How to: Set Up Coffee Chats
The purpose of a coffee chat, also known as an informational job interview, is for you to learn more about the team or company, AND for them to know you exist and what skills you have. This post will discuss the benefits of coffee chats and how to set them up.
Want to learn more about a specific project, team or field? Enter what I call ‘coffee chats’, also known as informational interviews. Coffee chats are your opportunity to connect with the people who are on the project, team or field you want to learn more about.
Benefits of Coffee Chats/Informational Job Interviews
Get Ahead - why wait for a job posting when you can get ahead and introduce yourself to a prospective team? This way, when a job does pop up, you are a known candidate (they know you and your skills) putting you in a better position than others competing.
Make Connections - informational interviews are a great way to meet more people and expand your network. Introducing yourself is the only way people will know you exist and what your skills are
Low Stress - rather than meeting your future boss/team at an interview, it’s a lot easier and more effective when you meet them for a coffee chat. Keep in mind, some teams won’t meet when an active competition is occurring.
Shows Initiative - the act of you finding and reaching out to people shows initiative. It signals to potential employers that you actively ‘do’ rather than wait to be told
Allows for Learning - you get to learn what kind of people are on the other side. Are they people you’d want to work with? This is a huge benefit for you - if it’s not a group of people you want to spend time with, you’ll know sooner than later.
Potential Job Offers or Opportunities - there have been three times in my 10 year career where I was offered a job after a coffee chat. Why? Because I didn’t wait for the job posting, I got ahead of it. It could happen to you too, so why not try? Secondly, you could get connected to another person or team who may need someone like you through your initial contact.
How to Set Up Coffee Chats
You’ve read the benefits - great. But how do you actually do it? First, remember if you are nervous the worst thing that can happen is someone will say ‘no’. Secondly, here are concrete steps you can take to set up coffee chats.
Research - do your research and find the exact person you want to reach out to. Typically, this is a manager level or higher position on a team. You are looking to speak to someone who has authoritative power to higher staff.
Connect - connect with Manager A via email.
Here is sample text, “Hi Manager A, my name is _____ and I’ve been following your team/company’s ______. I have a background in __________. I would love to learn more and introduce myself. Would you be willing to have a (virtual) coffee with me?”
TIP: include an attachment of your resume
Structure - when you have your coffee chat, ensure you have a structure to it by sharing the agenda.
At the beginning of your informational interview you could say, “Thank you for chatting with me. I’d like to learn more about you and your team’s _____ and share a bit more of who I am.” Be specific about what you are looking to learn from Manager A.
Listen - listen to what is being shared and identify areas where you and your skills may be a good fit. Listen for opportunities. Hiring managers are often looking to fill a need on their team or want to know good people to fill a future need.
Write It Down - after every informational interview, write down what you learned and what was valuable to you. This will allow you to retain important information in a secure place (a journal) instead of trying to remember. Reference this if you are reaching out to the same people, team or company.
Follow Up - send a thank you note post coffee chat. Someone took the time to chat with you and share what they know. Sending a thank you note is good etiquette.
Give it a shot. The most anyone will say is, ‘no’ and then you know to move on. If you’re looking for more coaching on setting up informational interviews, you can reach out and work with me to develop a personalized approach that’s right for you.
