Making the Most of a Coffee Meeting

Planted
Planted
Aug 23, 2017 · 3 min read

Coffee meetings are an important part of your job search and for career growth, especially when you’re trying to learn more about and get involved in the startup world.

Whether you set yourself up for a coffee meeting with someone from a networking event or if you have one with your uncle’s friend who owns a business in New York City, you need to be equally prepared going in. Though they’re much less formal than a regular job interview, meetups over coffee can help you gain insider know-how you would never find one a company’s website or someone’s LinkedIn profile.

A one-on-one meeting over coffee may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Most professionals are willing to set aside a bit of time to talk to newcomers from whatever industry they’re in because they were once in your position.

Whynot Coffee NYC

So, what should you bring in order to be prepared for a productive and enjoyable coffee meeting?

Money — So you can buy yourself some coffee, or a tea. Whichever suits your fancy. Don’t forget, if you asked someone to coffee, offer to pay for theirs as well.

Enthusiasm — Don’t be nervous. Show how interested you are to be learning about this person’s work and company. You excitement will rub off and let the person see a bit more of your personality.

An Objective — What’s your goal for the meeting? While you shouldn’t expect a job offer, it is reasonable to have a goal of gaining knowledge about a certain company in a specific industry or getting an e-mail address of someone you can get in touch with to learn about job openings a specific company.

A Notebook and Pen — It’s a pretty terrible feeling to have a great meeting where you gathered lots of information, only to forget it because you didn’t write it down. Call us old fashioned but pen and paper is superior to taking notes on your phone because it’s more personal, and your head won’t be buried in your iPhone.

Questions — Time is valuable, for both you and the person you’re meeting with. Come with questions in mind so you aren’t either struggling for things to talk about, or trying to jam too many things into your meeting.

A Hard Copy of Your Resume — Just in case the person you’re meeting with wants to take a look or pass it along. You never know, so it is best to have a few on hand.

A coffee meeting might be just what you need to jolt your career search in the right direction. Don’t underestimate the power of single get-together because you never know when it could lead you to a wider range of contacts and new opportunities. So get out there and start networking!

Are you getting rejected or ghosted after asking someone to coffee? Maybe it’s time to up your game and read this awesome article from Life-Long Learner, How to Ask Someone for a Coffee Meeting.

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Originally published at www.planted.com.

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Planted

Helping you find your next job at the best startups. https://www.planted.com

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