Thoughts on How to Format a Cold Email
Mod note: This was a top rated comment ahwhile back in response to how to format a cold email here: Stand Out as a Non-Target: Recruiting. What's your take on long vs short emails?
I'm going to disagree with your cold e-mailing format. I go to a Non-Target as well, and I've spent my fair share of time learning what does and doesn't work with networking so far.
The problem with your format is two fold:
1) You reveal way too much information about yourself. If you list what group you want to work with and then your qualifications that make you a good fit, what reason does the person you're contacting have to even respond if they've already dinged you because they didn't like the quick snapshot of you that you provided them with?
2) The e-mail is focused around you getting a position with them and you want the e-mail to be focused around THEM. From the single mention of going after a position they've already started interviewing you. They key to networking is establishing a personal relationship with your contact. I don't know about you, but I would be WAY more interested in talking to some kid about myself then some obscure question about a particular function of a deal I did. Instead of asking your contact questions about the bank or group they're with, ask them about themselves.
Personally, my goal with my cold e-mails is to get that person on the phone with me. Just as you should never ask a question that you could Google for yourself, you should never format your e-mail so that once they respond it's done. Your goal should be to elevate that conversation to a phone call.
Here is a sample of my current cold e-mail format. It's adjusted to reflect that I'm currently working in a position because I've started to network already.
Mr. BSD,
My name is StryfeDSP. I am a rising Sophomore finance student currently studying at the University of Non-Targets with a very high interest in pursuing a career in investment management, with a particular focus on the equity market and research. I found your information while searching for Non-Target alumni in the investment industry, and I have since taken the time to familiarize myself more with [firm name].Currently, I am an equity research summer analyst with [firm], and previously worked as an investment management intern at [city] based [firm] over my freshman winter and spring break.
I understand that you're a busy man, but I was hoping I could have 15 minutes of your time over the phone sometime within the next week to speak with you about your experience in the investment industry, as well as any advice you may have for someone hoping to succeed in this field. I am more than happy to accomodate whatever time works best with your schedule.
Thank you,
StryfeDSP
[phone number]
[e-mail]
Here's what I accomplished with this e-mail:
a) Brief introduction. Only the basics about who I am, and since I'm only going to be a sophomore I let him know that I have SOME experience.
b) Presented him with a request. In this case - an invitation to speak on the phone about HIM; not his bank, not his group, not some deal he worked on, but HIM!
c) Gave a timeline for when I'd like to speak with him. Instead of leaving it open ended he'll check his calendar and see what he has free. 9/10 times that someone has told me they couldn't do it within the week they've suggested a time to make it up.
d) I DON'T MENTION THAT I'M AFTER A JOB FROM THEM! Some people might disagree with this part, and state that it's best to make your intentions clear from the get go. But believe me, they already know what's up as soon as they read my e-mail.
No matter how well you mask your e-mail by inquiring about their group or bank, or even an attempt to "get to know them" they're all onto our secret agendas. So let's feign innocence and ignorance and pretend to be interested in them as a person.
Once you have your contact on the phone all you need to do from there on out is close them, and in my opinion that's the easiest if you know what to do. But how to have a successful informational interview is for another post.
I completely agree. This is working well right now particularly for Alumni
Great post. I landed my current internships with pretty much the same steps.
Once, you get the phone call. What questions do you ask?
Ask about their background, any advice they have, how they got started. Look at their LinkedIn find any common interests, read up on them so you have something to discuss. Have a solid story crafted (look at M&I for help here) and be able to tell it within two minutes. DON'T ask for an internship the first phone call, ask if you can stay in touch and schedule a meeting or another call for a couple of weeks down the road. You want the call to be as close to a casual conversation as possible.
Comments on cold email format (Originally Posted: 02/24/2013)
Wondering if WSO champs can give me feedback on my cold email format. Email response success is 4/10, is there any thing I can improve here.
