LinkedIn Outreach For Finance

Reviewed by Fallon Han· Updated 2026-06-01 06:05:33.032

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 grad in Australia on a temporary graduate visa, and I want to message a trader on LinkedIn for a fintech sales and trading rotational program. I do not want to sound generic or too eager. Can you help me draft the first message?

Yes. For a cold outreach note, your goal is to be concise, specific, and easy to respond to. A strong first message should do three things: show you know who they are, give one credible reason you are reaching out, and make a small, clear ask. A good structure is: 1. Personal opener tied to their role or desk. 2. One line on your background and why you are interested. 3. A low-friction ask, like 10 minutes for advice or a quick chat. For your situation, I would avoid leading with the visa detail. It is better to sound like a motivated candidate first. You can mention your Australia-based status naturally if it is relevant later. Draft example: Hi [Name], I have been following your work in trading at [Firm], especially your perspective on [specific market/product if known]. I am a recent graduate in Australia and I am exploring fintech sales and trading rotation programs because I want exposure to both client flow and markets. I would value any advice you have on breaking into the space, and if you are open to it, I would be grateful for 10 minutes of your time. If you want, I can make this sharper and more natural for a trader specifically.

That feels a bit too long. Can you make it shorter and sound more like a real LinkedIn message?

Absolutely. Traders usually respond better to messages that feel direct and low maintenance. Try this version: Hi [Name], I am a recent grad in Australia and I am exploring sales and trading rotational roles in fintech. I came across your profile and would appreciate any advice on how you broke in and what you look for in strong candidates. If you are open to it, I would love to ask a couple of quick questions. This is shorter, but it still has the key signals: - who you are - why you are relevant - a respectful ask If you want to sound even stronger, add one specific reason you picked them, like a desk, market, or post they shared.

I have not actually followed their posts, though. I just found them through alumni connections. How do I make it sound genuine without pretending?

Good instinct. Do not fake familiarity. Genuine outreach is better than forced specificity. You can be honest and still sound thoughtful. Use the alumni connection as the reason for the message, and then anchor on their role or firm. Example: Hi [Name], I was referred to you through an alumni connection and wanted to reach out because I am exploring sales and trading rotational roles in fintech. I am a recent grad in Australia and would value any advice on how you built credibility early on and what makes a candidate stand out. If you have 10 minutes for a quick chat, I would really appreciate it. Why this works: - It explains why you reached out - It avoids fake flattery - It asks for advice, not a job If you want, I can also help you make it sound more polished or more casual depending on the trader's style.

Should I mention that I am on a temporary graduate visa? I worry that they will think I am not worth the time.

I would not lead with it. In a first message, the priority is to get a reply. Anything that introduces doubt before they know you can add value can reduce your chances. Your visa status is a practical detail, but it is not the core of your pitch. Better approach: - First message: focus on your interest, background, and a small ask - Later, if there is interest, mention that you are eligible to work in Australia for a defined period and are targeting roles accordingly If you want to be transparent without underselling yourself, you can say something like: I am based in Australia and currently exploring roles here. That keeps it clean and does not overexplain. The real question is: what makes you credible? For you, that could be a finance degree, a strong internship, markets interest, student trading club experience, or quantitative skills. Put that forward first.

Can you give me one final version that sounds informed, respectful, and has a clear ask?

Sure. Here is a tight version you can use: Hi [Name], I was referred to you through an alumni contact and wanted to reach out. I am a recent graduate in Australia exploring fintech sales and trading rotational programs, and I would value any advice on how to position myself well for this path. If you are open to it, I would appreciate a brief chat or even a couple of pointers by message. Why this version works: - informed: it names the specific path - respectful: it does not overstate or oversell - clear ask: brief chat or a few pointers If you want, I can also give you a slightly more confident version and a slightly more casual version so you can choose based on the trader's tone.