How to politely ask for interview opportunities at coffee chats?

I generally reach out to people asking for coffee chats to hear more about their career and their progression within XYZ industry/coverage group - since it gets me decent responses with my alumni network. These will generally be for boutiques.

So the situation is that I am coming across as someone who wants to hear about their career and career advice, rather than someone just meeting up for a coffee (idrm since it gets me greater meeting rates haha).

So how do I try to transition it, without seeming like an douchebag that I’d want to ask for potential interview opportunities? Keep in mind these are Directors and above within Boutique banks (who almost always specialise within a certain industry/coverage group).

If you have any stories from either side do drop a comment!

4 Comments
 

Typically what I say that is a chance for them to come in with an answer to if they are interviewing or not is this:

“I don’t know if your firm is hiring or not but always enjoy getting to connect with like minded people in the industry. I’m constantly looking to expand my network and eventually come across someone who is in need of a (position level). I hope to stay in touch and please let me know if any opportunities arise.”

 
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