Should I take the route of cold calling ? Hi XYZ,
I am a Geophysicist. I am working in Calgary oil and gas sector from last 2 year and quite interested in oil and gas sector. I have a interest in Equity Research and would be excited to pursue a career in ER. I am sure you are very busy but if you have some free time on coming Friday or next week. I would be interested in meeting with you for coffee.
I would like to hear about your perspective on the industry, as well as your experience in Equity Research with XXX Shop.
Regards
XYZ Geophysicist CGG Veritas
Is French your first language? You need some work on your writing.
grammar check bro
Hello XYZ,
I am currently a geophysicist based in Calgary, and I've working in the oil and gas sector for the last two years. I am interested in pursuing a career in Equity Research, and would appreciate any information about shop XYZ or the industry at-large.
I'd like to meet with you for coffee to hear about your perspective on the industry, as well as your experience in Equity Research with shop XYZ. I will be available this coming Friday, but I'm willing to work around your schedule. I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
XYZ Geophysicist CGG Veritas
"I've been working" :)
Thanks...I will work on it
How is this for a cold email format (text paste) (opinions please (Originally Posted: 12/01/2011)
Dear
My name is XXX and I am a sophomore at XXXX College majoring in Economics. I have previous experience in investment banking this past summer at a boutique. Do you have a few minutes within the next few weeks to discuss with me how to best position myself for a summer opportunity at your firm?
Thanks,
XXX
I am not going to attach my resume` and CV
Plain bad.
It's a little too forward, personally I would just ask for a few minutes of their time. If it leads somewhere then great, but asking right off the bat may come off the wrong way.
noted -- thanks man
any other opinions?
Name the boutique ?
Should be three-four sentences:
1) Introduce yourself, say your major and what school you are from 2) Explain how you got their contact info (alumni database/connection/website/etc) 3) Touch on your previous experience but say that you are most interested in pursuing a career/internship in investment banking 4) Ask them if they have some time in the next few weeks that you would love to meet with them for a cup of coffee or lunch to learn more about their experiences in IB
Thats it....make it short and sweet. After a week, send a follow up. Helps if they are an alum of your school or have been connected to you through a friend. Cold e-mailing is an art, but it works...trust me.
Do most people do this? Or do you simply ask to talk to them when they have time? I remember I asked a couple of alumni if we could meet and they simply replied with a preferred date and time for a phone call.
If you want to be more forward, this was my standard email that i sent to a number of places:
I am interested in working as an XXX upon graduation and was hoping to reach out to your firm for more information on XXX opportunities. I understand you must be incredibly busy, but would appreciate a chance to speak with a member of your team. Please find my resume attached for your convenience.
be careful about copying and pasting.... some email formats will change the font style and where you fill in XXXX as your name or XXXX as the firm, will be in a different font from the word document you keep your pitch in. It looks super tacky and is a definite dealbreaker. Always best to email it to yourself first.
Thanks for the input.
I have already exhausted most of my alumni (non-target) so i would be cold emailing random firms and people at the firms. That is why I think I should be more forward
@bullbythehorns,
Easiest way is to just save the skeleton template as a Notepad file. Defaults to whatever text you are currently typing in.
molto bene -- good advice
I feel that calling is best. Even though i prefer text based communication due to my hearing situation, calling seems to be the most effective way of actually making a connection. I know for one when I was in IBD my VPs would just delete hundreds of emails from people just because they didn't want to bother with reading them.
what if they aren't alumni? Just random people?
I didnt give a fuck, I just started calling random people at banks untill someone answered.
What the guy said above me^
Then you just pitched yourself? Success rate?
How do you get around the office assistant who will undoubtedly answer the phone when you cold-call?
Anything wrong with my cold email format? (Originally Posted: 06/15/2012)
Dear Mr/Mrs X,
This is John Doe a student at Apple University majoring in finance and economics. I found your contact information on Linkedin as well as the alumni database. I am highly interested in the investment banking industry and specifically the mergers and acquistions field. Would you be open to a brief informational interview over the phone next week? I am eager to learn more about your undergraduate experiences at apple university and about your role at ______ bank. Thank you for your time and help.
