What has been your hit rate on responses to cold emails for a networking request. I’m currently a student and mine is under 15% and more recently gotten worse. Curious to see what other people’s success rate has been. Do you think being the end of the year/holidays has anything to do with it? Should I hold off till the new year to email people?
| +38 | Why sell off-market? | 14 | 17h | |
| +32 | Do you model an acquisition on a monthly or annual basis? | 12 | 4s | |
| +30 | Do you work more or less as you go up the chain? | 7 | 3d | |
| +27 | Mid-30s Pivot to REPE Advice | 9 | 1d | |
| +26 | Cutting Ties | 8 | 6h | |
| +24 | Trends in the Real Estate Market | 17 | 4d | |
| +20 | What to do in my CRE internship? | 2 | 1d | |
| +19 | Acquisitions DD/modeling - side gig? | 9 | 18h | |
| +19 | Are the Capital Markets Producer stories true? | 11 | 3s | |
| +18 | How much is the ability to invest in deals at a job worth? | 13 | 45m |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Same case here, nobody is replying recently
Hmm. Curious what others are seeing.
It's because it's the end of the year and everyone is trying to close on their deals by then.
I see, thanks for the explanation!
That’s what I figured. Guess I’ll hold off for a couple weeks. Thanks.
Hinge is your best bet
Same.. Very few replies lately
Same.. Very few replies lately
So, this may be counterintuitive, but try sending a follow-up during the space between holidays. Normal email traffic dies down, you may get lucky, then if no response, try one more time after the new year's. DO NOT worry about "bothering" people with multiple emails/linkedin messages, so long as you are not "spamming" with anything its fine.
TBH, I am probably 10x more likely to respond the 2nd time (not to say I look to ignore the first), there is almost an odd sense of "email guilt". Don't be afraid to you this to your advantage, and frankly I am far more interested in talking to someone persistent in trying to reach me than someone who may be mass emailing. That 2nd attempt can be golden.
Finally, be sure to keep your email as short as possible... "Hello, I am a student at X, and I found your profile at (insert connection of alumni, organization, or just Linkedin/whatever) and I would like to ask if you would be willing to have a quick call with me so I can learn more about X (what you do/your firm/industry/career/background, etc.). Thank you so much in advance!"
Don't give your life story, or offer to return the favor with drinks at your dad's country club or whatever. We were all there when we were students, you do not have to justify yourself, JUST ASK for the meeting. Also, if you do have an internship/job, but are a student (or recent grad), email from your .edu address and don't mention the job/internship, even if graduated (you should still be able to use your student email as an alum). Far more willing/interested in talking to "students" than any professional category if it is for this purpose.
Oof -- email guilt is real.
OP, also recognize that on top of the holidays and trying to close deals by year-end, there's the pandemic and recession. Some people just might not have the mental bandwidth to add networking on top of everything else.
del
I used to average about 15-20%. Lmk if u want any cold email tips. I just sent out general blasts too. No personalization outside of saying what industry I’m interested in.
Hey, I know it's been a few years but I am kinda having a similar problem at the moment. I am going to start university this September and trying to get on the call with analysts. Of course I don't have a uni email yet but would that be that much of a problem? Any advice helps
Dude it’s not a problem. I can already tell you’re overthinking this. “Networking” is building relationships, the person on the other side of the phone has to wake up and shave in the morning just like you. A “good” networking call where they’ll actually pull for you down the line is one where they like you, feel like you’re a cool nice guy who knows his stuff (or is at least genuinely interested), takes action, and is relatable. Don’t sound super formal in your emails and don’t ask questions or overprepare. When you’re talking to analysts the number one thing they care about is if they like you, you sound normal brain power wise, and even better if you connect on something. Just imagine you’re meeting your gfs parents for the first time, you want to be polite but not overly square so they think you’re fake you know?
Great that you are starting so early but keep in mind that bankers are very busy and receive a ton of networking requests. You have plenty of time and will likely find some people who want to help you but most of the time the top of the "networking totem pole" is reserved for people who are meeting more immediate needs such as summer analyst positions next year etc. Hope this helps
I'd say it's worth it to send a second email now. Typically December does feel slow for me. However, this year definitely feels different. A lot more deals to close before year-end and lots of people taking vacation and time off starting next week. The front end of the month sure felt busier though, I'll say that.
A great strategy I have found successful is speaking with alums from my school at different companies. Often they are willing to connect you with a co-worker. When they set you up with someone in an intro email it would be surprising if the co-worker does not reply.
Was around 25-30% in October/November, this month was significantly lower
I get high hit rates with LinkedIn messaging. Is more personal and less invasive IMO than looking up their email online.
Here's a message example that landed me an internship at a top development firm:
Good afternoon XXX,
Hope you are staying safe during this time. I wanted to reach out and introduce myself, I am a senior at XXX studying finance.
I have been interested in pursuing a career in XXX in XXX after graduation from XXX. I'd love to hear your thoughts on working at XXX and your experiences so far in XXX. Would you be open to answering a few questions? Anything would be much appreciated.
**Also adding a personal touch in the note like we share a mutual connection with... or congrats on the recent closing, etc.
Neque fugit animi at possimus. Aut saepe laboriosam sit et praesentium officia aut. Nostrum quia consectetur voluptatibus et quo veniam possimus.
Aut sequi perferendis maiores eum. Qui ad suscipit exercitationem ut. Eaque magnam atque doloribus inventore vitae. Quis error rerum expedita id vero consequatur quibusdam.
Delectus minus a impedit voluptas placeat hic nihil qui. Voluptates numquam saepe aperiam qui. Praesentium vel qui ullam explicabo corrupti consequatur dolor.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Unde et vel omnis harum. Sed harum necessitatibus et.