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Investment Banking Networking Email Templates
12 proven templates for cold outreach, coffee chats, follow-ups, and thank you notes — ready to customize for your IB recruiting.
Networking is the single most important factor in landing an investment banking offer. The right email can get you a coffee chat with a VP, a referral from an analyst, or a second chance after a rejection. These investment banking networking email templates have been refined based on what actually gets responses from busy bankers — short, specific, and respectful of their time. Copy any template below, fill in the bracketed placeholders, and send.
Why Networking Email Templates Matter
Investment banking recruiting is heavily relationship-driven. At most banks, a significant share of summer analyst and full-time offers go to candidates who were referred by someone on the desk. For students at non-target schools, networking is not optional — it is the primary path to getting an interview. Even at target schools, the candidates who network effectively separate themselves from the dozens of classmates competing for the same spots.
A well-crafted email accomplishes three things: it gets opened, it gets read, and it earns a response. Generic messages copied from forum templates fail on all three counts. The templates below are designed to be specific, concise, and easy to personalize — because the bankers reading them can tell the difference. For a deeper dive on networking strategy, see our guide to breaking in from a non-target school.
Cold Outreach Templates
(3 templates)Cold Email — Alumni Connection
Reaching out to an alumnus or alumna who works at your target bank. The shared school connection gives you a natural opening.
Subject:[School Name] [Grad Year] — Quick Question About [Bank]
Hi [Contact's Name], My name is [Your Name] and I'm a [Year, e.g. junior] at [School Name] studying [Major]. I came across your profile while researching [Bank]'s [Group] group and was excited to see a fellow [School] alum on the team. I'm very interested in investment banking and would love to hear about your experience at [Bank] — particularly what the culture and deal flow are like in [Group]. I know your time is valuable, so even a 15-minute call would be incredibly helpful. Would you be open to a brief phone conversation in the coming weeks? I'm happy to work around your schedule. Thank you for your time, [Your Name]
Tips
- Mention a specific group or deal the bank recently closed to show genuine research.
- Keep the ask to 15 minutes — bankers are more likely to say yes to a short commitment.
- Send on Tuesday through Thursday between 8 and 10 AM in their time zone.
Cold Email — No Shared Connection
You have no alumni link or mutual contact at the firm. You need to lead with genuine interest and a specific reason for reaching out.
Subject:Aspiring Analyst — Interested in [Group] at [Bank]
Hi [Contact's Name], My name is [Your Name] and I'm a [Year] at [School Name]. I've been following [Bank]'s work in [Sector/Group] closely — the recent [Deal or Transaction] stood out to me, and it reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in investment banking. I would really appreciate the chance to learn more about your experience at [Bank] and any advice you might have for someone preparing for the recruiting process. Would you be open to a brief 15-minute call at your convenience? I completely understand if your schedule doesn't allow it. Either way, thank you for considering my request. Best regards, [Your Name]
Tips
- Reference a specific recent deal or news item involving the bank to prove you did your homework.
- Acknowledge that they have no obligation to respond — it shows maturity and lowers pressure.
- Include a one-line description of why IB appeals to you personally.
Cold Email — After Info Session
You briefly met someone at a recruiting event, info session, or campus presentation and want to continue the conversation.
Subject:Great Speaking With You at [Event] — [Your Name]
Hi [Contact's Name], Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at [Event Name] on [Day]. I really enjoyed hearing about your path from [Their Background Detail] to [Bank]'s [Group] group — your perspective on [Specific Topic They Mentioned] was especially insightful. I'd love to continue our conversation if you have the time. A 15-minute call would be great, and I'm happy to work around your schedule. I'm particularly curious to learn more about [Specific Follow-Up Question]. Thank you again for your time at the event. I look forward to staying in touch. Best regards, [Your Name]
Tips
- Send this email within 24 hours of the event while the interaction is still fresh.
- Reference something specific they said — it proves you were genuinely listening.