Best,
you could attach your resume as well
hey ERdream....good point but i prefer not to unless they specifcally ask for it. It seems kinda pushy if i attach my resume. I usually establish a relationship first then ask for them to take a look at my resume once they know who I am. That way the connection is more solid and I am not asking for a job....but rather there expertise on my resume ( how i can better format it, add new lines, ect). I feel that way they would offer to help you later on down the road if u listen and take suggestions
Do not attach your resume. And i wouldnt ask are you open for an "informational interview." Ask if he/she would be open to answering some questions or share some advice with a motivated student. I also wouldnt put "specifically the mergers and acquistions field" in there.
Also be open ended with you availability, always let them know that you know how busy they are and that you will be flexible around there schedule.
You should also provide a brief line about any experience you may have in finance, nothing long, just a line or too stating I recently completed or am completing an internship at XYZ
I agree with dogboo. He's correct on everything he said, especially including the "I know you are busy" line. When I included that my response rate went up at least 10%. Even though it seems like a little thing I think it shows understanding and that you aren't self-important.
Also, while there is nothing wrong with what you said, it's much better to show rather than tell. So for example, instead of saying "I am highly interested in the investment banking industry and specifically the mergers and acquistions field" I think it would be better to include something like, "I was recently reading an article about the merger between x and y companies (preferably the bank where the contact works and of course their specific group would be ideal) and I'm interested to learn about the deal process from an insider's perspective"
Finally, Don't use my example word for word, I'm in the trading industry so I'm not sure if that would be the best way to show interest in M & A, it was merely an example which shows him/her that you are motivated to do research on current events in the field in addition to showing the interest you have for banking. Hope this helps
It's pretty weak, but my guess is your like a freshman or something.
You need a power statement. Something that proves your worth their time to talk to. Plenty of idiots cold calling these days so you need a stamp of approval.
You need something like, I won a M&A competition or I'm president of finance club or i'm working at popular bank.
That, or it needs to be extremely personal... going to the same school is not personal enough.
"highly interested" horrible phrase.
why are you interested? catalyst to your interest (e.g. deal that bank has done)
informational interview is a phrase tha M&I made up, no one else will know it, use "call"
"role" again, horrible phrase, ask to talk about the industry bla bla, and defo not his time at the uni, wana bum the guy out? make him think of what he's missing?
"highly interested" horrible phrase.
why are you interested? catalyst to your interest (e.g. deal that bank has done)
informational interview is a phrase tha M&I made up, no one else will know it, use "call"
"role" again, horrible phrase, ask to talk about the industry bla bla, and defo not his time at the uni, wana bum the guy out? make him think of what he's missing?
I disagree with pretty much all of the above. I receive several of these emails a month and ding all of the ones that sound like they were'computer generated' you're emailing a person (albeit a busy one) and they will react more favourably if you sound more approachable.
Dont make it so formal, you have something in common with this person (uni) and they have gone through the same recruiting struggle as you, a sentence along the lines of 'as you aware the recruiting process is extremely tough at the moment and therefore it would be fantastic if you had a few minutes to learn more about your current role, recruitment etc
Good luck.
My main issue with this is that you're obviously, making no bones about it, using them for a job. I would react badly to this. This may be a US UK divide (as with no cv attachment). But agree on the informality, depending on the level, MDs should be treated with respect.
I think in the end, Its really just how luck you get..
Other people can help you word your letter to make it sound a bit more informal. If you are emailing a senior banker I would advise you to mention that you already spoke to analysts at the bank. This implies that you have done your basic research and are worthy of his time.
