I had a phone interview early this week and it went average to above average. One of the interviewers wants to meet with me for a beer. This is new to me, so I am not sure what to expect.
What should I wear?
Should I bring a notepad?
Should I treat it like an informational interview or more of a social event?
Thanks!
The fuck you want with a notepad in a bar?
What started with the fine John Pierpont Morgan really went down the drain in the 2010s.
It's good that you want to be prepared (i.e. bring a notepad), but the point of grabbing a beer with you is to give the interviewer some insight into your personality. If I were the interviewer and you showed up with a notepad, I would be impressed that you are taking this seriously, but I would ding you because I cannot work with someone who cannot take social cues. Leave the notepad at home, dress in business casual, and don't get drunk.
pro tip: if you can conceal it, bring a blank piece of paper folded up and a pen so if the interviewer tells you something you want to remember, you can write it down once you excuse yourself to the bathroom or after the evening is over.
I do it all the time when I'm out socially with clients. they'll mention someone they want to refer me to or some new money they want me to follow up on, but I'm not bringing a notepad to a restaurant. the blank paper comes in handy here.
Couldn't you just use your phone? Unless you're a big pen and paper guy (I am ).
Take 5 shots of 151 before you show up so you're nice and loose for your casual chat.
Smart casual if you're currently unemployed, otherwise normal office wear. Shirt and jeans / chinos. Order a beer. Don't take a notepad or your CV or anything like that. Offer to buy but graciously accept when he insists on paying (he's expensing it all anyway).
informational interview is one of the worst terms in existence in my opinion, stop trying to make every human interaction into a recruitment event. It's just you having a beer with someone, treat them like a human being!
Could always bug the conversation by wearing a "wire" (e.g. like a police wire). Or if you don't have access to such, you could casually and secretly record it via your phone.
This is the best networking scenario possible. The bar is a much more laid back atmosphere, and since it is after work hours, your interviewer will be more relaxed. Plus alcohol helps take the edge off. By grabbing a beer, the interviewer wants to see how you are socially and if you would be someone this guy wants to work with.
Tips: 1. Figure out what sport team he likes and be ready to talk about it. You will establish major bro points. The guy interviewing you talks about finance all day at work, he could use a break.
Order something alcoholic. Know your limit and don't get drunk, but going against social norms and not ordering a drink can sometimes be a red flag against you. The other person will feel awkward drinking by himself.
Do not bring resumes, notebooks, padfolios or anything bulky. Do bring a folded up sheet of paper in your pocket and a pen to write something down after. Pro tip: Write notes about him in his contact in your phone immediately after your conversation. Anything personal that is worth remembering for the next time you meet him or following up.
Do not treat this as an interview. This guy is a human. If you immediately start firing away in-depth questions on how to build a DCF and which banks offer the best exit opps, this will not go well. Keep the conversation general and build rapport before you start asking more in-depth questions.
Ask about his career and how he got to the point he is at now. People like talking about themselves. The more he can talk about himself and stroke his ego, the more he will like you.
BE A BRO.... or at least a human being with a personality. People like personalities.