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Cold mail - Linkedin or Email?

cold email networking
New answer on Apr 28, 2020
8 Answers
2.0 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 16, 2020

Hi everyone, do you think it would be better to use Linkedin to send a cold message, or it's better to use corporate email address?

Would be great to hear about the experience on both sides (sending or receiving cold emails).

Thanks!

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Anonymous replied on Apr 28, 2020

Hi,

I don't think there is a definite answer of which one is better. When I was in BCG I received cold mails from both sources. While email seems more formal and professional, to be honest, personally I prefer people reaching out to me over LinkedIn. Reason is simple - as a project leader I could receive more than 50 emails everyday, so for cold email, sorry that's low priority in my inbox and can quickly get buried. By the time I realised I have that cold email, it could be 2 weeks out...I don't have that many conversations in my LinkedIn inbox, so the message would stay on the 1st page, and LinkedIn also send me reminders to my personal inbox.

At the end of day, it boils down to the personal preference of the person you are reaching out to. If you don't want to miss out any chance, just send both, and see via which channel the person replies and then proceed from there.

Best,

Emily

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Daniel
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 20, 2020
McKinsey / ex-Interviewer at McKinsey / I will coach you to rock those interviews

Definitely email

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Francesco
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replied on Jan 17, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
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Vlad
Expert
replied on Jan 16, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

I would not recommend cold e-mailing people you don't know. You should have at least some touchpoint:

  • Thank you note after the lecture at your university
  • Friends referral
  • Common background (University)
  • Etc

Best

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Anonymous updated the answer on Jul 11, 2020

Hi A,

I would definitely recommend e-mail. But I also agree with Vlad that by preparing your e-mail use some common background or referral event/ situation.

Best,

André

(edited)

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Clara
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Content Creator
updated an answer on Jan 16, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

If you know the corporate mail, perfect! If not, it´s easy to guess it once you figure out the rule (e.g., normally it´s name _ surname @ firm.com, with little variations). If not, LinkedIn should work also.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

(edited)

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Clara on Jan 16, 2020

ignore the spces in the adress, it is in order for it not to get blocked

Antonello
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Content Creator
replied on Jan 16, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

For application purposes I recommend using the working email. It's the only tool used daily by HR and consultants,

Best,

Antonello

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Luca
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Content Creator
replied on Jan 16, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hello,

Corporate email seems both more professional and personal than linkedin message. At the end of the day Linkedin is a social, while the email is a personal contact that establish a direct line with the other person.

Hope it helps,
Luca

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