Kill this Cold E-mail format (Originally Posted: 09/03/2015)
Thanks for the help
Would not have the last line that way. I'd just say something like "please let me know if you are available for a brief conversation"
My immediate reaction was to wonder if you close the deal on dates like that and what your success rate has been.
Don't phrase the last sentence like that - you can still be deferential while not "giving" them reasons to ignore the email. Try posting it like a question, maybe
Cold Email Format (Originally Posted: 04/26/2012)
.
Dear Sir/Madame,
I am a Sophomore at xxx university, I found your details on [so and so data base] which is truly astounding considering my moronic inability to use a search bar on a website. I would very much appreciated any time you may have to speak about the industry and help me develop my, currently, laughable initiative levels going forward.
Best regards,
SA101
I just got an offer from GOLDMAN! IT Worked!!!!!!!
From: SA101 To: [Boutique President] Subject: summer internship Application
Hey First Name, I've attached my resume and cover letter below.
Cheers, SA101
BWAHAHAHAHAHHAA I swear this never gets old!!!
There are going to be people who suggest all three of those approaches, personally I like going the informational route, but then again I don't have a job yet.
The one I use is:
Dear ________
I'm a ______ major, who is actively looking to gain further industry experience and in considering a variety of firms, was attracted to _________. I was hoping to discover whether _______ currently had any positions or future openings in __________.
Bullet point some key takeaways:
Follow up with a call in a few days
Cold-Emailing Format? (Originally Posted: 08/05/2011)
I'm looking at some tiny boutiques to try and intern / work at for a couple of months, I have contact addresses but am not sure how to go about emailing them.
Should I just copy/paste my cover letter into the email bulk and then attach my CV PDF? Should I write out some separate email body and then attach both my cover letter and CV?
Help much appreciated!
I don't think you should send a cover letter, unless it's not too long. I usually sent a short paragraph of no more than five sentences. I introduced myself and mentioned my school and major. I said I was interested in investment banking and gave a reason, if I could, about why their firm stood out for me. Then I mentioned something about how I wanted to inquire as to whether their firm had any internship opportunities for the period I was looking for and I thanked them for any help or information.
Are you going to email the general contact email for these banks or individuals? It was recommended to me several times that if their email is shared on the website, as it is for many boutiques, that I should just email someone directly in the firm, even if their not an alum or anything. It's more personal. If their emails aren't provided, then just send out information to the general contact email.
+1, Finecon is absolutely correct.
You don't need to send a cover letter period, in fact I'd recommend that you don't attach your resume either. Like he said, just email them and introduce yourself, maybe include a certain reason you chose that firm to email if you have one (alumnus contact, something unique about the firm, etc), and then say you're wondering if they have a few minutes to talk answer a few of your questions. Talk to them for a while, and they'll probably ask for your resume if it's recruiting season and you're showing interest. If not, be more direct and ask the old "what's the best way I could position myself for a summer internship with your firm"
And keep emails short. 4-5 sentence max. For example, the paragraph I wrote above would likely be too long for a cold-email.
*PM me if you want me to send you some samples of cold emails I've sent.
My rule of thumb is to make sure whatever email I'm sending can be read on a Blackberry without too much scrolling. Do not attach a resume to a cold email, save that for when you're ready to leverage the contact.
COLD E-MAIL FORMAT? OPINIONS? (Originally Posted: 12/21/2011)
Would this format be okay when contacting people that I got referred to?
Dear Mr./Mrs. _________,
Hi, my name is ________ and I am currently a 2nd year at ________ majoring in Business Administration and Economics with a minor in Japanese. A friend of mine, _______, referred me to you after I expressed my interest in working at XXX's ________ Office. I have previous experience as a research assistant at a financial advisory firm and a start-up specializing in adhesives. I am hoping to connect with you and gain potential insight into XXX and what it is like to work at XXX. Hope to get in touch with you soon.
Sincerely,
Constructive comments would be great!
