Networking Email Templates for Investment Banking

Why Email Templates Matter in IB Recruiting

Investment banking recruiting is relationship-driven, and email is your primary tool for building those relationships. A well-crafted networking email can open doors to informational interviews, referrals, and ultimately job offers. A poorly written one gets ignored or deleted.

The challenge: bankers receive dozens of networking requests weekly. Your email needs to stand out while remaining professional, concise, and respectful of their time.

This guide provides proven templates for every networking scenario you'll encounter. These aren't generic templates—they're tested formats that actually get responses from busy bankers.

The Core Principles of Effective Networking Emails

Before diving into templates, understand what makes networking emails work:

1. Personalization is Non-Negotiable

Generic, copy-paste emails are obvious and get ignored. Every email must include:

2. Brevity Wins

Bankers are extremely busy. Your email should be:

3. Clear Call-to-Action

Don't leave them guessing what you want:

4. Professional Tone

Strike the balance between:

Understanding the complete networking strategy helps you see how these emails fit into the broader relationship-building process.

Template 1: Initial Cold Outreach (LinkedIn Connection)

When to use: First contact with someone you don't know, typically via LinkedIn

Subject: [Mutual Connection/School] + Investment Banking

Hi [First Name],

I'm a [year] at [University] interested in investment banking, and I noticed we both [shared connection—attended same school / grew up in same city / worked in similar industry]. I also saw that you're currently in [their group] at [their firm].

I'm reaching out because I'm trying to learn more about [specific aspect—your path into banking / what you enjoy about the role / healthcare M&A]. Would you be open to a brief 15-20 minute call in the coming weeks?

I'm happy to work around your schedule and completely understand if you're too busy right now.

Thanks for considering, [Your Name]

Why this works:

Customization points:

Template 2: Alumni Outreach

When to use: Reaching out to alumni from your school

Subject: Fellow [University] Student Interested in [Group/Firm]

Hi [First Name],

I'm a [year] at [University] majoring in [major], and I came across your profile while researching [University] alumni in investment banking. I saw that you're now at [their firm] in [their group]—congratulations on the role!

I'm actively recruiting for investment banking internships and would really appreciate the chance to learn about your experience at [University] and your path into banking. Would you have 15 minutes for a quick call in the next few weeks?

I know recruiting season is busy, so I completely understand if your schedule doesn't allow. Either way, thanks for considering!

Go [school mascot]! [Your Name]

Why this works:

Template 3: Follow-Up After No Response

When to use: 7-10 days after initial outreach with no reply

Subject: RE: [Original Subject Line]

Hi [First Name],

I wanted to follow up on my note from last week. I know you're busy, but I'm still very interested in learning about your experience at [their firm], particularly in [specific area—healthcare coverage / your transition from consulting / etc.].

Would you have any time in the next couple of weeks for a brief call? Even just 10-15 minutes would be incredibly helpful.

If your schedule doesn't allow, I completely understand—and thanks again for considering.

Best, [Your Name]

Why this works:

Important: Only follow up ONCE. After this, move on to other contacts.

Template 4: Thank You After Informational Call

When to use: Within 24 hours after any networking call or meeting

Subject: Thank You for Your Time

Hi [First Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me yesterday. I really appreciated hearing about [specific topic you discussed—your experience in TMT M&A / your advice on recruiting / your path from analyst to associate].

Your point about [specific piece of advice they gave] was particularly helpful, and I plan to [action you'll take based on their advice].

I'd love to stay in touch as I progress through recruiting, and I'll be sure to keep you updated on how things develop.

Thanks again for your generosity with your time.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Why this works:

Build your networking skills alongside technical prep: While you're crafting perfect emails, use our iOS app to master the 400+ technical and behavioral questions you'll need to answer once networking lands you interviews.

Template 5: Update Email (Staying in Touch)

When to use: 2-3 months after initial conversation to maintain the relationship

Subject: Quick Update + [Current Status]

Hi [First Name],

I hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out with a quick update on my recruiting progress.

