Hi,
So I have scheduled an informational interview with a banker that heads SA recruitment at an IB for my school. He suggested we meet over dinner, so wanted to hopefully gather some advice/clarity over dos and donts in this type of setting.
Some questions off the top of my head: 1. What do I order (its a japanese restaurant)? 2. What types of drinks should I stay away from? 3. At what pace should I eat? 4. Is this considered a more casual setting, in which it would be permissible to ask more personal questions?
Not that nervous, but would like to know whether theres anything I should be cognizant of as Ive never networked in this type of 1-on-1 setting before.
Thanks
1 - order something that's respectable, normal, not super cheap and not the most expensive thing on the menu.
2 - don't drink unless he offers/suggests you have one - if he does/you do, go for something basic and not that alcoholic so you stay sober (like a nice Japanese beer or something)
3 - dude wtf - have you never been to dinner? A normal fucking pace. Don't pick at your food but don't eat like you're a wild boar either
4 - always ask personal questions. people like talking abotu themselves. Obvi keep professional though
Congrats dude, this is the luxury treatment of recruitment.
Keep in mind that no matter what, he will be paying the bill. You should offer to pay, but know that he will be taking care of it so order really anything but have him go first and see how baller he is.
Drink whatever the fuck you want, he's paying. But treat it like a first round interview and you know your limits better than I do so... keep that in mind, if you start slurring after a beer - stick with the shirley temples
this question really did make me chuckle but the rule is don't stuff you mouth. Be ready to talk at any time.
It's more casual but IT'S AN INTERVIEW!!!! keep yourself formal
Napkin (not a paper one, the fabric one if its provided) on your lap. Chew with your mouth closed. TAKE SMALL BITES (not sure if possible though with sushi (?). Generally speaking, I wold avoid checking your phone or your watch.
Go in with some questions you have memorized you want to bring up. If it's an informational dinner ask questions maybe consider asking questions you can't find by simply checking the company's site / google. I would also consider selling myself - internships are a two way street. One needs to sell themselves and the company too to an extent I suppose.
I personally would avoid being 'a stiff' but you should try reading this person's personality. I wouldn't be afraid to laugh or smile.... being too serious can be offputting I think.
I would avoid personal questions lol.
One thing I've personally picked up is that I tend to talk alot when with senior employees over lunch... so they end up waiting for me to finish. Very awkward. Keep that in mind - don't eat fast but I wouldn't keep the person waiting / them staring at you while you finish eating.
I wouldn't overthink this but at the same time consider coming with questions in mind and selling points for yourself to him.
Ok, appreciate it guys.. Did a lot of research on a deal this guys IB just advised/closed on, so gonna be inquiring a lot about that. Will stay away from any retarded/cookie-cutter questions. I definitely consider myself pretty good at networking and not being close to a robot, so I think it should go smooth
Networking Over Dinner? (Originally Posted: 10/22/2009)
I'm going to this alumni dinner tonight organized by my school. The guest is an MD / Head of Global M&A at a top bulge bracket. I'm a senior and already signed an IBD offer, but I couldn't pass up this networking opportunity and free dinner.
The dinner is at a restaurant and will probably have a few small tables (maybe 20-30 people total) of mostly juniors at my school. Any advice on how to network with the MD so that I can have him as a contact on a "go forward basis" lol. What sort of questions can I ask him given that I already know what I'm doing after graduation? Any other general dinner networking tips would be great. Thanks.
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