You just finished attending a virtual event and invited some people to connect over LinkedIn. One of the speakers accepted your invitation quicker than you expected. With a new professional connection in the field you want to work in, you sent a quick message asking if you could meet for a coffee chat. They agreed to meet and provided a date, location and time for their availability. In today's blog, we'll discuss coffee chats, what you should and shouldn't do and why they're essential to your professional development.
FYI, it's not an interview or an internship opportunity. It's not about the coffee, either. It's an informal meeting where you sit down with someone more experienced and get to know them. You have a limited time to ask questions and better understand who they are and how they got where they are today. While your connection might need someone with your qualifications, a coffee chat is not a job opportunity. It's a brief chat to build a relationship. It's also a chance for you to learn and ask questions that a qualified professional can answer.
A coffee chat doesn't have to happen at a coffee shop. You can pick anywhere you and your connection will feel comfortable meeting. A coffee shop works because it's an intimate setting where you can speak for 15-20 minutes and then be on your way. A patio might also work but avoid ordering alcoholic beverages as you're trying to make an impression. A quick search on Google suggests a library, park or a café for in-person coffee chats. If you're leaning toward a virtual coffee chat, you could organize a meeting through Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, to name a few. Virtual coffee chats allow you to remain in the comfort of your home; however, you still need to act professionally.
Whether your coffee chat is virtual or in-person, it goes without saying that you don't want to waste your connection's time – so come prepared. Take some time to write down specific questions to keep the conversation moving. It's a great opportunity to learn directly from a professional working in the business you want to get into – so don't waste it. By preparing questions in advance, you will demonstrate professionalism, maturity and dedication to your craft.
What can you do in a coffee chat? Ask questions about the role you're interested in; your connection may have suggestions to help you get there quicker. If you plan to follow in their footsteps and pursue a similar role, ask how they broke into the business. You could also get their opinion on your work if you brought your portfolio. Ask about the challenges they faced or how they got their start and use that as inspiration for your journey. Take notes, or if they are willing, ask if they mind you recording the conversation.
Remember, whoever you're meeting with is doing so to help you on your journey - not to give you a job. While they don't plan to hire you, they can still help you. Professional connections will have numerous invaluable experiences you can learn from, whether you're just starting or established in the field. Their advice might help you dodge mistakes that they made in the past. There are countless tricks you can learn from someone more experienced. Remember, your focus should be on learning as much as possible - not landing a job.
When the conversation ends, thank your new connection for their time and the knowledge and wisdom they have shared with you. After all, their generosity provided you with crucial insights that will help you advance your career. Make sure to send them a thank you note/card or a message on LinkedIn to keep the lines of communication open. The more you communicate, the better the chances you will develop a strong relationship that you can count on for advice throughout your journey. They may also be willing to introduce you to people in their network, so don't be afraid to ask if there's someone you would like to meet. You never know what a new connection might lead to.
You don't have to go on coffee chats – but people are willing to share what they know if you are curious and courageous enough to ask for help. Asking for help isn't a weakness. It means you're conscious of your limitations, which, with some work, can become strengths. Continuous learning and professional development are the keys to success in any profession. Remember, the more you know, the more valuable you are to your organization. As Duke Ellington, an American pianist, jazz composer and bandleader, once said, "A goal is a dream with a finish line." It's up to you to decide how far you're willing to go to reach it.
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