Cofffe chat with M&A VP after applying for a job

I work in Big 4 audit and applied for a role in my firm's Corporate Finance group through the internal careers website. I spoke with an analyst and an associate in the group, and one of them put me in touch with a VP. I have a virtual coffee chat with the VP soon and am not sure how to approach the conversation given I've already applied for a job there (have not heard from the recruiters yet).

How/When in the conversation should I tell them I've applied, how should I word the purpose of the call ("to learn more", "to discuss a transfer" etc), what questions should I (not) ask them (especially so they don't think "You applied already but are just now learning about the group"), how should I end the conversation?

Note: I have applied through the formal process by submitting a resume and cover letter, but I have not talked with HR about transferring as I've heard they're quite slow and I should focus on the group I want to join instead.

2 Comments
 

You may be overthinking this a bit. Because they know HR is slow, the VP agreed to meet with you first. It’s essentially an informal interview. The VP wants to learn more about and determine if you could make a good addition to the team. Definitely make clear that you know a bit about the group but ask more targeted questions. Idk, just spitballing here but this is a good sign for you. Best of luck.

 

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