LinkedIn Inmail Vs. Cold-Emails for Networking / References?

Question

Hi all. I'm planning to apply as an experienced hire for consulting firms (US) over the next 6 weeks.

I intend on contacting former business school alum that are currently working in target firms (some are direct friends, but most are simply new unknown contacts I found on LinkedIn). My goal here is to informally network over email, then lead them to a phone call, and subsequently ask for a referral.

I've heard conflicting information about the best approach for reaching out to people not already in my network:

Some people have recommended signing up for LinkedIn premium and sending InMails to target contacts.
Others have suggested sending out cold emails to those people (by either looking up their firm's email format and taking a chance with their email format/name, or some other unknown method).

I've found varying suggestions on different forums. But I'm curious whether anyone here has had luck with either of those approaches above. And if you used the email method to make initial contact, how did you source your target's actual email?

Any other informational networking advice would also be appreciated :)

Answer 1

Hey there,

I'd recommend you not to cold email people with the firm format for two reasons:

1. If they haven't introduced themselves, it's creepy and suspicious (''where did he get my email from?'' + MBB is very wary of phishing, spam, etc.

2. Consultants get tons of emails per day and need to prioritize as they work through them. Random requests are at the bottom of the pile

Due to those 2 reasons, cold emails are mostly ignored, especially by more senior colleagues.

Rather, approach people via Linkedin. Why?

1. It's a level playing field. They get to see who you are, common connections, etc.

2. They get much fewer Linkedin requests than emails

Try to target people with a similar background, e.g. same school, same previous employer, same hometown, etc. This increases the likelihood that you will receive a positive reply.

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 2

Hi there,

Q: I've found varying suggestions on different forums. But I'm curious whether anyone here has had luck with either of those approaches above.

I would recommend emails, they convert better if you have the right script / target the right people. It's the approach I used and it worked pretty well. However, if you have a weak script and target random people they won’t convert much.

You can find more at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Answer 3

I would find that “cold email” technique to be a bit creepy. One thing is you finding me randomly on LinkedIn and reaching out. Other is someone out of nowhere trying to guess my email.

Answer 4

Hi there,

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

Generally speaking, while it is common practice that (nearly) graduates contact alumns working in the target industries and companies, you do not want to come off creepy. Moreover, in case you are thinking about contacting them via their university e-mail, chances are high they are not checking them anymore.
As such, I would advise you to contact them via LinkedIn since 1) it is very transparent for them who you are and how you might know each other and 2) you ensure the message actually reaches them.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on the best approach to receive the referrals for your desired companies, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

Answer 5

Hi there,

Honestly, I'm not sure! I can see pros/cons for both.

What I'd recommend is to actually do both! Try it out in a 1st round/phase (5-10 emails and 5-10 LinkedIn messgaes) and see what the hit rate is. Then, focus on the tactic that seems to work best…basically run your own experiment :)

Quick note: For anyone you email, if they don't respond, do try to follow-up on LinkedIn after a week or two. They may not have gotten the email. (Of course, intro yourself by apologizing for double-messaging)

Answer 6

Hi!

The ideal approach would be to network via your school's Alumni or friends of friends.

Otherwise, I'd recommend the LinkedIn approach rather than cold emails.

Good luck,

Anto

Answer 7

This may be a controversial point of view, but unless you have a genuine reason to reach out to someone I wouldn't bo... (read entire answer)

This may be a controversial point of view, but unless you have a genuine reason to reach out to someone I wouldn't bother. It can be different in very small markets or for niche... (read entire answer)

Answer 8

Here's the sense I got from my experience 1) If you are recruited through your university, they are less likely to... (read entire answer)

Here's the sense I got from my experience 1) If you are recruited through your university, they are less likely to. They have more certainty that you are who you say you are... (read entire answer)

Answer 9

Hi, And what's the objective of your e-mail? Partner is a vary serious role, so not sure how he can help you. Par... (read entire answer)

Hi, And what's the objective of your e-mail? Partner is a vary serious role, so not sure how he can help you. Partners don't leave the e-mail unanswered, so most probably he... (read entire answer)