Coffee chat set up as first round interview?
I recently had a coffee chat with an analyst that went well. In my thank you/follow-up email, I thanked them and let them know that I was planning on applying to their firm's SA2023 program and if they had any advice. They went radio silent, so I moved on to reaching out to another analyst from the firm, and they said they'd be happy to chat, asked for a resume, etc. They sent over a meeting invite; however, it's characterized as a first-round interview on the invite and the meeting description. I'm slightly confused about whether or not this is an official interview or a regular coffee chat? I didn't apply through the company portal yet for the position either, so there is that as well... Kind of feeling like an idiot with this question, and I'm prepping with the assumption that it is a first-round interview
This happens all the time. Welcome to IB/PE recruitment.
ALWAYS be prepared for technicals and industry-specific questions before networking calls, especially when speaking with Associates/VPs.
Had a number of networking calls with an EB. Every time I spoke with an associate, 3/4 of each call was purely dedicated to technicals and industry-specific questions. Maybe it was group-specific, but from then on I have always made sure to come prepared.
Second this. Have been in a similar situation several times and it turned out to be an interview every time.
To add, be sure to dress as though it is a formal interview (if in person/over zoom) as well.
Yes, it is over Zoom; assuming a suit jacket, tie, etc, or just a dress shirt and tie will suffice?
If it says "first round interview" on the invite, it is a first round interview.
Coffee chats are 1st round interviews regardless if labelled or not.
They are speaking to you. Seeing who you are and what you’re like. If they don’t like/aren’t impressed, no further response help.
Absolutely true- however, I had yet to encounter a coffee chat that is specifically labeled as a first-round interview and not just "Call with sloppyblow and joe mama" on a calendar invite. Hence my confusion and wanting to have some opinions on the matter.
Everything is an interview. I had a coffee chat where towards the end I started getting asked technical questions. Always be ready and treat everything like an interview.
Just wanted to add some flavor that not every coffee chat is a first-round interview, they can definitely be chill, esp if it's like a close school club alum/connect. But even the chillest where you don't even mention work will still be a vibe check. Agree with the others that you should def be prepped with background on the firm, if not technicals, beforehand though.
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