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.

 

If it says "first round interview" on the invite, it is a first round interview.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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. 

 

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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