Email Etiquette

If someone says they'll get back to you on something, do you say "Received" or just leave it at that? I'm leaning toward thinking replying would be redundant, but wanted to check with those who have been in a role for a few years.

100 Comments
 

Unless you have met this person f2f, you will not figure it out.

He could be a master salesman, has skills you can't see or, he simply knew someone who juiced him in. Also, consultancies are all about a mixed group of consultants. While your degree is very important they don't hire exclusively from Ivy's. Rutgers grads can absolutely make it into MBBs.

Who knows. And who cares.

 

Haha...

Well, should have been more clear, but I meant "wanted to check with a WSO user with a few years experience in a role on what the best way to reply would be"

 

Thanks for the useless comments everyone. I guess you're implying that it doesn't really matter. It was an honest question though--I haven't been in a corporate setting, and email doesn't have a built-in "Message Read" function, so I wanted to know what best practices are.

 
"Analyst 1 in IB-M&A" I am just having hard time making sense of this crap.

I'm sorry but why do you care so much? Oh no, someone from a solid state school broke into a firm that you believe should be reserved for those top pedigreed. Get your head out of your ass and focus on your own career and maybe you can make it to the spot they are, as clearly you're jealous

 

exactly this is born out of jealousy...good for the Rutgers kid. a lot of people at 'top targets' live in a bubble where they expect things to come to them because of the name of a school which reflects little else but academic ability... and before i get ms I go to one of the schools the OP mentioned

 

Depends on the context. Apply a bit of common sense.

If your boss send you an email asking you to do something. You should reply back and say something along the lines of. Well received, and will get back to you with this powerpoint by EOD.

If someone is just sending you email to update the team about markets, they are not expecting you to come back to say received. Unless you have spotted an error or have additional useful comments...to which you say 'I have just noticed this bullet point was missing Xyz...'

If your team has giving you a list of projects. You can say 'Thanks I will get on with these right away.'

It really all depends on what is the email? Whether you are expected to email anything back?

A good rule of thumb is if you are the direct recipient of the email and someone is requesting something off you, you should reply with some sort of ETA and set expectations.

 

Appreciate it.

The scenario was that I followed up with someone I had networked with, and they replied that they'll look into a particular question for me and will get back to me soon.

I didn't reply (I thought about sending: Thanks for doing that, really appreciate it, or something). Even though I thanked them in person later, thinking about it now I suppose it wouldn't have hurt to thank them by email as well.

 

I know this guy personally and he's an absolute animal. He would network and hustle day and night with consultants at McKinsey and they ate it up. Relavant experiences are important but its also about the story you tell and I remember he was GOOD at that... not saying this is the usual path to MBB consulting, but there are always loopholes and detours to anything - doesn't always have to be a black and white step by step into a position

 

nothing substantive to add (astros was right: it all depends on context of the situation/workplace/relationship with boss), but I just needed to say that I think it’s remarkably immature that people will go out of their way to shit on OP and leave useless and/or derisive comments to a genuine question. I must have forgotten that most of the users on here have never made a stupid mistake that could’ve been avoided by asking someone experienced for advice before acting....

posts asking for endless prestige rankings and trolling Tobin get bananas while this gets shit on? come on people.

 

He is BY FAR the grittiest person I've met - some RU kids hustle like animals

 

On the next day as a subtle reminder you can say, "Sounds good and and looking forward to your thoughts." I sometimes send out confirmation emails when people have not paid for services, This serves a a subtle reminder that a payment is due Some times it works and some times it does not. If it does not work, I eventually send them a link for payment

 

I say "Received, thank you" when I get in legal docs or apps or whatever. Otherwise, you can assume I'll read it when I read it. Or not. Doesn't matter what you assume but I'm not wasting time replying.

On a similar note, I like "Will do"

heister: Look at all these wannabe richies hating on an expensive salad. https://arthuxtable.com/
 

I fucking hate people who try to sound more formal that is necessary and trying to sound all cute and use corporate jargon and shit. Like relax shit you're allowed to just speak normal everyone knows you went to college

heister: Look at all these wannabe richies hating on an expensive salad. https://arthuxtable.com/
 

Bro I think you're the joke. It's pathetic how privileged some people are to come from families that have bought their kids a spot at a "top target"- "bought" in the sense of actual fraudulent contributions or "bought" in the sense that these kids come from much better backgrounds which makes going to a top target the next step in the process. Get a life

 

If asking for something a signoff of "Thanks, (Name)" seems appropriate. I run into issues where I got something in return and my natural instinct is to lead off with the "Thanks, John" because then I don't feel that I can use it again. My natural instinct is to use "Regards," when giving info or after beginning the email with "Thanks" but I've heard from Brits that they read this as "Fuck You." "Kind Regards" seems more normal there, but just sounds patronizing to me.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

You are actually stupid asf. Good for this kid to make it from Rutgers. I am sorry your privileged ass couldn't get into McKinsey Mr. "Target School".