You might try putting your connection's name in the first sentence and your schooling in the second. Leading with the contact whom they know will build your rep immediately, then you can tell them about what you've accomplished.
e.g. Hi my name is Joe Snuffy, I was referred to you by " " when I expressed interest in. I am currently in my 2nd year...
For the fourth sentence you could try being a little more clear on what you want: "I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss XXX or working at XXX". If their schedule is so busy they can't meet with you at any time, they will probably offer to have the conversation via phone. If they don't, then they probably aren't too keen on helping you out.
Finally, I would say something along the lines of "I look forward to hearing from you" instead of "hope to get in touch with you" for the closing sentence.
p.s. it's not really a cold email if you have a connection with the person, this is more like an introductory email in normal networking.
to be honest... they don't care what you major or minor in, whats your previous experience. They don't look at this as a "yes/no I will respond to this guy since he did/didn't do this"
And one thing I've learnt from my networking experience is people like small emails that are concise.
I would suggest change it to something like this:
Hi Mr./Mrs. _________,
My name is ________ and I am a second year student at XXX University. I was recently referred to you by my classmate/colleague XXX. Do you have time to share your unique experience on how you got to where you are today. Hope to get in touch with you soon.
Sincerely,
Something like that... I didn't spend too much into editing this so use it as a template... notice its short, concise, to the point, non of those useless information to him (you were this at that..)
Agreed.
What should the subject be in the email?
When I networked with alumni, i used "Stanford student reaching out", but if you're doing a friend referral, I would suggest you ask your friend to email the person and cc you... that way he broke the ice for you
Definitely try this ^, works like a charm.
Thank you so much for the great insights!
In my experience, I had a higher response rate when I had shorter emails. cfm gave a good example
100%, you MUST put your referrer's name in the first line.
saved
Hi, this templates are quite nice but I would recommend to use more questions especially at the end of CM. "what do you tink about....?", "should I call you at....?". More questions will make the recipient more involved. I would also recommend you to check coldmail.ai to be sure that your CM are unique and well written.
Cold emailing people outside of alumni (Originally Posted: 08/20/2017)
I have comprised a list of approximately 60 individuals that are alumni that I plan on cold emailing with the intent of networking and to hopefully land a job down the road. However, there are many people from other schools that I would like to email mainly due to them being in roles and companies I am more interested in. I understand that in order to get a better email response rate it is better to establish some sort of common ground, which is easy for alumni. How can establish some common ground when emailing these people? How should I format the email?
bump
https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/guide-cold-contacting-investment… this thread is for non-targets, but it applies the same in your situation
You might try reaching out to people who also worked at the same firm as you in the past. However, this really works best if you worked at certain types of companies/industries.
For instance, the consulting firm I worked at has an alumni program. They actively encourage people who've transitioned from the firm to help one another later on in their careers. I know in my case, I would gladly answer a cold-email from someone who was once at the same company.
Cold Emailing Failed, What went wrong? (Originally Posted: 09/18/2016)
Background: Non-target MS, Big 4 - 1st yr senior Goal: global macro investment analyst
Been managing my own incubator global macro fund for almost a year (90% of my net worth invested), with annualized return of 3.1%. Every position I take is backed with a detailed analysis in the quarterly report I put together.
Last week I started cold emailing, wishing to get some feedback on the report / investments & build up some connections. I emailed over 200 people and sent 15 LinkedIn group msg. No response. I was wondering what went wrong. (The report I attached is a bit lengthy, 114 pgs)
Subject: Info Interview Request
Attachments: Investment Report (Sept 2016)
Mr. XXXX,
Greetings from a fellow aspiring HF analyst. I was doing research on investment professionals and I came across your impressive profile on Linkedin.
I have been running my incubator fund and drafting reports to support all my investments. I’d love some feedback from you on the report and pick your brain on some other career questions. I believe learning from someone who has first-hand experience and keen observation in the field is incredibly helpful.
Would you be available for a quick call sometime next week?