- Ask one concrete follow-up question rather than a vague "I want to learn more."
Coffee Chat Templates
(3 templates)Coffee Chat Request — Warm Introduction
A mutual contact (professor, older student, family friend) suggested you reach out. Warm introductions convert at a much higher rate than cold emails.
Subject:[Mutual Contact] Suggested I Reach Out
Hi [Contact's Name], [Mutual Contact's Name] suggested I reach out to you. My name is [Your Name] and I'm a [Year] at [School Name] studying [Major]. I'm very interested in investment banking, and [Mutual Contact] mentioned you'd be a great person to speak with given your experience in [Bank]'s [Group]. I'd love to hear about your career path and any advice you might have on preparing for the recruiting process. Would you be available for a brief 15-minute phone call over the next couple of weeks? Thank you for your time — I really appreciate it. Best regards, [Your Name]
Tips
- Ask the mutual contact to send a quick introduction email first if possible — that dramatically increases response rates.
- Mention the mutual contact by name in both the subject line and the first sentence.
- Be specific about why the mutual contact thought this person would be a good fit for you to speak with.
Coffee Chat Request — LinkedIn Connection
You connected with someone on LinkedIn and want to move the conversation to a phone call or coffee chat.
Subject:Quick Question About Your Experience at [Bank]
Hi [Contact's Name], Thank you for connecting with me on LinkedIn. My name is [Your Name] — I'm a [Year] at [School Name] and I've been very interested in investment banking, particularly [Sector/Group]. I noticed you've been at [Bank] for [Duration] and I'd love to hear about your experience, especially [Specific Aspect — e.g., how the group approaches deal sourcing, what the analyst training program is like]. Would you be open to a brief 15-minute phone call? I'm happy to accommodate any time that works best for you. Best regards, [Your Name]
Tips
- Personalize your LinkedIn connection request with a short note before sending this email.
- Reference something from their LinkedIn profile — a post they shared, a deal they worked on, or a role transition.
- Do not send this email on the same day you connect; wait at least a day.
Pre-Coffee Chat Confirmation
You have a call scheduled and want to confirm the logistics. This prevents no-shows and demonstrates professionalism.
Subject:Confirming Our Call — [Day] at [Time]
Hi [Contact's Name], I just wanted to confirm our call scheduled for [Day] at [Time] [Time Zone]. I'll be calling from [Your Phone Number], or please let me know if you'd prefer I use a different line or a video platform. I've been doing some additional research on [Bank]'s recent work in [Sector], and I'm looking forward to hearing your perspective. Thank you again for making the time — I really appreciate it. Best regards, [Your Name]
Tips
- Send this confirmation one business day before the scheduled call.
- Include your phone number so they can reach you if plans change.
- Mention you have been doing research — it signals that you will use their time well.
Follow-Up & Thank You Templates
(4 templates)Post-Coffee Chat Thank You
Immediately after a coffee chat or informational call. This is one of the most important emails in your networking process.
Subject:Thank You — Great Conversation Today
Hi [Contact's Name], Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. I really appreciated your insights on [Specific Topic Discussed] — your advice about [Specific Piece of Advice] was especially helpful and something I plan to act on. I'll definitely [Specific Action — e.g., look into the modeling course you recommended, reach out to the person you mentioned]. If anything comes up where I can be helpful on my end, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'd love to stay in touch as recruiting season progresses. Thank you again for your generosity with your time. Best regards, [Your Name]
Tips
- Send within two hours of the conversation ending — speed matters.
- Reference at least one specific thing they said to show you were paying attention.
- Mention a concrete next step so the follow-up feels purposeful rather than generic.
Post-Interview Thank You
After a formal interview round (first round, superday panel, or phone screen). Send one to each interviewer if possible.
