When you have coffee chats with people, is it better to just have a normal conversation like any weekend plans, hobbies, etc etc.. or is it better to be interested in their job and come with good questions about what they do and stick to talking about their job?
Curious especially for coffee chats with people where you have applied to their team and are awaiting a first round.
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Drive the chat with intelligent questions. Focus on work & career first. This is highly situational. I've had a MD literally started interview me on the spot and asked me to pitch a stock... If you two are really getting along, casually mention your hobbies and see if it leads to further discussion. Otherwise, their time is valuable and not here to make friends
My strategy might be flawed but, I try to typically create a relationship with the person if they went to my school or are some type of mutual connection. Just asking questions about their job will not do this. The quote that is often used on this cite is "who would you rather have a beer with".
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