Advice for Networking Calls for SA Recruiting
This forum was the sole reason I was able to land a role in IB when I recruited for SA 2021 and since receiving my FT offer, I wanted to offer some advice for networking as it is the most important aspect of recruiting in my opinion.
1. Reach out early (Jan/Feb) but only if you are polished enough.
- You have an advantage in getting a response when you are 1/5 per week than when you are 1/10+ per week.
- But this only works in you advantage if you are polished and know your behaviorals/what you want to ask, or else you could get dinged early on.
- For example, kid reached out from my non/semi target school with amazing resume (4.0, multiple PE internships, leadership at the right club, etc) but was very awkward and had a hard time connecting. This is my mind is a ding for EQ.
2. Reach out to alumni first and always end the conversation with "It was great speaking with you, is there anyone else you recommend I speak to?"
- Bankers know that what you are really asking is do you like me enough to refer me to another person on your team who can then vet me again.
3. Try and get in contact with the staffers. This was something that I found REALLY helpful for the BB's as staffers were the one closest to HR and closest to hiring decisions.
4. Keep in touch with whoever you speak to! Keeping a connection warm is extremely important as bankers arent going to remember some random kid they spoke to 3 months ago, but rather the kid who they have been talking with every month, giving advice or even mock interviews too.
5. And most importantly, be a likable & social person with a solid or unique story. Good luck!
Happy to answer any questions that I can answer!
Thank you for posting. My cold email response rate is a little low. Mind if I pm you to look over it?
Post on here with redacted details, think it could benefit other people.
Hello xxx,
My name is xxx. I’m a first year student at xxx majoring in accounting. I’m reaching out because I’m interested in learning more about your journey leading up to xxx bank. It’d be much appreciated as I hope to work in Investment Banking as well. If it’s convenient for you, would you be able to chat over the phone sometime this week?
This are just my thoughts, many people have different styles but ill walk you through my thinking.
Attached my email here:
Hi XXX,
My name is XXX and I'm a Sophomore at XXX interested in pursuing investment banking. I wanted to reach out to learn more from your experience at Goldman Sachs. Would you have any availability for a brief chat early next week? I have attached my resume for context. Thank you and I look forward to speaking.
Best,
XXX
I never even said “my name is xxx”, they could get that from my email signature, helps with keeping your note very brief.
Is there a risk of losing momentum if you reach out too early? What if they forget about you come June when they're making interview decisions?
This is really important, keeping a connection warm will not only help you in terms of when interviewing comes around but if done correctly, you will have somewhat of a mentor who will go heavily at bat for you and can also provide guidance and mock interview prep when needed.
Hey OP, came over from a comment you made on another thread about GPA and how you landed a top-tier role. Any more specific advice for "keeping a connection warm?" Like maybe potential email topics idk.
Great post! Probably a dumb question but how do you know who the staffer is for each office ?
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