Initiating a coffee chat with big shots?
I’m a junior trying to break into the field, and I just had a 20-minute one-on-one coffee chat with an EYP partner during campus recruiting. While we chatted about my interest in strategy, their career path, and why I’m drawn to consulting, I can’t shake the feeling it was… too generic. No major mistakes, but also no “aha” moments that’ll make them remember me come application time. Now how do you stand out in these conversations without sounding rehearsed?
My biggest questions:
1. Coffee chat hacks for partners/seniors: Did you ask specific questions that sparked deeper conversations (e.g., about their favorite project, a challenge they faced, or trends they’re bullish on in the industry)? I stuck to standard “What’s your favorite part of consulting?”. What’s a better approach to show curiosity and preparation?
2. Follow-up etiquette: How soon should I reach out after? I want to thank them and mention a point we discussed (they talked about a healthcare case study I loved), but should I also subtly ask for a referral? Or is that too forward?
3. Referral red flags: What makes someone say “yes” to referring a candidate? Did sharing a unique personal connection (like volunteering in the same cause, or a shared alma mater) help, or is it more about proving you’re a cultural fit through the chat?
I know partners are busy, so I want to respect their time but also make the most of this opportunity. Any real-talk advice, even tiny details like body language, note-taking during the chat, or how to pivot from small talk to meaningful dialogue would be nice. Did you ever bomb a coffee chat and bounce back?
Initiating a coffee chat can be a make-or-break opportunity in your consulting career. To stand out, aim to engage partners with questions that go beyond the surface. Instead of asking generic questions like 'What do you enjoy most about consulting?', consider inquiring about their most challenging projects or industry trends they believe in. This approach showcases your genuine interest and prepares you for a deeper conversation. When following up, timing is crucial. Best practice suggests reaching out within 24-48 hours post-chat. A personalized thank-you note referencing a specific topic discussed not only expresses gratitude but reinforces your connection. If you're considering asking for a referral, position it as an additional outreach after your initial thank-you, ensuring it feels natural rather than presumptive. Moreover, understanding what influences a referral decision can shape your strategy. Building a narrative around shared experiences, such as mutual connections or common interests, can significantly increase your chances. It's also important to emphasize your cultural fit during the chat. Being authentic, asking thoughtful questions, and demonstrating your knowledge of the industry can leave a lasting impression. Lastly, always be aware of non-verbal communication. Maintain eye contact, and be mindful of your tone and body language, as these elements contribute to how your message is received. Remember, even if a coffee chat doesn’t go as planned, there’s always a lesson to take away and an opportunity to improve for the next interaction.
Coffee chats with big shots can be tricky, but you're on the right track! For follow up, reach out within 24 hours and keep it genuine.