How to Cold Email
Written By: Malca Harrouche (W’ 24) and Pria Pant (W’22)
Breaking into the finance industry can be a daunting task. One of the best ways to get to know what it is really like as an analyst and the culture of the firm is to talk to the analysts and directors themselves. We realize that reaching out to people you don’t know can be a very scary experience. Therefore, we have come up with some tips that we hope will help you network and in the future, cold email!
1. Find a Connection:
Leverage LinkedIn to find common organizations or interests (maybe even people in common!) It is really important to find common ground with the person you are cold emailing to establish a connection from the start.
Title the email with something relevant in order to make it stand out and determine a shared goal. For example, [Wharton Student Interested in XYZ Firm]
2. Make It Relevant:
Make sure to clearly include your personal experience, and what you bring to the table. Additionally, add what you are interested in, and what you would give/gain from the experience.
It is important to validate yourself and explain why you are right for the job
Examples include: As a student, I am eager to merge my interests in X and Y. In high school, I did XYZ. X has always been a passion for me and I get excited thinking about….
3. Personalize It:
It is super important to not cold email through a template. Make sure to make the email unique and personal. Continuously ask yourself what you have in common with the person you are emailing.
Make sure to include something they have done. You want them to know you have done your research on the person and understand what the job entails.
4. Short and Actionable
Make the email short and sweet. Be straight to the point and make sure to be clear about what is in it for them.
We recommend asking to set up a time to chat/ call for a short period (ie 20 minutes). You can even provide your own contact information or potential times.
5. Make it professional
Always be respectful and appreciative.
Attach your resume
Be direct, but polite!
Sample Cold Email:
Dear Mr.Doe,
I hope you are staying safe and healthy. My name is Jane Doe, I am a freshman in the Wharton Business School studying Finance and Business Analytics with a minor in Art History. My aunt, Jennifer Doe, gave me your contact information to reach out regarding an internship opportunity over the summer.
I am looking for fresh challenges and exciting opportunities to expand my knowledge base on wealth management that can in turn, complement my finance studies in college. I’m someone who thrives on challenge, and I know that with my grit, and hard-work I’ll be an excellent addition to your team. The chance to work with your company will help me develop my professional background in preparation for a position in the financial advisory field.
Would I be able to call you at some point to discuss further? I have attached my resume for your convenience. I really appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best,
Jane Doe
786-595-9567