Coffee post final round ?

Sounds like a test and you should expect a casual conversation imo.

This is likely just a fit check, as long as you don't come off like a psycho, are pleasant to be around, etc. you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Basically they want to see if you're a guy they wouldn't mind grabbing a drink with.

Thanks both. 

I had the feeling (for once, as I was covering the exact same market / asset class / strategy and would come with all the intel from my previous role) that I would be their top candidate. Also it seems like the head of acquisition was 100% projecting me in the role "we'll do this" / "you'll see that working with this guy is like this" / "No worries at all if you planned holidays at these dates that's perfect timing for us"... 
 

Is it common/possible to get a live offer or is that always after an internal chat and by email? (My previous role was a simple teams call with a director after interviews telling me: "we would like to offer you the role, the base would be this")

Thank you very much! 

I'm a social person, love/do sports, cooking, travelling, always having fun with friends inside and outside, should I try to show this aspect or stay really focused on the professional side unless he opens the conversation around hobbies? I have to admit that I stayed very professional during the interviews with just a few sentences around hobbies when asked (holidays plans (CEO enjoyed and gave advice as he visited this country), hobby I had...)

Be prepared for an offer in person and know where you need to be on comp and what your arguments are for that (in case you need to negotiate on the spot). Nothing worse than being caught in those discussions by surprise. It's happened to me before. 

Sounds like the company has been burned before by fit issues so they are being careful to make sure it doesn't happen again. 

I think you should treat this as a two way street. Everyone gets the chance to show everyone else who they are outside the formality of the office. 

Associate 1 in RE - Other

Hi everyone,

Interviewing for a shop covering commercial REPE.

Process was swift without headhunters, chat with HR, interview with head of acquisitions (supposed to work as a duo with him), massive take home case study then interview with head of acquisition again + CEO.

Mostly driven by the CEO, lot of questions around previous experiences, expectations, culture, presented the case study... Asked if I was available immediately, seemed to go very well (I was doing the almost exact same role previously before my firm's activity stopped a few months ago). 

Could not imagine another round and was honestly expecting an offer but I've just been asked to grab a coffee this week with the head of acquisition and potentially another member of the firm... Anybody faced this before?

Any chance he will tell me "lively" that they're marking an offer? I can't imagine them testing me again or asking to come to reject me...

I'll dress formal (maybe no tie as they were smart/casual at the office) and prepare fit questions / expectations / motivations... 

I really hope it's a test to see if that's not painful to spend time with me out of the office and that it will be followed by a live offer...

Any comments more than welcome, will keep you updated! 

My department does something similar.  We've done lunch with one person to sell the position and the firm to someone we really want.  We've also done it to decide between two strong candidates to see if there would be a better cultural fit or see how they act outside an interview environment.  

You don't need to be too stiff.  Could be a test of how personable you are without drifting unprofessional - don't share your drinking escapades as one of ours did.

I seriously doubt they waste time going for coffee just to reject you.  If you don't get a verbal offer, then you're likely in the mix of a short list.  Good luck!

Thanks a lot! I've just received a phone call, asking if I could provide references before we meet (2 last companies boss's contact details)... Should be very positive isn't it? As they insisted on the potential immediate start during interviews and that it's not a big firm in terms of headcounts, do you think it could be an offer directly and trying to make me start within a few days? 

Thanks again!

Let us know what happens! Good luck

Good luck! Should be a casual "fit" check and you'll do great.  Just be personable and friendly.  I doubt they would ask you to start within a few days.  

Assume nothing and just go there with the mindset of enjoying coffee. Start relaxed and match their energy. Nothing is in the bag. Don’t take this the wrong way, but you sound a bit in your head / overly analytical - whole good for the role, just let your guard down a bit. I’ve been in the same position and thought every interaction is “formal”. It could well be they’re like “John is smart but seems too uptight / guarded / intense”. Unless you’re obnoxious, my advise would be the best way is to just be yourself - like you are with current colleagues. Don’t play a role - be you and chill.