appropriate to invite D/MD to coffee a week(s) after superday? (no offer yet)
I finished an off-cycle superday with an EB about a week ago and was told to expect to hear back in roughly 1.5 months. The process was fully online, and I felt it was a bit harder to make an impression compared to in-person settings.
Having spoken to several team members throughout the process, I think I could communicate my fit and motivation even more compellingly now. Would it be appropriate to ask the D/MD for a quick coffee chat, or would that come across poorly / hurt my chances?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, reaching out to a D/MD for a coffee chat after a superday can be a strategic move, but it must be approached carefully to avoid any negative impressions. Here are some key considerations:
Timing and Purpose: Since you’ve already completed the superday and are awaiting a decision, your outreach should not come across as an attempt to influence the outcome. Instead, frame it as a genuine interest in learning more about their career path, the team, or the firm’s culture. Avoid discussing the superday or your candidacy directly.
Respect Their Time: D/MDs are often extremely busy, so if you decide to reach out, keep your request concise and respectful. For example, you could say something like, “I really enjoyed learning about the team during the process and would love to hear more about your experience at the firm if you have 15 minutes to spare.”
Be Strategic: If you’ve already spoken to them during the process, ensure your outreach adds value. Mention something specific from your previous conversation or the superday that resonated with you, and use that as a segue to request the chat.
Risk vs. Reward: While a well-crafted and respectful request can demonstrate initiative and genuine interest, there’s always a slight risk of it being misinterpreted as overstepping. If you’re confident in your ability to communicate your intentions clearly, it could work in your favor.
Alternative Approach: If you’re hesitant about reaching out directly, consider sending a thoughtful follow-up email instead. Thank them for their time during the process, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, and express your interest in staying connected.
Ultimately, the key is to ensure your outreach feels natural, professional, and aligned with the rapport you’ve built during the process. If done correctly, it can leave a positive impression without coming across as pushy.
Sources: Ask an ex-IB MD anything........., Rock Bottom but ain't giving up, MD Asked to Bring Him Olive Oil during Meeting, How One Student Did Coffee Chats Right - Received Offer From A BB, Post final round coffee chat
Bumpity bump
Don’t do this.
1) They have enough on their plate, logistically they wouldn’t do this.
2) More importantly, it makes you look easily exited/erratic/ and annoying. Don’t ‘give them the ick’.
Play it cool, wait for a response, and you’ll have a much better chance than if you were to bother them.
Thanks for being so patient explaining this to a student
He did mention that he was building out a separate niche product group (not part of the generalist rotation so it wasn't something i was interviewed for, although I mentioned that I interviewed for that product at another firm so we briefly spoke about it). I do want to learn more about it since it's a nische product. what do you think about asking for an informational coffee to learn about his work? (which would be sepearate from my interview, and i'd make sure to communicate that, circumventing your second point). Aside from an informational coffee, my consideration is that an additional touch-point would give me an opportunity to leave better impression even though the interaction was not about my candidacy.
I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts.
you must be on crack, coke, heroine, smoked 15 blunts, and crossed asf to even think about doing that.
I agree with other comments here that inferred that this would come across as very odd - given you are not in the industry yet to help contextualize how awkward this is IMO it is almost as bad as asking this same person if they would want to meet for a romantic dinner, or asking your professor, or a college admissions panel for a coffee while they are evaluating your work. It’s just completely atypical given where your process is at and comes across as socially off at best. Strike one
Being aware of industry / process norms in any out reach is critical. This firm has their own process and way of evaluating candidates and you are looking to super impose your own evaluation criteria over that which they have made a call on already but not offering as a vector they evaluate. Strike 2
If you wanted to do something reach out to “check-in” with some awareness and common sense eg Hi know you are all going through your evaluation process and understand your timeline of 6 weeks but just wanted to check-in to express that I continue to be very interested in this role and if there is any other information I can pass along to help you evaluate my candidacy just let me know. You can then read the language other reply you do or don’t get.
With something like this you don’t come across as weird or trying to impose yourself on what sounds like a regimented process. Would strongly suggest patience and social awareness. Good luck.
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