Thank the banker, accept the specific introduction offered, and provide a short note they can forward. Do not turn “I can introduce you to someone” into “they are referring me for a job.” Those are different commitments.
Reply to the offer
Fictional example, to adapt only when true:
Thank you for offering to introduce me to someone on the industrials team. I’d appreciate the opportunity to learn how junior bankers evaluate cyclical businesses. I’ve included a short introduction below if useful. Please let me know whether you would like my resume as well.
This response confirms the purpose and gives the contact control over the introduction. It does not demand a deadline or attach an unsolicited collection of documents.
Write the forwardable note
I’m [name], a [degree/year or current role] exploring investment banking. In a recent public-company project, I compared margin performance across industrial businesses, which raised questions about how deal teams separate cycle effects from company-specific performance. I’d value a brief conversation about your team’s work and preparation for junior roles. I can work around your availability.
Replace the project only with work you actually completed. Keep the note useful even if the banker forwards it without adding context. Do not include confidential project details or a claim that the recipient’s team is hiring unless you have verified it.
When the introduction arrives
Reply promptly enough to keep the conversation moving, thank the introducer, and address the new contact with one clear request. Follow any preference about moving the introducer off the scheduling thread; do not assume consent to keep copying them indefinitely.
| Situation | Next action |
|---|---|
| Introducer sends a group email | Acknowledge both people; make scheduling simple |
| Introducer shares an address with permission | Mention the permitted connection accurately |
| Introducer says they will ask first | Wait for that permission before contacting the person |
| No introduction follows | One considerate follow-up, then leave room for them to decline |
There is no evidence-based universal number of hours that guarantees a response. Timing should reflect the context and any instructions given.
Close the loop without exaggerating progress
After the conversation, thank the introducer with a brief factual update: “We spoke about the team’s coverage approach; the discussion helped me focus my preparation.” Do not report an informational call as an interview or an endorsement.
Harvard’s guide to making connections treats networking as learning and relationship building. The email examples here are fictional, not proven response-rate templates.
Use the cold-email guide for initial outreach, the permission checklist before using someone’s name, and the call-notes framework to turn the conversation into useful preparation.