How to write FT recruiting emails?

Curious on how I should cold email people at banks I want to work at FT. Do I mention upcoming/current SA stint? When should I start reaching out? Should the email be about asking for advice on how to do well in my upcoming SA stint (even though its at another bank)?

assuming I have no contacts from SA recruiting

 

Based on the WSO Dataset, here's how you should approach writing FT recruiting emails, especially when you're starting from scratch with no contacts from SA recruiting:

  1. Timing and Initial Contact: Start reaching out a few weeks before your SA stint begins. This gives you a window to establish initial contact without appearing too rushed or desperate. It's about striking a balance between being proactive and respectful of the recipients' time.

  2. Content of the Email:

    • Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, mentioning your current position or the SA stint you are about to start. It's important to be clear and concise.
    • Purpose: Clearly state the purpose of your email. You can express your interest in the bank and the specific group you are targeting. Mention that you are seeking advice on how to excel in your upcoming SA stint and are curious about opportunities for FT recruiting.
    • Ask Specific Questions: Instead of a broad ask for advice, pinpoint specific guidance you seek about excelling in an SA role or insights into the bank’s culture and work. This shows you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in learning from their experiences.
  3. Mention of Current/Upcoming SA Stint: It's beneficial to mention your upcoming or current SA stint as it establishes your credibility and relevance in the field. However, frame it in a way that shows you are open to exploring opportunities and eager to learn from experienced professionals in the industry.

  4. Follow-Up: End your email by expressing gratitude for their time and consideration. Propose a brief phone call or meeting if they are available, giving them the opportunity to choose a time that suits them best.

  5. Professional Tone and Closing: Keep the tone professional and courteous throughout. Close the email with a professional sign-off and your contact information.

By following these guidelines, you can craft effective and respectful FT recruiting emails that can help you expand your network and potentially secure opportunities in the field of investment banking.

Sources: How to Navigate FT Recruiting: Learn from My Successes/Failures, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/how-to-do-ft-recruiting?customgpt=1, FT Recruiting after SA Advice, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/ft-recruiting-late-or-non-existant-this-year?customgpt=1, How will FT recruiting work this summer for current SAs?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

No. I would just say that you are starting an upcoming SA but don't mention bank, and I would also argue that you shouldn't cold email. 

But then again, they can just look at your LinkedIn. Unless you are at a LMM Bank, I would be hesitant. 

 

Why shouldn't I cold email? I ask because I don't have many contacts from SA recruiting 

Was also going to ask about the timing of when to send emails? I'm an incoming SA 2025 (not this upcoming summer obviously), so I have a bit of time, mainly just trying to make sure I'm not too late to the game if I end up recruiting for FT

 

You don't want people at your current bank to know that you are shopping them. The street is considerably small, especially at upper levels. So I would be hesitant to cold email everyone. 

However, after you get your return offer, I would then just shoot apps out to places that you really want to work for. 

 

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