How coffee and conversation could build careers by Maureen O'Connell, CFO at Scholastic Corporation

How Coffee and Conversation could Build Careers

Maureen O’ Connell Executive VP, CFO and CAO Scholastic Corporation Nov 27th, 2014 Note: The views expressed here are my own.

1. Do Your Research  Before the information interview, read extensively about the industry and the business in which your interviewee works.  The first place to start would be the company's website.  Also read its social media pages and discussion forums.

2) Come Prepared ď‚™ Note a list of questions you want to ask the interviewee before you meet. This will ensure that you learn everything you can about the industry and leave no doubts unresolved. ď‚™ At the same time, keep your mind open to new points of view that the interviewee might introduce in the course of the discussion.

3) Dress Appropriately  Although the venue of your interview is informal, its nature is not.  Dress formally to show you are taking this meeting seriously and strive to make a good first impression.  Show your interviewee that you could become an asset to his profession soon.

4) Open Well  Start the interview with a short introduction about yourself, your interest and the purpose of the interview.  This will enable the interviewee to get a clear idea about the exact nature and scope of help that you need.

5) Don’t Let your Guard Down  A coffee interview could well turn out to be a prerecruitment screening. Smart industry veterans use this time evaluate if you are the right fit for their organization.  Firm handshakes, sound knowledge, unwavering attention and a pleasant demeanor could go a long way in securing you a job interview if you decide that the industry or organization under discussion seems like the right fit for you.

6) Participate  An information interview is a two-way dialog. Feel free to ask questions, express doubts and exhibit your assent to your interviewee's ideas. At the same time, don't dominate the conversation.  Remember that the purpose of this meeting is to pick the brains of the industry expert and build a lasting rapport with him/her. He/she might well turn out to be a long-term mentor!

7) Respect Time  Don't forget that the person you have requested to interview is a busy individual, with a lot on his plate.  Don't while away the time in meaningless chatter, beating around the bush or asking repetitive questions.  Stick to the point and draw as much as possible from his expertise within a short span of time.

 8) Express Gratitude  Since the interviewee has been kind enough to spare his valuable time to help you out, don't forget to send him a thank-you note a day or two after the interview.

9) Bonus Tip – Keep your Order Simple  Eating while speaking could be a clumsy and awkward affair. So, stick to a cup of coffee, which you may neatly sip during the pauses in your interview.  These short pauses also give you crucial moments to ponder upon what has been discussed and frame questions about any lingering doubts you may have.

Tips for those Who Conduct Coffee Interviews for Recruitment  Let’s also look at some tips for the other side of the table as well.

1) Stick to Personality Assessment  A coffee house offers a relaxing, informal environment to gauge personality. It helps you evaluate factors like how your interviewees behave in a public set-up, how confident they are when surrounded by strangers, whether or not they can handle small talk and if they can multi-task (read: talk while eating) gracefully.  It is highly recommended to conduct the actual job interview in a formal set-up within your official workplace.

2) Prepare Your Questions  Conducting coffee interviews are a great way to discover the prospective employee as a person. So, questions about their background, strengths, weaknesses, ability to work in teams and under pressure, long-term career goals, etc. are most appropriate.  Considering the distraction and noise around, save the technical and problem-solving questions for the meeting room.

3) Break the Ice  Show your spontaneous, human side as soon as you meet the interviewee to put him at ease.  A good way to start is by complimenting the decor of the cafe or an interesting store you noticed nearby and seeking his/her view on it.  Conversational small talk not directly related to the more serious discussion coming up is a great icebreaker.

4) Facilitate Discussion  Remember that interviewees might feel uncomfortable discussing career prospects, salary and such other details in a public set-up.  Gently encourage them to voice their questions freely.

5) Pay The Tab  It is common practice for the recruiter to foot the bill. So, don't expect your interviewee to pay.  Insist on paying it yourself if he/she offers to do so.

Maureen O'Connell Maureen O’Connell is the current Executive VP, CFO and CAO of Scholastic Corporation. When not working, Maureen loves running, Skiing, Scuba Diving or Travelling.