Many thanks,
P.S. I'm sure you're busy, I'd be happy to send my questions via email if it's easier for you.
You are totally right, I was so misguided and my email sounded too uptight and formal.
Thank you for the wake up call! I rewrote the whole thing, and I'd appreciate any additional advice you can give me on this updated piece.
Subject: Seeking Career Advice
(No Attachment)
Hi xxx,
My name is xxx, a senior at big 4. I found your profile while researching on investment professionals and would love to have a quick chat with you.
I’m highly interested in the hedge fund industry. To get some hands-on experience, I’ve been running my incubator fund and drafting reports to support my investments. I’d love pick your brain on some career questions.
Would you be available for a call sometime next week? I'm sure you're busy, and I can send my questions via email if it's easier.
Best regards,
I'm still not feeling it. The structure is all over the place (going from "would love to have a quick chat" to talking about your incubator to asking for random career advice) doesn't display linear thinking and is difficult to read. Moreover, your ask is not specific -- there are millions of people who work with or "in the hedge fund industry" in some capacity. The same holds for your subject line -- do you want advice on going from the Big 4 to HFs? Do you want to pitch me your incubator (in which case, this is a disguised sales email and then I'm DEFINITELY not interested)?
To bounce off of what @anonguytoibd" said, I also hate it when people write "thanks" at the end of an email -- I haven't done anything for you, why are you thanking me? I also hate the "I'm sure you're busy/swamped/etc" bit -- there are more direct, confident ways to insinuate alternative means of communication than that.
Make your research 3 pages and get it reviewed few times, too. Put your most important sentence right in the beginning. Try to be as punchy as possible. If you want, check advises for Phd. candidates on writing on my profile. Since your email is not close to par, the chance your report's writing to be a kind of suck-up style is high. Some people say attaching something is risky as you don't know the quality of your work.
After reading all this, I can understand why... However, if I was running a fund and had 100+ pages of research on my positions, yada yada yada, I would be sourcing LP's not trying to cold email people so I can work to line some other guys pockets.
IMO I'm far from successfully managing a macro fund as there's so much more for me to learn. I might get by okay with the fundamental and technical analysis, but I'm weak on position sizing and other parts of the investment process.
That's why I'm more of using the incubator as a tool to build connections with the insiders and not worried about sourcing for now.
first thing you need to do is stop calling it a fund. it's your lunch money plus your mom's savings. just say you have a PA. No one wants to go through your 100 page report and that's the reality.
Pretty much what everyone above has said.
To add - I hate when I get cold emails and pretty much never respond. Even more than a cold email, I hate cold template emails. 200 emails and the time spent doing them - while you think might show dedication - is actually pretty lazy. I am of the opinion your messages need to be personalized. Short but personalized to even stand a chance.
All this cold email shit didn't exist when I was in school and what I don't think you young bloods realize is that if you can email people so easier with generic templates so can everyone else. It's not special, and as I said above if its an obvious template, it shows laziness.
This shit is so basic - just use common sense. What type of email would you want to receive if you were on the other side of the table?
.
.
""Subject: Investment Portfolio
(No Attachment)
Hi xxx,
My name is xxx, a senior at big 4 (This sounds lame, is there a better title for you?). I found your profile while researching on investment professionals because of your experience in XXX and found it very interesting.
I've been running my incubator fund and drafting reports to support my investments. I was wondering your opinion on XXX.
I've attached a one page pdf of my findings and results that I attached.
Please let me know if you have a brief time to chat. I have been interested in the hedge fund industry as a whole and had a few questions.
Best regards,
XXX ""
You might have to send a lot of these. The nature of this is that most people will not respond as with anything cold.
However, you're kind of hoping someone that is bored at work will answer. No one gives a shit that you want to be an HF analyst. You basically give your best foot out and hope someone is nice enough to respond.
Also, you send them a ONE PAGE REPORT they can quickly glance at. Gives them something to respond to other than "I want to talk to you on the phone".
