Sending a physical cold letter?
Just was curious if I sent a few emails. Is it better to call or just Yolo and send a physical letter?. Is it better if it's someone older vs younger?
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Doesn't hurt I guess. I'd be concerned that the letter would be tossed out as junk mail.... I've only ever called when I've got a positive reply to my emails, and we always ended up setting a time for the call. IMO Cold calling such busy people might not be such a good idea. If they want to help you, they'll read the email and reply. Perhaps consider sending a follow up email 2-3 weeks later if they don't reply. You definitely don't want to come across as annoying.
Cold calling is definitely the worst.
Email vs mail is a closer call. Mail is the weirder approach and some people will take it that way. On the other hand, if you're contacting someone who gets hit up 10x a day from job seekers and is in the habit of ignoring them, mail gives you a better shot. I'd say if you're applying to a super long shot place where you're far outside the pedigree they're used to, maybe you go out on a limb and send the letter.
Exactly correct with the super long shot place for me. Just was curious is it better to handwrite the letter or print out a piece of paper with the message on it?
I kinda love the idea of sending a letter, assuming you're just trying to get someone's attention and have nothing to lose. We all delete dozens or hundreds of emails a day. I can't remember the last snail mail I received at the office that wasn't a credit card bill. It's attention grabbing without being unprofessional. Would be curious what others think.
Agreed, please do not send an email, people find this so weird. I worked under a VP who received two letters and he made it clear to the group how weird he found it.
Also, if they genuinely want to reply, they will leave your email in the inbox and not delete it as a reminder when they clean out their email. A letter will be trashed / lost even if they want to reply. There are so many paper stacks in IB it will get lost
This wouldn't be for a VP this would be for an older C-suite alum or an older MD (older as in 50-60+). Would they appreciate the gesture or is it too much of a risk?
If it's not for IB, and more for HF/AM, would it be fine? Truth be told, it's a long shot HF i'm going for and my emails have been unanswered. I don't want to call because the receptionist etc won't really take it seriously imo. I figured sending a letter is better and at least trying is better than nothing.
If you sent me a cold letter I’d 100% think you’re weird and it’d go in the trash. Just send an email like everyone else. If you share something in common with the person the response rate will be higher than you think.
I've sent 3 emails to this person and was just curious if this would be a solid strategy. This isn't an analyst/associate but an older MD.
I misunderstood. You've already tried to contact the same person three times and you've been ignored each time? Take a hint and try someone else.
This. I get, generally older candidates, who send me cover letters and resumes by mail and then follow up by email, usually from a yahoo account. I have never met any of them.
Just email please, and say something compelling enough for me to want to meet you.
Email is definitely the way to go. Despite everyone's opinion over whether a letter is cool/ not, there is a big chance that the letter could be tossed out w/o you ever knowing. Highly recommend you drop an email and mention that you'd like to hop on a call when they have a moment.
Make sure it's delivered by carrier pigeon as well
If you sent me a physical letter i'd definitely reply, i get emails all damn day from students at wharton, harvard etc. theyre all the same and its hard to stand out. also id feel like a douche bag trashing your letter that youve obv went into some trouble to write
I got my first job out of undergrad by sending physical letters to companies about 10 years ago. I sent out 50 letters, got 1 response and 1 job. It worked for me, but that's a small sample size. If you don't have any other in roads, why not give it a shot?
This was my thinking exactly. Regarding text, did you just introduce yourself, show your interest through referencing a previous job/internship and ask if they had time to speak?
Yes. Whether mail or email, always keep it short.
Did you handwrite the letters or type them out and print that paper and send them?
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