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Cold Email Templates

Practical outreach templates for alumni, analysts, and associates, with examples and common mistakes.

5 min read

Cold emails are an important part of investment banking recruiting. A strong email should be short, specific, professional, and easy to respond to. The goal is to begin a conversation—not immediately ask for a job or referral.

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Cold Email Template

Subject: [School Name] Student Looking to Learn More About [Group Name] at [Firm Name] | [Your Name] ‘[Graduation Year] Hi [First Name], I hope all is well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Year] at [School Name] studying [Major/Area of Study]. I came across your background through [alumni database / LinkedIn / mutual contact / school event / previous conversation], and I am extremely interested in pursuing a career in [Group Name]. I would love to find time to chat to learn more about your experience at [Firm Name], your work on the [Group/Team], and any advice you may have for someone preparing for the recruiting process. Please find my upcoming availability below: [Day, Date]: [Time Range] [Day, Date]: [Time Range] [Day, Date]: [Time Range] [Day, Date]: [Time Range] Please let me know if any of these times work for you, and I would be happy to send a calendar invite. Thank you for your consideration. Best, [Your Name] [Degree Candidate / Major] [School Name], Class of [Year] Email: [Your Email] | Phone: [Your Phone Number]

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Example Cold Email

Subject: U of M Student Looking to Learn More About Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley | John Doe ‘29 Hi Joe, I hope all is well. My name is John Doe, and I am a sophomore at U of M studying Economics and Mathematics. I connected with Anna Smith, who was very helpful and recommended I reach out to you given my interest in investment banking at Morgan Stanley. I would love to find time to chat about your experience in the Industrials group along with any additional advice you have about the recruitment process. If you are open to speaking, please find my availability for next week below: Monday, Oct. 27: 2:15 PM – 4:00 PM, 8:30 PM onward Tuesday, Oct. 28: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 8:30 PM onward Wednesday, Oct. 29: 2:15 PM – 5:15 PM, 8:30 PM onward Thursday, Oct. 30: 9:15 AM – 2:00 PM, 8:30 PM onward Friday, Oct. 31: 9:45 AM – 4:00 PM Please let me know if any of these times work for you, and I would be happy to send a calendar invite. Thank you very much for your consideration. Best, John Doe B.A. Candidate in Economics and Mathematics University of Michigan, Class of 2028 Email: john.doe@uofm.edu | Phone: (XXX) XXX-XXXX

Cold Email Tips

Always include a clear reason for reaching out, a brief introduction, a connection point, why you want to speak with that person, and several specific times when you are available. The best emails feel personal without being long.

What Makes a Strong Cold Email?

  1. Who are you? Briefly state your school, year, and area of study.
  2. Why are you reaching out to this person? Mention a real connection point or specific interest.
  3. What are you asking for? Request a short conversation to learn about their experience and advice.

Common Cold Email Mistakes

  • Writing an email that is too long
  • Sounding copied and pasted
  • Asking for a referral too early
  • Not including specific availability
  • Using the wrong firm, group, or person's name
  • Failing to explain why you are reaching out
  • Making the email difficult to answer

Make Your Outreach Personal

Your school, background, target firms, and existing network all affect how you should approach outreach. A tutor can help tailor your emails, build a target contact list, and decide who to approach first.

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