I'm not exactly sure how you are in accounting at the big 4 but also a senior consultant.
think from other person's perspective. what is the point in replying to your cold email? you are simply seeking benefit for yourself without providing an incentive for the other person.
I like the idea of running your own fund and then presenting it for networking purposes, though.
.
"and I came across your impressive profile on Linkedin."
Right after this I would have deleted and moved on. Where on earth did someone tell you to say things like this to people? It literally makes me uncomfortable. I don't need you to tell me my profile is "impressive", goodness gracious...
Cold emails don't need to be anything complicated. If you're thinking about it, you've already messed up. When I was writing mine, they were quite literally 3 personalized sentences long and merely asked for a quick phone call regarding their career. No attachments, no requests for an interview, etc. That got me about 33% response rate and is what eventually led me to my first role, and current role.
I had a prospective employer (stalker) find me on LinkedIn and on Facebook, and literally tried adding me as a friend/contact. I declined and a week later, got an e-mail from him saying, "We need to reschedule." I never heard back from him, let alone it left a very uncomfortable feeling on me.
Just as a heads up, it took me a year (YEAR!) of cold emailing/calling/stalking to get into a BB and it was only through following up with EVERY referral. It takes a LOT of time but the payoff is obvs worth it. Not sure how long you've been cold emailing, but don't expect immediate results.
7/10
One thought: your email may be getting spammed. A 100+ page PDF is probably a fairly large file (more than a few Kilobytes), and the recipients' email servers may be quarantining it, thinking that it could be a trojan horse email.
Hello XXXX,
My name is _____ and I am a ______ at ________. I am an aspiring Hedge Fund analyst and ran across your impressive profile on linkedin. I'd love to talk to you about your experiences in the industry if you had the time. Would you be available for a call next week?
Respectfully, Harambe
Save the talk about your incubator/other projects for the call. Pouring your heart and soul and your projects out in one email is the equivalent of meeting someone for the first time and start talking about issues with depressions. Basically, he doesn't have time to read your shit. Make it short and to the point and have respect for his time.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Cold-Email Standards/Courtesies: Let's Define Them (Originally Posted: 08/25/2011)
I'll start with my 10 commandments and then elaborate below:
1. Write to a Girl 2. Short & Sweet (100-150W) 3. Specific in What You Want 4. Respond within 12 Hrs. 5. Set Action Req. 6. No Life Story 7. Asshole Test (No Bragging) 8. Why I Should Help You 9. Good Hour Test 10. Language/Affect
-100-150 Words of Text Max (Brevity is wit, respectful of time, people read slower than you) -No receipt on read or stupid tags (blew up BCG op by having it accidentally checked--never used it in my life) -Good Hour Test (11AM-2PM, 4PM+, not after midnight, not during dinner) -Respond within 12 hours (blew up after the 36 hour mark when traveling). -When setting time, respond within 1 hour. -When confirming times, within 30 minutes. -Spaced out, 3-4 lines per line break (even 3 line thank you's count as too much)
What to mention: -Reasonable Ask (Can you pass me along, introduce me to fellow alumni, like to hear your story) -Specific in what you want (I'd like -Why I (reader) should help you (you) -No bragging/Asshole Test -E.g. "Amazing" -> Great -E.g. Expert -> Pretty good -E.g. Graduated summa cum laude -> did the homework
Letters:
-350 word max. -Good paper -No Life Story -Action at the end (are you free for a chat) -5 Paragraphs Max
Language/Affect (with the A). -Thanks, vs. Thanks! -Got it. vs. I perfectly understand. -Work hard vs. Hustle -My problem is vs. I'm trying to solve this case -I didn't have any luck vs. I'm still trying to break in -I graduated XYZ vs. I got the most mileage out of my degree by doing XYZ
Finally: Structure, structure, structure.
Basically, imagine writing to a girl you want to take out. I've blown up some pretty serious opportunities writing too much and not following these rules.
