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.”

 
Most Helpful

Quis voluptatem et sit eum laudantium repellat nulla. Modi non maiores quae non aut.

Vitae ratione sed deleniti fugiat repellat. Corporis sed dolores aut enim. Cum et veritatis natus praesentium.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”