me? Here's how you do it right., Cold emails - what makes you answer?, Should I get straight to the point in my cold email?, Note to People Networking - Don't Copy & Paste Emails

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