A coffee chat is a casual yet professional approach to networking, especially in the consulting industry. But what is a coffee chat exactly? It's a chance to meet, usually over a cup of coffee or tea, where individuals can get to know each other on a professional level. For someone trying to break into the consulting industry, these chats provide an invaluable opportunity to make quality connections and learn more about potential firms.
How to Ask for a Coffee Chat
Knowing how to ask for a coffee chat is crucial for making a good first impression. Say you’ve encountered a firm representative in a panel discussion you attended and want to follow up with a coffee chat request. Your email should be polite, concise, and professional. But above all, establishing a personal connection is key.
Coffee Chat Email Template
Here’s a sample coffee chat email template that could serve as a starting point:
Subject: Coffee Chat Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I attended the Management Consulted panel you were on last week. As a fellow parent, I loved hearing about your experience balancing life (and craziness) at home with your incredible work at [Firm Name].
I am excited to explore opportunities at the firm. I would appreciate the chance to have a coffee chat and learn more about your journey and work. The following times are open for me, and I will send a 30-min invite if anything below works:
[Option #1] (i.e. 02/17/24, 2:00-5:00 PM ET)
[Option #2]
[Option #3]
Thanks so much, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[optin-monster slug="mfmzt6jhpqtviy9rqitx" followrules="true"]
Coffee Chat Networking Tips
Some important networking tips:
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Always Personalize Your Request Emails
Generic messages signal that you cut corners or aren’t interested in the firm or the person you’re contacting. After all, what do you do when you get spammed with generic solicitation emails? If you’re like me, you probably don’t even open them…
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Give A Reason Why You’re Reaching Out To Them
Did you meet them at an event? See them on a recruiting panel? Notice them on the firm’s website featuring a particular practice area? Mention it!
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Be Personable And Intentional
Be personal and intentional within professional bounds. You’re making a first impression, and they’ll be more prone to respond if they already like you because of your thoughtful, intentional, and personalized email.
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Offer Specific, Clear Times
Offer specific, clear times for a coffee chat, with as much availability as possible. If you’re free from 2-5PM, offer that block and be clear that you’ll send a 30-min invitation. They’re more likely to have availability within time blocks than in disparate chunks here and there. Include time zones to be extra clear.
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Send Calendar Invitations Promptly
Send calendar invitations promptly (with Zoom link if needed), ideally within 4 hours of their confirmation. Doing so puts the chat on their calendar and reduces the likelihood that something will be booked in its place. If you can, include a short synopsis of what you’d like to discuss in the event invite.
Great Coffee Chat Questions: What Are They and How Do You Come Up With Them?
Developing a quality list of coffee chat questions can help guide the conversation. Consulting coffee chat questions could include inquiries about the consultant's journey, the firm's culture, and their experiences on various projects. Fun coffee chat questions might revolve around hobbies or favorite books, bringing a personal touch to the conversation.
Great coffee chat questions should be geared toward:
- Building a promoter who will champion you inside the firm and refer you to others to continue the conversation. If you ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in the firm and the person, you’ll build rapport and trust. Having someone who will advocate for you in internal recruiting conversations is hugely important and valuable.
- Gaining authentic company insight, which you won’t otherwise find on the website. Focus on making a human connection, not asking about baseline facts and figures that can be found online. When you’ve built a strong connection, you learn much more about the firm, which will help you make a decision should you earn the offer.
Virtual Coffee Chat vs. In-Person
In today's digital age, virtual coffee chats have become more common. While virtual and in-person coffee chats share the same goal, the approach to each can differ significantly.
For a successful virtual coffee chat, a few key elements should be considered. First, ensure that your technology works properly. Nothing can derail a conversation faster than technical issues. Test your camera, microphone, speakers, and internet connection beforehand. Second, choose a quiet, professional background. A clean, uncluttered space with good lighting will help maintain focus on the conversation. Muting notifications can also help you be present. Third, present yourself professionally. Even though the meeting is virtual, it's essential to conduct yourself as you would for an in-person meeting. Dress appropriately (business casual is usually acceptable) and make direct eye contact with the camera.
In contrast, in-person coffee chats come with their own unique set of considerations. Select an appropriate public setting, like a quiet coffee shop that allows for private conversation. Arrive early to secure a good spot. Body language plays a significant role during in-person meetings. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use open body language to show engagement and interest. Also, remember to respect personal space. Lastly, dress professionally. First impressions matter, and your appearance should reflect your seriousness about the opportunity.
For both virtual and in-person coffee chats, preparation is key. Research the person you're meeting, and come prepared with excellent questions, as mentioned above. This will not only demonstrate your interest but also help you gain valuable insights into the consulting industry. After the meeting, write down your main takeaways in a notebook or networking tracker. Whether you're setting up a BCG coffee chat, a Bain coffee chat, or a chat with another consulting firm, the essential principles remain the same: professionalism, preparation, and respect for the other person's time and expertise.
Following Up: Writing a Coffee Chat Thank You Email
Post coffee chat, it's important to send a thank you email within 24 hours. This reinforces your interest and appreciation. Many of the same email guidelines from above apply here. Personalize your message, be specific about how the chat helped you, and remind them to refer you to someone else (if applicable). This sample coffee chat thank you email template can help you get started:
Subject: Thank You for Coffee Chat – [Your Name]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. Our chat was informative and fun, and I truly appreciate your insights into life at [Firm Name]. I will look into the resource you shared with me as I prep through the next couple of months. Thanks, as well, for offering to connect me with [Referral’s Name]. I look forward to that conversation.
Wishing you the best in this and all of your projects,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
In conclusion, coffee chats are an essential tool in networking, especially for individuals looking to break into the consulting industry. Whether it's a BCG coffee chat, a Bain coffee chat, or one with a smaller firm, the principles remain the same: be professional, come prepared with questions, and always follow up with gratitude.
With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to successfully navigating the world of coffee chats and making valuable connections in your chosen industry.