 

Have you ever thought about the possibility that this person just didn't fill out their LinkedIn? Have you seen his/her resume? In fact, I reccommend copying and pasting your exact message and send it to him/her over Linkedin, I'm sure he/she would be happy to respond. Let us know how it goes...

"Markets can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent."
 

Know this guy personally as well - he’s the best caser I’ve ever met, and put more work into the process than pretty much any other person from any target that I’ve seen. Coming from a non-target school and getting an offer like this is an order of magnitude MORE impressive than getting it from HYP. You being salty that you couldn’t hack it isn’t a reason to come out here and shit on him. Figure out your issues, your HYP degree doesn’t mean jack pal. Alternatively, cry harder! World does tend to be mad forgiving of Ivy Leaguers bitching about how they deserve more, so hey, shoot your shot!

 
Most Helpful

My name's Mathew Giladi. I'm the profile you're describing.

What you're saying makes sense. Health admin, personal trainer, small-time entrepreneur, none of these are compelling on their own. I had to strategically grow, and grow quickly, through hard work, help, and luck.

My parents are disabled and unemployed. They weren't the help I'm describing.

If you'd like to talk more, add me on LinkedIn. We'll set up a 1:1.

 
Controversial

I'm sorry, Ik I came off as an asshole but my question was more about HOW and not WHY you got that offer. It is the greatest accomplishment and it is certainly motivational. I'm sure you worked really hard to get where you are and I am not trying to undermine that. I apologize for being a massive dick. My intention was not to shit on your offer but merely get a sense of the possibility. Congrats on the offer and I am sure you'll be a great consultant!

 

Did you REALLY go through his Linkedin? As for me, it is quite an impressive profile IMHO.

“Destiny is a gift. Some go their entire lives, living existences of quiet desperation, never learning the truth that what feels as though a burden pushing down upon their shoulders is really a sense of purpose that lifts us to greater heights. Never forget that fear is but the precursor to valor, that to strive and triumph in the face of fear is what it means to be a hero. Don’t think. Become.”
 

I'm familiar with someone who my MBB hired in out of undergrad from a >100 ranked US News school (not even in the same state as the office). They had no connections or anything, just expressed interest to the right person, were exceptional, and killed the interviews. Our on-campus approach is a bit elitist, but we'd never say no to great talent who make their way to us. If you get the interview then unlike banking, nothing else much matters.

 

Oooh Ivy League - popular phrase among the wannabe-HYP schools. So where’d you go, Cornell?

All I know is, I see some bullshit ass majors coming out of those places. If you’ve got a 4.0 at Harvard then fine, you can pull off that History major. But a 3.6 from the Cornell Hotel Academy or the UPenn State History Dept, don’t be surprised if some Rutgers kid eats your lunch.

 

To be fair, that’s the entire northern US except that team in Columbus. They should just join the SEC so we can stop laboring under the delusion that the north competes in football.

 

Rutgers isn't bad. If this were Montclair State or some actually sh*t NJ college, then it would be confusing

 

There's a fucking virus going around that's going to kill 100k+ people in this country and you're seriously spending time thinking about this? Literally who cares dude.

 

Agreed. Something is off.

Two guys in this thread claiming to know him personally

Prospect in Other who praised him, leaving a reference to his "unique path":

"He would network and hustle day and night with consultants at McKinsey and they ate it up. Relevant experiences are important but its also about the story you tell and I remember he was GOOD at that... not saying this is the usual path to MBB consulting, but there are always loopholes and detours to anything - doesn't always have to be a black and white step by step into a position"

And a post by "Highinthesky98" Also claims to know the kid personally.. Praising him an extreme amount.

" Know this guy personally as well - he's the best caser I've ever met, and put more work into the process than pretty much any other person from any target that I've seen. Coming from a non-target school and getting an offer like this is an order of magnitude MORE impressive than getting it from HYP. You being salty that you couldn't hack it isn't a reason to come out here and shit on him. Figure out your issues, your HYP degree doesn't mean jack pal. Alternatively, cry harder! World does tend to be mad forgiving of Ivy Leaguers bitching about how they deserve more, so hey, shoot your shot!"

