Dang, that felt awkward

I had the opportunity for an informal chat with someone high up in the department I want to move into the other day, and it was going really well. She seemed very into the discussion and even had some handouts ready for me. Not wanting to take up too much of this persons time, after 30 minutes I waited for them to finish answering my most recent question, stood up, and said something to the effect of, "I would like to thank you for taking the time to meet with me today," and offered out my hand. At this point I felt like she gave me a confused look, like I had done something wrong, which made me of course think..." Shit what the heck did I do wrong?" So to help the awkwardness, I thought I would say something else. "This information you have given me has been very helpful... it was... (even more awkward look) it was good." Anyway I finished the hand shake and left her office cursing myself down the hallway to the elevator.

I've been trying to figure out why she would have been confused. Do you think she might have thought it was an informal interview for a position? Or is the more senior person always the one to break it off? I feel like she thinks I am socially inept now. Or am I over reacting?

 

Agree with the above.

Ending the conversation when you're lower on the totem pole at the table is quite odd. You should let them talk about themselves, convey in subtle ways that you are getting along with them and always let them end the conversation. The goal in informal stuff is to get them to believe you "like them as a person". People on Wall St. are narcissistic so you want to play to their ego, getting up and leaving is quite odd but not necessarily a deal breaker.

TL;DR = what rpc said.

 

Definitely sounds extremely awkward. Pay attention to people's body language more and sense when she is trying to end the conversation. Not a complete dealbreaker unless she's a total whatever but do a good job of following up. Don't sound overanxious and try not to be awkward. A real sincere sounding thank you along with an expression of further interest should be great.

 

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