Curious of how often this is done and if this is to be expected. Could be email (if you can find it), LinkedIn inmail or LinkedIn personalised message request. To clarify, this is for bankers already in the industry interviewing for PE roles.
I always did it as a student but wonder how it will be received now.
When you give respect and kindness out, it costs you nothing, but at the same time, don't expect it back.
Some people appreciate the gesture, others would not, it comes down to who you are. I would personally send one, thanking them for their time and consideration and letting them know that it is tough selecting the right fit, but knowing them, there's no doubt they'll make the right choice.
Thanks a lot! Will send them a message
Don’t mention it.
Sending a thank-you note after an interview is still considered a good practice, even for bankers transitioning to private equity roles. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:
Yes, Send a Thank-You Note: It’s a quick way to leave a positive impression and demonstrate professionalism. Even if the interview didn’t go as planned, it helps build potential long-term connections.
Medium of Communication:
Content of the Note:
How It’s Received: While not everyone responds to thank-you notes, they are generally appreciated. Some professionals on WSO have noted that even if they didn’t receive a response, sending a thank-you note helped them stand out.
In summary, sending a thank-you note is still a valuable gesture, even for experienced professionals. It’s a small effort that can leave a lasting impression.
Sources: Thank You Email After Interview, Do Interviewers Respond to Thank You notes?, SA interviews – an interviewer’s perspective, 8 Tips for Your Big 4 Interview
Can never hurt, as long as short, tailored to the conversation, and well-written.
That’s helpful, thank you
You should be sending them
Sending a thank you note also shows that you're interested in the role, which can help swing things in your favor if you're one of the final 2 or 3 candidates.
That’s good to know, thanks
Yes bro what
I always sent notes after and thought that was a bare necessity. After leading recruiting at my bank, the actual follow up rate is more like 40%
Thanks, I later sent them. On your second statement, do you mean candidates who follow up are 40% of the total? And those that influence the decision at all for you?
Yes, but keep it short and don't turn it into a second pitch. A quick email thanking them for their time and referencing something specific you discussed is perfectly fine, even at the associate level. It's basic professional courtesy, not something that makes you look like a student.
I'd use email if you have it. LinkedIn is fine if you don't, but I wouldn't go digging around for someone's contact info just to send a thank-you. And I wouldn't expect it to materially change the outcome either way.
In PE recruiting, especially when things move quickly, the decision may already be made by the time you hit send. Still, it's a low-cost way to leave a good impression. Just don't send a 300-word essay about how the conversation reinforced your passion for investing.
Thank you, that’s very helpful. I sent via LinkedIn and then found that their emails were actually in the invite (attention to detail eh).
I don’t think it helps but it probably doesn’t hurt either
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