Since we spoke in [month], I've [specific progress—completed an internship at X / joined the investment club / received an offer from Y]. Your advice about [specific advice they gave] was incredibly helpful during this process.

I'm now [current status—recruiting for full-time positions / applying for summer internships / preparing for Superdays], and I wanted to thank you again for your help.

If you ever have time to catch up briefly, I'd love to hear how things are going on your end as well.

Best, [Your Name]

Why this works:

Template 6: Asking for a Referral

When to use: After building a relationship through multiple interactions

Subject: [Firm] Summer Internship Application

Hi [First Name],

I hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out because I'm applying for [their firm]'s summer internship program in [group/division], and I was hoping you might be willing to refer me to the recruiting team.

Since we first spoke in [month], I've [relevant progress—completed finance coursework / gained experience through X / prepared extensively for technical interviews]. Our conversations really solidified my interest in [their firm] because of [specific reasons—culture / deal flow / mentorship].

I've attached my resume for your reference. If you're able to forward it to recruiting or put in a good word, I would be extremely grateful. I completely understand if your schedule doesn't permit—either way, thanks for all your help throughout this process.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Why this works:

Important: Only ask for referrals from people who know you reasonably well and have a positive impression. Asking too soon can backfire.

Template 7: Introduction via Referral

When to use: Someone offered to introduce you to another contact

Subject: Introduction from [Referrer's Name]

Hi [First Name],

[Referrer's name] suggested I reach out to you. I'm a [year] at [University] interested in investment banking, and [he/she] mentioned you'd be a great person to speak with about [specific topic—your experience in FIG / recruiting advice / your firm's culture].

A bit about me: I'm majoring in [major] and have been preparing for banking recruiting through [relevant experience—coursework / internship / finance club leadership]. I'm particularly interested in [specific area] and would love to learn from your experience.

Would you have 15-20 minutes for a call in the next few weeks? I'm happy to work around your schedule.

Thanks so much for considering, and thanks to [referrer's name] for the introduction!

Best, [Your Name]

Why this works:

Template 8: Event Follow-Up

When to use: After meeting someone at a career fair, info session, or networking event

Subject: Great Meeting You at [Event Name]

Hi [First Name],

It was great speaking with you at [event name] yesterday. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic you discussed—recruiting timeline / your firm's healthcare group / your experience as an analyst].

As I mentioned, I'm a [year] at [University] interested in [specific area], and I'd love to continue our conversation when you have time. Would you be open to a brief 15-minute call in the coming weeks to discuss [specific topic]?

Thanks again for taking the time to chat yesterday—I really appreciated it.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Why this works:

Template 9: LinkedIn InMail Alternative

When to use: Can't find email address, using LinkedIn messaging instead

Subject: [University] Student Interested in [Their Firm/Group]

Hi [First Name],

I'm a [year] at [University] interested in investment banking, and I came across your profile while researching [their firm]. I noticed [shared connection/specific detail about their background].

I'm reaching out because I'd love to learn more about your experience in [their group/firm], particularly [specific aspect]. Would you be open to a brief 15-minute call?

I know you're busy, so I completely understand if your schedule doesn't allow. Either way, thanks for considering!

Best, [Your Name] [Email address] [Phone number]

Why this works:

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Template 10: Post-Interview Thank You

When to use: After formal interviews (phone screen, first round, Superday)

Subject: Thank You – [Position Title] Interview

Hi [First Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [position title] role at [firm]. I really enjoyed learning more about [specific topic discussed—the team's recent transactions / your experience in the group / the firm's culture].

Our conversation reinforced my strong interest in [firm] and the [group/division]. I'm particularly excited about [specific aspect—the deal flow in healthcare M&A / the collaborative team environment / the opportunity to work on cross-border transactions].

Please let me know if there's any additional information I can provide as you move forward with the process. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Why this works:

Note: Send individual thank you emails to each interviewer, customized with specific details from your conversation with each person.

