PSA: Coffee Chats ARE Interviews

Don’t know who needs to hear this but figured I’d share. People recruiting for FT / upcoming SA at investment banks: Coffee chats are first round (informal) interviews. Come prepared, ask good questions and be able to answer any questions you receive. If you’re unable to answer basic questions like “Why IB” “Why X firm” “Why x sector” you will be dinged and not considered for future opportunities or referred to others within the group / bank. Have had a few of these calls recently and honestly it’s just embarrassing on the candidate and a waste of my time when they aren’t prepared. Cheers