Subject:Thank You — [Round] Interview Today
Hi [Interviewer's Name], Thank you for taking the time to interview me today. I really enjoyed our conversation and learning more about [Bank]'s [Group] practice. Your question about [Specific Question or Topic] was thought-provoking, and it reinforced my excitement about the opportunity. Speaking with you gave me an even stronger sense of [Bank]'s collaborative culture, and I'm confident that my background in [Relevant Experience/Skill] would allow me to contribute meaningfully to the team. Thank you again for your time. I look forward to hearing about next steps. Best regards, [Your Name]
Tips
- Send the same day, ideally within three hours of the interview.
- Reference a specific question or topic from your conversation — do not send a generic note.
- Keep it under 120 words. Interviewers read dozens of these and appreciate brevity.
Monthly Check-In / Update
You want to stay on a contact's radar without being pushy. Share a genuine update about your progress or an article they might find interesting.
Subject:Quick Update — [Achievement/News]
Hi [Contact's Name], I hope you've been doing well. I wanted to share a quick update — I recently [Achievement, e.g., completed a financial modeling course, placed in a stock pitch competition, started a new finance internship]. Your earlier advice about [Specific Advice They Gave] was a big factor in helping me get there, so thank you again. I've also been following [Bank]'s recent [Deal/News] — really impressive work by the team. I'd love to stay in touch and continue to learn from your experience. If there's anything I can ever do on my end, please let me know. Best regards, [Your Name]
Tips
- Send these every four to six weeks — more frequently feels aggressive, less frequently and you fade from memory.
- Always lead with value: share a genuine update, an interesting article, or a congratulations on their promotion.
- Never ask for anything in a check-in email. The goal is to stay visible, not to make a request.
Superday Thank You
After completing a full superday (final round of interviews). You typically meet four to six interviewers. Send individual notes to each if you have their contact information.
Subject:Thank You — Superday at [Bank]
Hi [Interviewer's Name], Thank you for being part of my superday experience at [Bank] today. It was a genuine pleasure meeting you and the rest of the [Group] team. Our discussion about [Specific Topic — e.g., the group's approach to cross-border M&A, your path from associate to VP] was a highlight of my day. After meeting the team and learning more about the culture, I'm even more excited about the possibility of joining [Bank]. I believe my experience in [Relevant Background] and passion for [Sector/Skill] would make me a strong contributor. Thank you again for your time. I look forward to hearing about next steps. Warm regards, [Your Name]
Tips
- Send individual emails to each interviewer — avoid a single group thank-you note.
- Vary each note slightly so they do not look identical if interviewers compare them.
- Send all notes the same evening or early the next morning.
Referral & Special Situations
(2 templates)Referral Request
You have built a strong relationship with a contact over multiple conversations and want to ask them to refer you for an open position or put in a good word.
Subject:Any Openings on Your Desk? Quick Question
Hi [Contact's Name], I hope you've been doing well. I wanted to reach out because I'm actively preparing for [Bank]'s upcoming recruiting cycle and, after our conversations, I'm very excited about the [Group] team. I was wondering if you'd be comfortable putting in a word for me or pointing me toward the right person to contact about the [Position — e.g., summer analyst, full-time analyst] opening. I've attached my resume for reference. I completely understand if that's not something you're able to do — our conversations have already been incredibly valuable to me regardless. Thank you for everything. Best regards, [Your Name]
Tips
- Only ask for a referral after you have had at least two meaningful conversations with this person.
- Make it easy for them by attaching your resume and providing a brief summary of why you are a fit.
- Give them an easy out — no one should feel pressured into referring someone they are not confident about.
Rejection Follow-Up (Stay in Touch)
You received a rejection from a firm where you have networking contacts. Maintaining these relationships is critical — many candidates recruit again the following year or lateral in later.
Subject:Thank You for the Opportunity — Staying in Touch
Hi [Contact's Name], I wanted to reach out and thank you for all your help during the recruiting process at [Bank]. While I'm disappointed by the outcome, I have a tremendous amount of respect for [Bank] and the [Group] team, and the experience taught me a great deal. I plan to continue developing my skills in [Area — e.g., financial modeling, valuation analysis] and would love to stay in touch with you. If there are ever opportunities to reconnect in the future, I'd welcome the chance. Thank you again for your time and guidance throughout the process. I wish you and the team continued success. Best regards, [Your Name]
Tips
- Send this within 48 hours of receiving the rejection — it shows grace and maturity.
