Once you’ve successfully cold emailed someone, the next step is to prepare for your coffee chat with them. Coffee chats are an easy way to get to know someone, with no pressure — and The Daily Pennsylvanian has gathered some tips to help you have the best coffee chat ever.
1. Come prepared.
Don’t just try to wing it — have questions you want to ask them, and do your research beforehand. Nothing is more unprofessional than meeting someone in person and having nothing to talk to them about after you asked to have a coffee chat.
2. Be on time.
The person you’re meeting is doing you a favor, so don’t be late! First impressions matter, and being on time is a great way to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. Respect the other person’s time by showing up promptly and by making sure you wrap things up efficiently.
3. Put your phone away.
Mute your phone and put it somewhere it won’t distract you. Putting it away may be difficult, but you have to be fully present during your coffee chat and be giving your undivided attention to the conversation.
4. Be confident.
Self-confidence is key in networking — ask yourself why wouldn’t the other person want to get to know you? Networking does not have to be awkward; be comfortable and remember all of your questions don’t have to be work-related — you can ask casual questions as well to get to know the other person.
5. Remember to say thank you — at least twice!
Saying thank you at the end of the conversation is good, but remembering to send them a thank you email afterward is great. Express your gratitude and if you really liked them, keep in touch — you can even ask them to get coffee again if it feels appropriate.
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