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Mastering the art of a coffee chat is a valuable skill for building meaningful connections and advancing your career. While there are many different ways to network, coffee chats are unique since they allow more informal conversations and authentic connections.
Coffee chats can be broken down into three stages: Before, During, and After a Coffee Chat. Use the tips below to prepare, take part in the conversation and follow up thoughtfully.
What do Coffee Chats Mean?
Fun fact: you don’t have to have a coffee with someone for it to be a coffee chat! Before learning tips for a good coffee chat, it’s important to know what a coffee chat means.
A career-focused coffee chat is a chance to learn about a role or industry, not a job interview. Berkeley’s informational-interview guidance emphasizes seeking information and advice rather than asking for a job. The connections forged during these informal meetings can lead to job leads or collaborative projects, but those outcomes aren’t guaranteed. Other examples of positive outcomes from coffee chats include gaining career advice, exploring industry trends, or simply expanding your professional circle.
Before: How to Prepare for a Coffee Chat
Perhaps the most important stage of a coffee chat is the preparation stage. The key to making these meetings impactful lies in the preparation that happens before you even take that first sip. This is where you will research the individual thoroughly to understand what questions to ask and what to talk about.
Listed below are the essential steps on how to prepare for a coffee chat beforehand and ensure that you make the most out of this valuable networking opportunity!
1. Research Your Coffee Chat Partner
Look up the person you plan to meet. Leverage online platforms, such as LinkedIn or their company website, to gather insights into their professional background, recent projects, and achievements. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your questions but also demonstrate your genuine interest in their work. Understand their background, achievements, and current projects.
2. Define Your Objectives
Clarify what you want to achieve from the coffee chat. Plan out what you will say when reaching out to your coffee chat partner. Figure out which platform they are more likely to see your message on. Define your goal: do you want to expand your network and get introduced to more people? Do you want to learn more about a specific industry?
Once you have sketched out your goals, prepare specific questions targeting these goals, such as questions about their industry or position.
Illustrative questions: “What does a typical week in your role involve?” and “What changes in your industry should someone entering it understand?”
Resumes and business cards are optional, not a requirement for a coffee chat. Share them only when relevant and welcome. For a resume, first establish comfortable rapport before offering it for input, as Berkeley’s informational-interview guidance recommends.
3. Reach Out to the Individual
It is important to take the initiative when you are planning a coffee chat. Make it clear that you are passionate and interested in talking to the other person, especially since you are asking for their time.
Example invitation to adapt:
Subject: Learning about [role]
Hi [Name], I’m exploring [field] and came across your work on [project]. Would you be open to a 20-minute chat about [learning topic], either in person or by video, whichever suits you? Thank you, [Your name].
4. Choose a Suitable Venue
Choose an in-person or virtual format that feels comfortable for both of you.
If meeting in person, select a quiet coffee shop conducive to conversation. Dinner or a beer is optional—suggest either only if you both prefer it.
For virtual coffee chats, ensure you are in a quiet and well-lit space. Before the meeting, check your microphone, camera and internet connection using the agreed meeting platform.
5. Dress Appropriately
Choose clothing for the setting, or ask your partner about expectations. Berkeley’s informational-interview guidance recommends dressing neatly and appropriately for the work setting you are exploring.
For a casual coffee shop or Zoom call: consider smart casual attire, such as well-fitted jeans or khakis paired with a neat shirt or blouse.
For a Professional Setting: If your coffee chat is in a more formal or professional environment, consider business casual attire. This might include slacks or a skirt with a blouse or a collared shirt.
What to Do During a Coffee Chat
1. Initiate the Conversation
Start with a friendly greeting and a brief introduction. Express your gratitude for their time and interest in meeting. A little small talk can help you settle in, but it’s fine to move directly to the agreed topic.
Use respectful but friendly language to make them feel comfortable. Take this opportunity to share your background and the reason you wanted to have the coffee chat. Finish within the agreed meeting length unless the other person agrees to continue, in line with Berkeley’s guidance on respecting their time.
2. Be Engaging
Listen actively to what the other person is saying. Ask follow-up questions to demonstrate genuine interest. Make sure to not interrupt or cut the other person off. Take notes if possible: it will probably come in handy in the future.
3. Share Your Story
Throughout the coffee chat, provide a concise overview of your background and experiences. Highlight relevant skills and achievements. Keep this connected to what you hope to learn.
4. Explore Shared Interests
A great way of building rapport is through finding common interests beyond the workplace. If it feels natural, talk about some hobbies and interests to get the conversation going. You never know, your coffee chat partner might be interested in the same things!
5. Attentive Body Language
Listen closely and choose a comfortable posture when you engage in conversation. Reduce distractions where possible, such as putting your phone away or silencing notifications.
What to Do After a Coffee Chat
A coffee chat is not over the moment you leave the meeting. It is important to take out the time to follow up with your coffee chat partner to display your ability to take initiative and be proactive.
1. Send a Thoughtful Thank-You Email
For informational interviews, Berkeley recommends sending a thank-you note within one to two days. Express appreciation for their time, reiterate key takeaways from the conversation, and, if welcome, convey your enthusiasm for potential future interactions.
Example thank-you to adapt:
Hi [Name], thank you for taking the time to chat. Your advice about [specific takeaway] helped me understand [topic]. I plan to [next action]. If you’re open to it, I’d enjoy staying in touch. Best, [Your name].
2. Connect on Professional Platforms: Expanding Your Network
If relevant and welcome, connect on platforms like LinkedIn. Send a personalized connection request, referencing your recent coffee chat, and express your interest in maintaining the connection. This online connection provides an additional avenue for staying engaged and updated on each other's professional journeys. When an opportunity arises, you can also offer relevant help or a useful resource, if welcome. This is optional, with no obligation to repay advice or continue contact.
3. Engage with Their Content
If relevant and welcome, you can like, comment, or share their posts to demonstrate an ongoing interest in their work. There’s no need to engage regularly.
4. Reflect and Adjust: Evaluating the Conversation
Reflect on the coffee chat and evaluate its outcomes. Consider what you can improve and work on in a professional context and start building your professional network accordingly. If your coffee chat partner introduced you to resources or people who can help, make sure you conduct research and get acquainted with them. Separately, if relevant and welcome, you can ask for brief, specific feedback on a next step you’re considering toward your learning goal. There’s no need for another meeting or an expectation that they must reply.
Summary: Do’s and Don’ts for Coffee Chats
Do’s
- Initiate the Conversation
- Do Adequate Research
- Be Attentive
- Dress Appropriately
- Explore Shared Interests When They Come Up Naturally
- Send a Follow-Up
- Reflect and Be Flexible
Don’ts
- Don’t Neglect Clear Objectives
- Don’t Force Small Talk
- Don’t Overshare
- Don’t Disregard Professionalism
- Don’t Overlook Venue Selection
- Don’t Pressure Someone to Stay in Touch Online
- Don’t Run Past the Agreed Meeting Time
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