Landing A Finance Networking Call

Reviewed by Fallon Han· Updated 2026-06-01 06:06:45.972

This conversation was generated using Cook'd AI's career assistant and reviewed by Fallon Han from our editorial team for accuracy.

I am a recent philosophy graduate in Australia and I am trying to move into structured products sales at a global bank. I want to reach out to a recruiter first. Can you help me draft a short message that sounds smart, not needy? Also, I want to practice the first minute of the informational call if they respond.

Absolutely. For the outreach note, keep it brief, specific, and easy to reply to. Your goal is not to tell your whole story. It is to make it simple for the recruiter to place you. Try this: Hi [Name], I am a recent philosophy graduate based in Australia and I am exploring structured products sales at a global bank. I am reaching out because I have developed a strong interest in markets, client coverage, and how structured solutions are positioned in practice. If you are open to it, I would value 10 to 15 minutes to learn how you think about candidates for this space and what backgrounds tend to stand out. Best, [Your Name] For the call opener, aim for calm and concise: Thanks for making the time. I will keep this brief. I recently graduated in Australia with a philosophy degree, and I am now focusing on structured products sales because I am interested in client conversations, market thinking, and product positioning. I would love to hear how you view the role and what you would suggest I focus on early on.

That is helpful, but I worry the philosophy background sounds too unrelated. How do I make it sound relevant without trying too hard?

Frame it as training for the role, not as the role itself. In finance interviews and networking, the best bridge is usually judgment, communication, and comfort with complexity. You could say: I studied philosophy, which trained me to structure complex ideas clearly, test assumptions, and communicate under pressure. I am now applying that foundation to structured products sales, where concise explanation and disciplined thinking really matter. That sounds relevant because it connects to how you will actually work. Do not oversell technical depth if you do not have it yet. Instead, show that you learn quickly and can speak clearly with clients.

Can you help me with a stronger first minute for the informational interview? I want it to sound polished but still natural, like I am prepared and not reading a script.

Yes. Use a simple three-part structure: who you are, why this area, what you want from the conversation. Here is a polished version: Thanks again for your time. I recently graduated in Australia with a philosophy degree, and over the last year I have become much more interested in structured products sales because I enjoy the mix of markets, client communication, and product explanation. My background is not traditional, but I think it has helped me become clear, analytical, and comfortable handling complex ideas. I am hoping to learn how people break into this area and what separates strong candidates from the rest. Then stop. Do not keep talking. Let them respond. If you want it even more natural, slightly soften the wording: Thanks for speaking with me. I am a recent graduate in Australia, and I have been exploring structured products sales because I like the combination of markets, client work, and concise product discussion. My degree was in philosophy, so I have spent a lot of time thinking clearly and communicating complex points simply. I would love to hear how you see the role and what you would focus on if you were in my position.

What smart follow-up questions should I ask the recruiter so it feels like a real conversation and not just me asking for a job?

Ask questions that show you understand the role is commercial, relationship-driven, and selective. A few strong options: 1. What backgrounds tend to translate well into structured products sales here? 2. When you see a candidate without a traditional finance path, what makes them stand out? 3. What does a strong junior analyst or graduate actually do well in the first six months? 4. Are there particular desks or product areas where curiosity and communication matter more than prior technical experience? 5. If you were advising someone like me, what would you prioritize over the next three months? A good rule: ask one question at a time, listen carefully, and build your next question off their answer. That makes the conversation feel genuine and intelligent.

Can you simulate a short recruiter reply and show me how I should answer if they ask why structured products sales and not another part of banking?

Sure. Example recruiter question: Why structured products sales rather than another area of banking? A strong answer would be: I am drawn to the client-facing side of the business and the need to explain complex ideas clearly and quickly. Structured products sales sits at the intersection of markets, problem solving, and communication, which suits how I think and work. I am not trying to claim deep technical expertise yet, but I am very motivated to build it in a role where judgment and client interaction matter every day. Keep it short. The key is to sound deliberate, not defensive. If they press further, you can add that you are more interested in commercial interaction and product explanation than in a purely internal or back-office role.