Coffee Chats

Set up meetings with people in the industry to learn more about their real-life experiences in that career. This is a form of networking, so you have more connections in that field. You'll be able to ask them questions, better prepare your candicacy, and perhaps get referrals in the future.

This is your time to get an inside scoop about their experience. Prepare a list of questions to learn more about how they got started and any tips for you. Here are some of my favorite questions to ask while networking.

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If you want feedback on your portfolio or resume, come with SPECIFIC questions or problems you're having.

You can ask for advice about finding a job in the industry but do not ask them directly to hook you up with an opportunity. If they offer to keep an eye out for you, that is fine but don’t ask if they will hire you, it will come across rude and could put them in an uncomfortable position to say no.

Time is precious, so make sure to give a heads up about what stuck out about them specifically.

Why them? You don’t need to send an agenda, but it’s very helpful to send a few sample questions or topics you want to discuss

Once they agree to connect, suggest 2-3 time ranges of availability. You want to make it as simple as possible.

Bonus points, use Calendly or another calendar scheduling tool (Which will make you look reaaaaally on top of your stuff if you do!)

It may feel like a good idea to ask “When are you free?” but you’re actually creating more work for them. Be very direct.

It can be annoying for someone to just say, “hey you should add this feature to your product.” If you’re talking about ideas then go for it, but don’t use this time to pitch and be too salesy.

Don’t come empty-handed. Check their Linkedin or portfolio before, so you have an idea of projects and companies they’ve worked for. This will help you craft your questions.

Don’t be overly formal and robotic. Be professional, but (typically) you don’t need to call them Mr. or Mrs. Ms. They are just a person, and you also don’t know how they identify. If it’s a very formal relationship or the person is much older than you, then you might use the above, but see how they sign their emails or messages to you.

You can thank them but don’t turn yourself into a poor pity case. You are two professionals connecting. Prove that you’re an equal. If they didn’t want to meet or did not have time, they would not have agreed.

It's appreciated to know that the support is reciprocal and you’re not just using them. A quick “Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you in the future” goes a long way! Even if you don’t think you have anything to offer.

Even if you say thank you during the meeting, follow up with a quick “Thanks so much for chatting. It was great to hear about X.” Be gracious for the time they are sharing with you. Then send a more official thank you email or message.