What to *actually* say in a coffee chat

Here’s what a coffee chat actually means…

Let’s get one thing clear, coffee chats aren’t just casual conversations.
They’re mini-interviews, otherwise known as “informational interviews” where you can. make a lasting first impression. Last week, we discussed your referral pipeline and how to ask for a referral. If you’re just asking for a referral without offering anything in return, you’re doing it wrong. This week, let’s talk about how to master the coffee chat and leave a lasting impression:

• Focus on offering value. Instead of just asking for a referral, show how you can be a resource for them. Ask insightful questions about their work and offer relevant connections or advice.

• Research and tailor your approach. Before the coffee chat, research their company and current projects. Also, if you are coffee chatting with someone from the same school, try connecting on similar experiences from the school (e.g. same classes, professors, extracurriculars, clubs - stalk their linkedin profile before to see stuff like this). This allows you to connect your skills and experience to their specific needs, making a referral a natural next step.

• Remember that coffee chats should go both ways. You should ask questions to know more about the role and company culture to see if it’s the right fit for you and the person should see that you’re a good and well prepared candidate for the job.  

• Lastly, be aware of their time. Coffee chats are for information exchange, not full job interviews. Aim for 15-20 minutes, be mindful of the clock, and ensure your questions are well-prepared and lead to a natural conclusion. A good tip is to ask if they’re on a tight timeline at the start of the coffee chat :)

• After the coffee chat, summarize key takeaways from the conversation and express your appreciation for their time. Then, if relevant, ask for a referral to a specific opening or for them to connect you with someone in their network or ask if they can connect you with hiring managers.

Here are the questions I asked during my coffee chat:

- Start off with thank you for taking the time out to meet with me… (questions like how is your day going? how was your weekend?) 
- Introduce yourself (School, Major, briefly share interest in company and role)
- What initially sparked your interest in healthcare consulting, and how did you end up at Company X?
- What made you choose Company X and how would you describe your experience here? 
- Can you share a particularly memorable project you've worked on recently? What were the key challenges and insights gained?
- What does your day-to-day life look like as a consultant at Company X?
- How did you prepare for the consulting case interviews? Any specific websites / books that you would recommend?
- Can you provide any insights or advice on how I can make the most of Weill Cornell Medicine while pursuing a career in consulting?
- Lastly, I’ve applied for [Insert Role], would you be able to refer me? Your help is greatly appreciated! (if you'd like, you can also ask this question via email/message if you don't feel comfortable putting them on the spot - it's upto you and the vibe of the chat) 

Who’s hiring?

Technology:

Consulting:

Finance: