Hi all,
If I found an open position on a BB's site for a small group, but know that applying online without any employee input at all is a "black hole" - does cold emailing people in the group just piss them off or is there anything that can come from it?
So I applied on the BB site 4 days ago but, as expected no response. How should I craft the cold email to at least get some connection point to the team?
Thanks.
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It's not always a black hole, especially at a small firm with a lower profile. 4 days is a very short time. Give it more like 2-4 weeks before you assume they're ignoring you.
I would email them and just say you had some questions about their firm. All you really want right now is an interview, so you don't have to talk to an MD, even a VP. An associate is probably going to be the right person to go for.
Here's a very rough guide to what kinda clout folks have:
Analyst- can get your resume in front of someone and make sure you get seriously considered for an interview offer, but not a whole lot more. Associate- can give a thumbs up or thumbs down on your candidacy that hiring managers will take seriously, but doesn't make hiring decisions. VP/SVP- actually make hiring decisions,but usually look for some group-wide affirmation from other VPs and associates. MD- has a great deal of clout to get just about anybody hired within his group.
Okay. Anyone else?
So even if it's for a BB, 4 days is not a lot of time when applying online!?
How should I craft a cold email to a VP/MD basically saying I submitted my application online etc...?
So if I know a Partner at GS, and he likes me, I am in?
LOL
LOL +1
+1
Great post. Agree. But a word of caution... Alexpasch warned me that you pretty much have to be [really fucking careful]. I would like to add to this that the higher up you go, your returns are potentially higher, but if you fuck up, DING is faster than you can even submit your app. Think of analyst = small vanilla. MD = exotic asian... potentially high super payoff but don't fuck with it.
I just spoke to an MD at Lazard and I semi-panicked from the tone in his voice and asked him the stupidest question i had on my sheet "do you have experience doing interviews," complete with stuttering. His response was an ice-cold unamused i-have-no-time-for-you-how-many-more-questions-have-you-got "I've been here 8 years. Yes."
EDIT: i didn't have that question on my sheet. he just seemed fucking pissed at something that i tried to get the conversation into a 'natural' mode. i obviously know he has experience hiring as this one MD has been in the press for ages. he's probably also pissed he had to put up with me at 5pm on a friday before a valentine's weekend he has to entertain some broad at that's giving him shit for not making a reservation. Lesson: don't meet at 5pm on valentine's weekend... higher probability of getting fucked.
I almost fucking died. He then asked me how many more questions I had. Thankfully I salvaged it. DEFINITELY make sure you're prepared for the worst before you call some CEO at a whiteshoe.
Just send it to either. They're people only...
I actually do very well with informational calls from alumni in the business, and my secret is this: be confident and don't give a fuck about who they are. They are people just like you, and they were in your shoes once. Be candid about your goals, what you have been doing since, show a genuine interest in their "story", and ask your questions one right after the other after they are done answering the last one. When the conversation slows, you answered all your questions, and there is nothing left to say, quickly say that you really appreciate them taking time out of their busy day, and that when it comes to recruiting time you hope you can reconnect with the person. Its a smash & grab job where you have 10-15 minutes to make an introduction, a good impression, some sharp questions, thanks for your time, and then GTFO of there.
But remember, when you are actually talking to them, act like you are talking to your best friend. Be yourself. Unless you a douche, then you might want to pretend.
This is fantastic advice. Absolutely solid.
I actually recently had a successful conversation with a GS Partner, and he was extremely down to earth.
bump
When cold emailing boutique IB/PE firms, should you contact the VP or MD directly? (Originally Posted: 04/30/2015)
Thinking about about cold-emailing and LinkedIn a few shops. My friend and I were debating on the best person to cold-email when it comes to boutique IB and PE shops? I said the MD but my friend said VP. What is your suggestion?
Regards,
Kev.
Thanks for everyone's comments.
But, my original question wasn't really answered.
Can/Should I write a total cold email (to a non-alumni, non contact) VP/MD letting them know I applied to a job in their group on the BB site, and would love to know if he has a a few minutes to talk about the position and provide any advice for a future interview? - OR would that completely just make them be like Why the EF is this kid emailing me?
When I do it I would read the Bios of all the people that VP and up and find someone that has something in common with me, or would be able to relate to me. Then that is the person that I would email.
Sorry if this is a weird question, but when you mean something in common, could that be something like the fact that you and the other person play golf or do you mean something else?
Anything. It could be that you both went to the same school, lived in the same city, played the same sports, etc. Use your imagination. Find that common ground and use it as a conversation starter.
LvFinGS,
I'd do it. To get anywhere in life you have to be hungry, shameless, and ruthless. Just realize you probably won't get a reply.
I'd give it two more weeks, then send a casual cold email to the VP. Not going out your way to let him know about your candidacy- just because you're interested in the firm and had some questions about it for him.
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