Must-Ask Questions for Your Next Coffee Chat

Pro-tip: the most valuable part of a coffee chat is the quality of the questions! We don’t want you to waste your opportunity, so we suggest asking these powerful coffee chat questions to make the conversation more engaging and productive.

What is a Coffee Chat, anyway?

Before we get into what questions to ask during a coffee chat, it’s important to know what it means. A coffee chat isn’t supposed to be literal – it doesn't have to be over coffee, nor is it a random chat you happen to have at a coffee store!

A coffee chat is an informal (for the most part) chat that you have with someone you want in your professional network. Often, these meetings involve a discussion about one’s career goals in a particular profession or industry.

For the career-learning chats addressed here, seek information and advice rather than a job, as Berkeley recommends.

There are many different ways to prepare for a coffee chat – one of them is listing out all the questions you plan to ask. However, preparing questions beforehand is only one part of the coffee chat. It is important to have a discussion in the moment based on what answers your partner gives, rather than only asking questions you’ve already planned for. 

Setting a Goal for the Conversation

Approaching a coffee chat with a clear goal in mind ensures a purposeful interaction. Define what you hope to gain from the conversation, whether it's industry insights, advice on a specific challenge, or expanding your professional network. Having a goal helps guide your questions and keeps the conversation focused and beneficial for both parties.

Berkeley’s informational-interview guidance describes a usual duration of 20–30 minutes. Respect the timeframe you agree with your partner.

Questions to Ask in a Coffee Chat

The foundation of a productive coffee chat lies in the questions you ask. Instead of sticking to generic inquiries, dive deeper to gain valuable insights. Ask about their career journey, challenges, and lessons learned. Consider these networking questions as a starting point:

Choose from this menu: question 1 for career paths, questions 2–3 for challenges and lessons, or questions 4–5 for daily work and routines. Use only relevant prompts; the optional follow-ups below are examples to adapt to the answers you hear.

1. How did you get started in your career?

This question is an opportunity to get to know your coffee chat partner better. It is also a good segue into talking about your career goals and asking for advice!

Optional follow-up: “What helped you choose that first role?”

2. What challenges have you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

This question offers a deeper perspective into what challenges you might run into during the pursuit of your career. It also allows you to build a meaningful bond with your coffee chat partner since you are addressing questions that go beyond surface-level small talk.

Optional follow-up: “Which step helped you handle that challenge?”

3. Can you share some valuable lessons you've learned along the way?

Everyone faces challenges and triumphs in their career. By asking for lessons learned, you're not just getting a chronological account of their professional life; you're delving into the distilled wisdom gained from both successes and setbacks.

This question can help you reflect on what you might do differently in a similar situation.

Optional follow-up: “How has that lesson changed the way you work?”

4. What does a typical day in the office look like? 

This question allows you to gain insight into your guest’s role. It’s also a good opportunity to understand how they manage their time and build their work ethic.

Optional follow-up: “Which task takes up the most time on a typical day?”

5. How do you set a routine that works for you?

Hearing how they choose habits and manage their time can help you consider what fits your own responsibilities and working style.

Optional follow-up: “How do you adjust that routine when priorities change?”

6. If you have the time, could you introduce me to other resources or people who might be relevant to my career journey?

Ask for useful resources or people to learn from. Berkeley suggests asking for other contacts, but recommendations and introductions are optional; leave room for them to decline.

7. Would you be open to future questions, and if so, how would you prefer I contact you?

If they welcome more questions, use their preferred channel. Avoid repeated unsolicited messages, and don’t treat an unanswered message as permission to keep asking.

Taking the Initiative in Asking Questions

Don't wait for the other person to lead the conversation. Taking the initiative shows confidence and a genuine interest in the discussion. Begin with an icebreaker, share a bit about yourself, and smoothly transition into asking open-ended questions. This approach sets a positive tone for the conversation and encourages a more dynamic exchange of ideas.

Networking During a Coffee Chat

Networking is not just about exchanging business cards; it's about building authentic connections. During a coffee chat, focus on creating a genuine rapport. Be an active listener, express appreciation for their insights, and find common ground. If appropriate, share your own experiences and perspectives. Building a strong connection during the coffee chat can lead to ongoing professional relationships.