Coffee call structure
For a 30 minute call, should I spend more time talking about the banker's job/group or personal connections (common hobbies/common backgrounds)?
I saw people's opinions on this differs a lot. I think asking more personal stuff will make the banker on the other side feels more "intimate" and a chiller vibe during the call but I can't see why the banker will refer you if you can be any other person in the bar or on the street to hop on and talk with.
If I talk just about deals/work/group will be more secure and show the banker that I do have some level of industry knowledge but I think that won't differentiates me by any means.
If you are a current banker or somebody went thru this process one or two years ago can I know how would you allocate your time /your time preference for a 30 minute call, and which of them would you start first?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you can structure a 30-minute coffee call effectively to strike the right balance between professional and personal topics:
1. Start with Personal Connections (5-7 minutes)
2. Transition to Their Role/Group/Experience (15-20 minutes)
3. Wrap Up with a Personal Touch (3-5 minutes)
Key Tips:
This structure ensures you’re professional, engaging, and leave a positive impression that could lead to a referral.
Sources: Good questions to Ask in Coffee Chats for Investment Banking, Rock Bottom but ain't giving up, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/jpm-ma-vs-top-eb-cvpevrpjt?customgpt=1, Can I pick an Analyst's Brain for a Second?, Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview.
Bump!
Currently recruiting myself but I usually take it convo by convo. I start sort of personal with anything common ground (e.g. clubs etc), then move on to industry/firm questions etc. Just try and gauge their personality the first few minutes and be flexible. Talking to an analyst won’t be the same as talking to an MD
Thanks, just curious how would u usually talk with MD? should it be more professional right?
Generally yes but then again if they come across a little more light hearted don’t be a robot either (in tone, keep the convo topic professional)
tysm bro
Observations / advice from the other side of the table. Although not in banking (wealth mgmt, Corporate sales, etc.) it's all the same. Understand what you're trying to accomplish. You want to make a great impression and have your contact think, "That kid is sharp, pleasant, well spoken, and confident. S/he would do well here. I could see her/him in front of clients, leading teams, etc."
Some of that (not much) will come from technical knowledge. Trust me, they really don't expect you to know that much. However, they do require you to be intelligent. That's very important. Most important is how you handle your intelligence. Are you a good listener? Are you thoughtful? Did you put in enough time to prepare for the chat (know basic things, have good questions, etc.)?
Your goal is to close, which in this case means have them excited to help you. They know why you are interested in a chat. They want to see what you'll do with it. Will they connect you to the right people within the hiring process?
Be conversational. This applies to many things within a career: Be over prepared, but know what to use / how to use in conversations, presentations, etc. As an example, I've held/run meetings for 35 yrs. If it's a powerpoint or just a discussion, I have my info down cold, am prepared to get in the weeds if necessary (including going through all the slides in the dec), but generally deliver what is needed. No over selling. Might just refer to a slide and then have a meaty discussion about a bullet. In an interview scenario, I would know some basic things about a company, the person I'm speaking with, the role I'm looking for, the career track, etc., but I would see where the conversation goes (steer it but let it develop vs. drilling questions) and dive deeper where the natural interest lies.
The close should be a natural thing. If you handled yourself well, they'll want to refer you on. Just ask who you should be speaking with, how recruiting works at their firm. what they would do if they were you re recruiting, etc. Trust me, if they see you as someone of interest, they'll help.
Depends on the person and the shop. My EB and honestly most of the EBs are on nerdier side and this "intimate" approach would not work most of the time. Also we are given a rubric to grade each chats so its pretty systematic. Chats like this are institutionally part of the process, not some random chat where you find a friend / mentor, though it can happen.
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