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Hey {{first_name}} 👋! It’s 5pm on a Friday so I wont keep you long.
I just wanted to share this quick email to hopefully motivate you to get started with applications tonight/this weekend if you haven’t already done so. See the table below and genuinely ask yourself if you’re an ‘average candidate’ or a ‘top candidate’.
If you need it, I’m happy to review your CV/Cover Letter as many times as you need inside Finance Fast Track until it’s the best it can possibly be (full transparency: it’s a paid community only for serious candidates). Not feeling to pay? I hear you. Use my free templates here.
Average Candidates vs. Top Candidates: Which one are you?
Stage | Average Candidates | Top Candidates |
|---|---|---|
Preparation | Wait until September, panic when apps open. | Start in year one, line up spring weeks, network months in advance. |
Practice | Do 1–2 mocks right before interviews. | Weekly mocks (competency + technical), track progress like training. |
Networking | Message MDs or spam LinkedIn. Collect calls with no follow-up. | Target analysts/associates. End every chat with “Who else should I speak to?” → chain networking. |
Commercial Awareness | Skim FT headlines. Repeat buzzwords in interviews. | Dig into earnings calls, investor decks, blogs. Connect macro events to markets naturally. |
Applications | Fire off 20 generic CVs and cover letters. | Tailor every CV/cover letter to firm + division. Reference deals, values, culture. |
Leverage | Apply to one firm at a time. Pin hopes on GS London IBD only. | Run 5+ processes at once. Open to international offices. Create options. |
Mindset | Quit after 5 rejections. Blame the process. | Keep going after 20+ rejections. Treat it like sales: every “no” brings you closer to “yes.” |
The difference is clear: average candidates play the game casually. Top candidates treat it like a professional sport.
Which one are you?
What’s preventing you from becoming a top candidate? Most times it’s a combination of limiting beliefs, self-doubt and a lack of guidance, accountability or structure – FFT solves for all of these.
If there’s one thing you do after reading this email, make it to commit to taking 1 action this evening or tomorrow. Oftentimes we just need to get the ball rolling before we see big results (kind of like rolling a snowball down a hill, once it gets traction it grows massive).
All the best with upcoming applications. I’ll be sharing tons of useful resources and newsletter posts over the coming days/weeks/months, but until then, have a good weekend!
Afzal
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Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you this application season:
If you want me to help you write a cover letter that makes recruiters stop scrolling, join Finance Fast Track today. You’ll get access to my full cover letter and CV courses, live feedback, weekly calls with me Mon-Thu, finance work experience to put on your CV, and SO much more.
I’ve made joining FFT completely risk-free. If you join and you’re not satisfied, just let me know within 7 days and you’ll get a full refund, no questions asked.
That’s all for now. Have a good evening (or morning/afternoon depending on when you see this).
Peace!
Afzal
Founder, Finance Fast Track
Author, Breaking Into Banking
Ps. If you order my book ‘Breaking Into Banking’ (currently £17 on Amazon) and reply to this email with your receipt I’ll send you all of the below career guides worth £180 for FREE! 🤫
Introduction to Asset Management (71-pages) (current price: £20)
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Introduction to Sales & Trading (107-pages) (current price: £20)
Introduction to Private Equity (127-pages) (current price: £20)
Introduction to Hedge Funds (116-pages) (current price: £20)
Introduction to Private Banking (90-pages) (current price: £20)
Introduction to Venture Capital (122-pages) (current price: £20)
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