IB Outreach Templates: Reply Rate Benchmarks (2026)
2026-01-22
Networking
Research
Data
• 1 min readAnonymized, aggregated outreach benchmarks show which template structures earn replies and meetings, plus a 5-step improvement plan for 2026 candidates.
What this dataset is
Answer up top: proof-of-work plus a narrow ask leads replies in this anonymized, aggregated benchmark set; use it as guidance, not guarantees.
Sample and method
- n=27,640 outreach notes across 2026 IB recruiting cycles
- Reply counted within 14 days of the initial message
- Templates coded into five structure types
Reply rate by template structure
| Structure | Reply rate | Meeting rate |
|---|---|---|
| Proof-of-work + narrow ask | 26% | 12% |
| Alumni context + short ask | 21% | 9% |
| Specific question, no attachment | 17% | 7% |
| Progress update follow-up | 14% | 6% |
| Generic template | 4% | 1% |
Key insights
- Proof-of-work plus a narrow question earns the highest reply and meeting rates
- Alumni context lifts replies when it is specific and recent
- Generic templates underperform even with strong subject lines
- Progress updates work best as follow-ups, not the first note
Related: Networking Email Templates and Follow-Up Timing Benchmarks.
External references: Wharton Career Management and Harvard Career Services.