Lastly, this literally sounds like the beginning of a sales speech. "My name's Mathew Giladi. I'm the profile you're describing.

What you're saying makes sense. Health admin, personal trainer, small-time entrepreneur, none of these are compelling on their own. I had to strategically grow, and grow quickly, through hard work, help, and luck." Feel free to add me on LinkedIn and send me your email. I'm hosting a workshop that describes my story and how others can do the same. I'd be happy to include you on the roster so you can hear about the how."

This shit is extremely suspicious and should be deleted. Want to see something weird?

The OP's account is brand new and has never made a comment or post

The kid praising the linkedin kid has a brand new account and has never made a comment or post

The Linkedin kid has a brand new account and has never made a comment or post. Note: Why is his name on WSO his name in real life. Obvious attempt at becoming well known through this scandal of a post.

The other guy praising him has the most generic anonymous account that is possible. Hmm, it's almost like this was all planned and the accounts were created at the same time.

 

Nailed it bruv, absolutely ridiculous odds an undergrad simply browses a forum without posting random BS questions or offering advice he's unqualified to give. Gonna start posting standard garbage like "HEy do I have a chance at GS, 3.2 GPA non-target w/ a felony conviction?????" so that next time some elitist prick tries to dunk on a friend of mine, people will know I'm a real person. Appreciate the advice dog, you a real one!

 

So she left you for the Rutgers stud who not only maintained a great GPA, but also maintained his social life on top of networking. HA U MAD OR NAH??!!

Also, news flash kid we’re in the middle of a pandemic that has the probability of having a deadlier second wave. No one gives a fuck about your opinions of prestige. If your biggest concern right now is hating on someone else, just know that eventually those insecurities will be your downfall.

 

Dolor aut delectus est voluptatem autem eius aliquam. Dignissimos omnis dicta sit rerum deserunt ut quia. Nostrum et numquam ex repellat at accusantium aspernatur. Distinctio non hic amet in aut molestias ut. Quisquam nesciunt consequatur distinctio architecto et corporis autem. Sapiente non nihil ab tempore eaque.

 

Cupiditate sed possimus fugit tenetur reprehenderit sed. Quidem ipsam quisquam harum aut vitae voluptas autem. Voluptatem aspernatur et sit reprehenderit provident distinctio voluptatem. Voluptatibus temporibus soluta perspiciatis velit ex placeat.

Quod id et necessitatibus hic esse illo. Natus eveniet quis dolorem totam corporis.

Voluptatibus odio ea eligendi et nesciunt numquam quia. Aperiam tempora et deleniti et modi eius.

 

Ipsum maxime aut rerum consequatur cum dolor. Officia aspernatur reiciendis quasi aut numquam. Maiores eius voluptatem amet. Dolores facere nostrum qui nemo. Sit dolorum inventore aliquam.

Velit consequuntur ex tempore est cupiditate deserunt. Consequatur exercitationem sint accusantium dolorum asperiores.

Ut harum quibusdam qui harum voluptatem reprehenderit eaque. Illum error architecto minima quo.

Ipsa sed ea nisi quis architecto ad explicabo. Ducimus odit culpa porro illo. Et occaecati non quasi nihil. Ut natus et omnis molestiae officiis tempora. Cumque autem dolores sit dolor.

 

Itaque aut impedit voluptas explicabo. Assumenda quidem omnis aut distinctio id accusamus dolor incidunt. Eaque eum et doloremque amet repudiandae aliquam dignissimos dolorum.

Quia a repellendus perferendis porro veritatis consequatur reiciendis. Et error sunt nam. Omnis assumenda qui quam velit itaque odit libero. Unde suscipit dolor molestias quidem rerum ad.

"Markets can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent."
 

Earum excepturi error et quam pariatur. Quis omnis tempore impedit inventore adipisci voluptas.

Et nisi cupiditate earum ducimus blanditiis explicabo ratione. Esse qui minima alias voluptas. Aut in atque dolorem et facilis rerum. Vel natus in modi nemo.

Corrupti accusamus deleniti dolor porro. Voluptatum sapiente facere inventore odio necessitatibus minus repudiandae. Dolores fugiat nam esse sed aut quia commodi. Mollitia atque placeat impedit reprehenderit porro voluptatem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (71) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”