URGENT: What to do during a coffee chat

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key points and advice for your coffee chat:

Topics to Discuss:

1. Career Journey:

   • Ask about their career path and why they chose their current firm.
   • Inquire about their experiences and any pivotal moments in their career.

2. Work-Related Questions:

   • Discuss their role and responsibilities.
   • Ask about the company culture and what they enjoy most about working there.
   • Seek advice on how to succeed in the industry and any tips for breaking in.

3. Personal Interests:

   • If the conversation is going well, steer it towards their hobbies or interests outside of work, especially if you share a common interest. This can make the conversation more engaging and memorable.

Questions to Avoid:

• Avoid overly personal questions unless the conversation naturally leads there.
• Steer clear of questions that could be seen as too forward or presumptive about job offers.

Transitioning to a Job Interview:

• Show genuine interest in the company and the role.
• You can hint at your interest in working for the company, but avoid being too direct about wanting a job unless the conversation naturally progresses to that point.

Follow-Up:

• Send a thank-you email after the chat, expressing gratitude for their time and insights.
• Mention a specific part of the conversation that you found particularly helpful or interesting.

Additional Tips:

• Be prepared with a list of questions but be flexible to let the conversation flow naturally.
• Actively listen and engage with their responses, showing genuine interest.
• Research the professional beforehand to find any common ground or unique aspects of their career that you can discuss.

By focusing on these areas, you can ensure a productive and engaging coffee chat. Good luck!

Sources: Good questions to Ask in Coffee Chats for Investment Banking, Ideas for improving your coffee chat conversion rate, What Do You Even Do During Coffee Chats????, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/consulting/any-advice-on-how-not-to-bomb-a-coffee-chat-amid-covid-19?customgpt=1, Your Best Coffee Chat Ever