Coffee Chats: Insider's Perspective
Unfortunately I don't have one; I'm looking for one.
I've been invited to "Coffee Chats" by a few firms, after having attended their company presentations/networking sessions. The description on the invitation says it is an opportunity to ask any questions in an informal setting before submitting my application.
Has anyone been to one of these? Better yet, has anyone conducted one of these? I've never heard of them before (maybe they are a European thing). The description on the invite is straightforward enough, but I'm looking for some insight into what, exactly, goes on at them...
Thanks
When you go, the bankers that come will probably tell you a decent amount about their background if they haven't already and about what groups they work in. You can then ask your own questions. I would avoid extremely bland and generic questions like "What's your culture like," but I would also avoid extremely specific finance questions like "How would you determine the percentage mezzanine debt to raise for a $500m LBO?" Stick to questions about their background and their experiences.
Ultimately, you want the people hosting these events to remember you when it comes time to read your applications, so try to develop a personal connection with the people you talk to, get cards and continue to follow-up through the application process to ensure you get interviews.
It's just chit-chat. Don't just ask a laundry list of questions, actually have a conversation with them. Also, this is a good time to try and get a good handle on the consulting firms' 'culture'.
I've once had a chat with a partner at a consulting firm (right below MBB) over coffee. Just give them the opportunity to talk about their experiences and feel good about themselves. My thing was an informal meeting and I was just looking for some career advice from the guy, and wasnt looking for consulting at all (was looking for S&T). Nevertheless, he was pretty impressed by how much I knew about the industry and his firm.
So just come across as curious, and eager to learn, and show that you have actually done some research on your part on his firm. BTW, by research I mean the basics; you should never want to scare the guy with a question thats too complex, but asking simple questions (even if you know the answer) gives them the opportunity to ramble on, and they'll even be impressed that you would know this much.
I realize our 2 situations are pretty different as your "Coffee Chats" look like a part of the recruiting process, but I hope this advice helps.
Alright, thanks everyone. I figured it was along these lines; just wanted to check and make sure it wasn't going to be something completely different than what I was expecting...
Very informal, won't have (any) effect on your candidacy unless you are a real standout (ask good, pointed questions) or notoriously bad (awkward, offend the interviewer, etc)
GS Summer Coffee Chats (Originally Posted: 06/27/2015)
Does anyone know if participating in the Goldman Sachs Summer Coffee Chats will help in applying to be a Summer Analyst?
Did you get an invite to apply? Have you heard back yet?
Yes, I did get an invite and got in. However, I'm not sure what to expect.
I am also interested in hearing insight on this. I am a rising sophomore who also got invited.
Just out of curiosity, when did you hear back?
I just got an email today. Probably last pick, but I do not know what to expect either.
They still haven't gotten back to me. This is a bit odd since I'm assuming that we all attended a similar fly-in conference.
I do not see how the opportunity to chat/network with various GS professionals would hurt your chances of obtaining a summer position if you prepare well, show genuine interest, ask great questions, follow-up/keep in touch, and just generally aim to make a positive impression on the people you speak with. When it matters the most, they may be able to put in a good word for you.
How did everyone's coffee chat go? Mine is tomorrow.
I am a rising junior and I have just heard from them. Could anyone let me know what to expect ? any advice you could give me ?
no clue. is the GS coffee chat at stanford?
Recruiter Coffee Chats? (Originally Posted: 10/03/2011)
The Asia-Pac arm of a BB investment bank is coming to my campus soon. Apart from the regular info session, they have an event called "Recruiter Coffee Chats" (20-minute sessions per candidate)
What exactly is this? Is it just a networking chat, or is it more of an informal interview? Should I wear a suit and bring my resume?
What should one talk about at such an event i.e. what kind of questions should you ask?
Coffee chats are more of a networking event, think of it as a relatively low key situation to be able to assess the fit of both the candidate and the firm. A coffee chat will not make/break your candidacy but will provide an additional impression in the minds of the folks reviewing your resume. In terms of questions to ask, probably ask more questions about the firm and the lifestyle as well as any interesting work that the teams are currently doing.
You definitely want to dress up a little bit, at the very least business casual (maybe add a jacket but lose the tie).
Coffee chats (Originally Posted: 03/26/2014)
Hi everyone. I was invited to and just finished a coffee chat with a small firm. It was a organized coffee chat, almost organized like a first round interview, so I don't even know if it was an interview in disguise. I was asked a few questions like pitching a stock. Does anyone have experience with coffee chats? Most importantly what should I say in the follow up email if I already met the guy? Thanks
Every networking meeting, informational interview, or a coffee chat is your opportunity to sell yourself, so you pretty much could consider every such meeting as an interview.
EVERYTIME YOU ARE IN FRONT OF PEOPLE YOU ARE BEING EVALUATED/INTERVIEWED!!
I cannot stress that enough. Which is why it is in all caps. I have taken many, many, many prospective employees to lunch/dinner/coffee/drinks. And have seen more than one treat it like it wasn't important and not get the job.
Your follow up should mention something he/she brought up during your coffee that you found interesting. I tell people to attach a link to a recent article that was related to show that they looked up some additional info about their conversation after the meeting.
I am always impressed when someone takes a little extra initiative to ping me with something we talked about during the interview.
Coffee Chat Out of Recruiting Season? (Originally Posted: 01/31/2017)
Hey WSO,
So I've got a coffee chat coming up this weekend with a boutique analyst. I already know his firm isn't hiring right now. So I'm wondering what the move would be, when that "can I give you my resume...." part rolls around. Worst case scenario, I still get lots of good information on breaking into IB, etc. I'm just wondering if I should try and network more heavily when bonuses hit, because that's when people will be moving around. Thoughts?
Thanks!
Stage the resume question by asking him to review it.
bump. thanks y'all.
Advice on coffee chat (Originally Posted: 08/14/2010)
Next week I'll have a coffee chat with the HR Manager of a BB Bank; I was given the contact by a VP I met at work (not strong contact at all). I honestly don't know how "formal" the conversation will be, considering that this does not fit into the full-time recruitment window. Shall I wear a tie? What kind of questions will I get? Background: mba (top 10 school) student, past associate consultant bain...target associate position
yes, wear a suit and tie if meeting is M-F. bring copies of your resume, but do not take it out unless asked. have a bunch of questions prepared in advance.... and be prepared to answer the basics (why banking? why our firm? etc etc).
Make sure you have good answers for the basics above. HR manager will likely look to you to steer the conversation, so have a list of questions that you would like their perspective on. I suggest being open towards the end of the convo and let them know that you are interested in a position, and asking their advice on how to proceed.
Thank you very much guys
My first coffee chat, JPM tech Associate, advice? (Originally Posted: 09/23/2014)
I am recruiting for Summer Associate roles in tech banking, and have a coffee chat today. It should go well, as I built some rapport with the banker, an alum, at an info session on campus last week. I have had a few informational interviews with other bankers over the phone, and was able to take thorough notes. Should I bother to bring a note pad? Where can I find bank specific information on recent tech deals (beyond the mega deals that are well publicized)?
It would be nice to hear from anyone today, as my chat is in 4 hours. That said, I do hope to line up more face-to-face chats in the coming months.
Thanks in advance.
Do not take notes. Be a normal person. This is more about fit -- not saying be super casual, but don't come off as a drone.
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