Common Email Mistakes to Avoid

1. Generic, Copy-Paste Messages

Bad Example:

"Hi, I'm a student interested in investment banking. Would you be willing to chat?"

Why it fails: Zero personalization, shows no research, gives no reason why you're reaching out to them specifically

Fix: Always include specific details about their background and why you're reaching out to them

2. Overly Long Emails

Bad Example:

A 3-paragraph email explaining your entire life story, coursework, and career goals

Why it fails: Busy bankers won't read it. Respect their time with brevity.

Fix: Keep to 5-7 sentences maximum. Save the details for the actual conversation.

3. Asking for Jobs Immediately

Bad Example:

"I'm looking for an internship. Do you have any positions available?"

Why it fails: Transactional, skips relationship-building, puts them in an awkward position

Fix: Ask for advice and insights first. Build the relationship. Referrals and job opportunities come later.

4. Poor Subject Lines

Why they fail: Vague, doesn't stand out, doesn't give them context

Fix: Use specific, informative subject lines that establish context immediately

5. Sloppy Writing

Bad Example:

Typos, grammatical errors, wrong name, informal language ("Hey dude"), no proper sign-off

Why it fails: Shows carelessness and lack of professionalism—critical in banking

Fix: Proofread multiple times, have someone else review, treat every email like a formal document

6. Not Following Up (Or Following Up Too Much)

Fix: Follow up once, 7-10 days later, then move on

7. Asking for Too Much Time

Bad Example:

"Would you have an hour to meet for coffee next week?"

Why it fails: An hour is a big ask for a busy banker. You'll get more "yes" responses with smaller asks.

Fix: Ask for 15-20 minutes. You can always extend naturally if the conversation is going well.

Email Timing and Logistics

Best Times to Send Networking Emails

Weekdays:

Weekend sending:

Response Time Expectations

Normal response times:

Don't take it personally: Bankers are busy. Non-responses often reflect workload, not you.

Managing Your Outreach

Create a tracking system:

Volume matters:

How Email Fits Into the Broader Networking Strategy

Email is just one tool in your networking arsenal:

The networking sequence:

1. Research: Identify target contacts

2. Email outreach: Initial connection request

3. Coffee chat/call: Build relationship and learn

4. Follow-up: Thank you email within 24 hours

5. Stay in touch: Update emails every 2-3 months

6. Referral request: When appropriate, after relationship is built

Email enables each stage, but the goal is moving beyond email to actual conversations and relationships. Master the complete networking strategy to see how emails integrate with LinkedIn, coffee chats, and maintaining relationships over time.

Adapting Templates for Different Situations

For Non-Target Schools

Add context about why you're interested in their firm specifically:

"While [your school] isn't a core target for [their firm], I've been actively preparing for banking recruiting through [specific actions—coursework, modeling courses, finance club leadership]..."

Emphasize your initiative and preparation

For Career Switchers

Acknowledge your non-traditional background:

"I'm currently in [current role] but have been actively transitioning into investment banking. I've been [specific preparation—building financial models, studying for CFA, taking finance courses]..."

Connect your previous experience to banking:

"My background in [previous field] gave me strong [transferable skills—analytical thinking / client management / quantitative skills]..."

For International Students

Address visa status proactively if relevant:

"I should mention that I'm authorized to work in the US [through OPT / as a permanent resident / etc.]..."

Emphasize strong English communication skills through clear, well-written emails

Key Takeaways

Conclusion

Effective networking emails are the foundation of successful investment banking recruitment. They open doors to relationships that lead to referrals, insights, and ultimately job offers. The difference between emails that get ignored and emails that get responses often comes down to personalization, brevity, and professionalism.

Use these templates as starting points, but always customize them with genuine, specific details about each person you're contacting. Show that you've done your research, respect their time, and have a clear reason for reaching out. With consistent outreach and thoughtful follow-up, you'll build the network you need to succeed in banking recruiting.

Start reaching out today. Build your target list, customize these templates, and begin sending emails. Every conversation you have brings you one step closer to landing your target role.