I have to stress that your email must be perfect and thought out. You're gambling on their response, and they are seeing if you are a psycho/not-cool dude with every email exchanged.
Yours? + Additions/Corrections?
Solid post, definitely agree with all points. At times when I hit the send button on my email, outlook decides to shoot it out five times consecutively. Hate it when that happens, essentially guarantees I'll never get a response from the firm, haha.
You really follow up within 12 hours?
Also, other than to be a nice guy, what possible reason could they have/do you give them as to why they should help you?
I wrote this post b/c I fucked up a big, big consulting contact (head of countries, used to run the entire firm) who wanted to help me. What I wrote was long winded, and I may not get a response back. I hate my guts for that.
The Outlook thing: shit definitely happens. What I do is I put an extra "-" in the email to make sure it doesn't auto-send when I'm not finished, or I send it to myself first (imagine me as the receiver), and edit again.
So, [email protected] while editing.
**Send the email to yourself first, so you make sure you CC everyone you want to see, say what you want to say, and you cut 20-30% of what your originally said.
RE: Follow up within 12 if they say, let's get you on the phone, and you have to give them a time. Or, they respond, ask you a question, etc. Don't keep them waiting. (Why would you be more busy than them?).
If alumni: you did something for school. You're switching industries, you want to hear their story, you have a story, etc. The value prop is to say I'm not asking for a job, I'm asking for a push in the right direction (so I can earn a job).
**Big difference between can I have a job to can I earn an interview (so I can crush it single handedly).
Or, you've been hustling, experienced hardship, you mentor students, etc. An indication that you pay it forward.
Most of the time, the person you reached out to has experienced goodwill (a good guy debt burden), and wants to pay it back.
If 20 other kids are emailing the same guy, "5 minutes on the phone" is a lost cause. See the post from the BB Treasury selling guy.
Thanks a lot for these tips
cold email (Originally Posted: 04/24/2011)
Hey all, Im going to start cold emailing some local places, I was just wondering from those who have done it in the past with success, what was your format like? length? how much BS vs. forwardness?
would love to see some examples of what you guys have done in the past
Happy Easter!
cold call if you're planning on contacting smaller offices... it looks better
I emailed several hundred firms in order to secure an internship. I used a form cover letter that said why I was interested in finance and what I offered the company. It was around 250 words. I also sent a one page resume. I got around 25 responses. It was a really time intensive approach with a low yield. I think calling would get better results but my way did work. I can look at your cover letter if you want.
Does someone here have a basic template C/V for this? I'm going to have to do this at some point.
thanks nemo... i will PM you sometime during the week, nemo, where are you located btw?
Insider.. if you find anything let me know and vice versa
hopefully we get more responses this week
Hey guys, I got a summer job for a mm firm on its prop desk by cold emailing. I also got interviews at BB's and made a ton of connections.
Basically the Format is:
1st: Introduce yourself. The first sentence should be about who you are. If you are still in school, say which year you are in and what you are studying
2st:: Ask the person if they can give you any advice about the trading industry. (This is done to try to build a relationship and if you don't want to ask for the job right away)
3rd: Ask a simple question about the markets. This is it show that you have an interest in the markets. e.g. Do you think that the S&P will downgrade the U.S.
IF you are asking for a job. Then for step 2, say that you are a young hungry college kid and was wondering if you company was looking for an intern or anaylst.
One Last point. This is all a numbers game and don't get discouraged. I emailed over 4 000 people and I finally landed something.
Hope you guys will have a better success rate then me :)
Hi Matt
I would have to agree with Turtles that cold calling will take less time and yield better results.
You and the firm can tell fit better over the phone than by email. Cold calling worked for me.
yeah deffintly... who did you email to? Anyones email you could find at any position within the firm?? or someoneon the recruiting part?
I cold emailed and got very marginal % of responses though some were very willing to speak and others asked for a resume
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