How to Cold-Reach a Recruiter

Email the firm directly

Don't just apply through their jobs portal or website form. A direct email to the firm's general inbox (or better, a specific recruiter's email) stands out from the noise. Most applicants don't do this — that's your edge.

Nail the subject line

Keep it clean, professional, and scannable. Format: "Background Introduction – [Your Role] – [Your Firm or University]". Examples:

"Background Introduction – Equity Research Analyst – Goldman Sachs"
"Background Introduction – 3rd Year Physics – Imperial College"

First line: who you are and what you want

Get straight to the point. Who you are, where you work or study, and one specific thing you're looking for. Recruiters read hundreds of emails — they'll skim past anything vague. No "I hope this email finds you well."

Attach a clean 1-page CV

No objective statements. No "references available upon request." Lead with your most relevant experience. If you have PnL, AUM, or quantifiable results — put them front and centre. One page only. PDF format.

Connect on LinkedIn too

Find the specific recruiter at the firm who covers your area (e.g. equities, macro, quant, credit). Send a connection request with a short note referencing your email. Double-touchpoint = higher response rate.

Follow up once after 1 week

If you don't hear back, send one short follow-up after 7 days. Keep it brief: "Just following up on my email from last week — would love to connect when you have a moment." More than one follow-up and you risk being blacklisted.

Be specific about what you want

Tell them your target comp range, preferred fund type (multi-manager, single PM, systematic), geography, and timeline. The more specific you are, the harder they'll work for you. Vague = low priority in their pipeline.