- Never express bitterness or ask why you were rejected in this email.
- Many people who stay in touch successfully recruit again the following cycle or get referred elsewhere.
Email Best Practices
Keep It Short
Every template above is under 150 words for a reason. Bankers receive hundreds of emails daily and will not read a multi-paragraph essay from someone they do not know. State your purpose clearly in the first two sentences and keep your ask to one specific question.
Personalize Every Email
Never send the same email to two people. Reference a specific deal the bank closed, a detail from the contact's LinkedIn, or something unique about the group. Personalization is the single biggest factor in whether you get a response.
Timing Matters
Send your emails between 8 AM and 10 AM in the recipient's time zone, Tuesday through Thursday. This puts your message near the top of their inbox when they start their day. Avoid weekends, Monday mornings, and Friday afternoons.
Follow Up Once
If you do not hear back after five to seven business days, send one polite follow-up referencing your original email. If they still do not respond, move on gracefully. Never send more than one follow-up to the same person for the same request.
Never Mass-Email
Bankers at the same firm talk to each other. If three people in the same group receive identical emails from you, your credibility is gone. Craft each email individually and keep track of who you have contacted at each firm.
Proofread Twice
A typo in the bank name, the contact's name, or the group name is an immediate delete. Read every email out loud before sending. Check that all placeholders have been replaced and that the tone is professional but approachable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Sending a template without changing the placeholders
Nothing kills credibility faster than an email that says "[Bank Name]" instead of the actual firm. Double-check every bracket before hitting send.
Writing more than 200 words
Long emails signal that you do not respect the recipient's time. If your email requires scrolling on a phone, it is too long.
Asking for a job in your first email
The purpose of cold outreach is to build a relationship, not to ask for a position. Ask for advice and insights first. The job conversation comes later.
Not following up at all
Most bankers are not ignoring you — they are just busy. A single polite follow-up after a week is expected and often appreciated.
Using a vague or generic subject line
Subject lines like "Quick Question" or "Networking Request" get buried. Include your school name, the bank name, or a specific reference point to stand out.
Sending at odd hours or on weekends
An email sent at 11 PM on a Saturday signals poor judgment. Schedule your sends for weekday mornings when bankers are actively checking email.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should investment banking networking emails be?
Keep your networking emails under 150 words. Bankers are extremely busy and will skip anything that looks like a wall of text. State who you are, why you are reaching out, and what you are asking for — nothing more. The shorter and more respectful of their time your email is, the more likely you are to get a response.
When is the best time to send networking emails?
Tuesday through Thursday between 8 AM and 10 AM in the recipient's time zone. Avoid Monday mornings (inbox overload) and Friday afternoons (people are mentally checked out). Never send emails on weekends — it signals poor boundaries and the message will be buried by Monday.
Should I follow up if they don't respond?
Yes, send exactly one follow-up after five to seven business days. Keep it brief: reference your original email, restate your ask, and thank them for their time. If they still don't respond after the follow-up, move on. Sending more than one follow-up comes across as pushy and can damage your reputation.
How many people should I be networking with each week?
Aim for three to five new outreach emails per week during active recruiting season. Quality matters far more than quantity — a single meaningful coffee chat is worth more than ten generic cold emails. Track your contacts and follow-ups in a CRM or spreadsheet so nothing slips through the cracks.
Should I connect on LinkedIn before sending a cold email?
It can help but is not required. A LinkedIn connection request with a personalized note adds familiarity before your email arrives. However, many bankers accept connection requests passively and won't notice yours specifically. If you do connect first, wait at least a day before sending your email so it doesn't feel like a coordinated blast.
Related Resources
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