Investment Banking Coffee Chat Guide: Questions, Topics, Tips, & How to Prepare

A coffee chat is your shot to connect with a senior banker, analyst, or associate on a human level. These casual conversations offer an insider's view of the firm, team culture, and career paths, and they often lead to mutual connections, referrals, or even direct interviews.

The recruiting process for investment banking is notoriously competitive, and informational interviews are how bankers tend to identify candidates with genuine interest. In many cases, your ability to build connections and engage in a successful coffee chat can be more powerful than submitting your résumé through a portal.

Read: How to Break Into Investment Banking–What to Do From Freshman to Senior Year

Why Coffee Chats Matter in Investment Banking

A coffee chat is your shot to connect with a senior banker, analyst, or associate on a human level. These casual conversations offer an insider's view of the firm, team culture, and career paths, and they often lead to mutual connections, referrals, or even direct interviews.

The recruiting process for investment banking is notoriously competitive, and informational interviews are how bankers tend to identify candidates with genuine interest. In many cases, your ability to build connections and engage in a successful coffee chat can be more powerful than submitting your résumé through a portal.

“I’m worried that I won’t be able to network well or make the right impressions.”

This sentiment is more common than you think, but a well-prepared coffee chat can quiet that anxiety and help you make a meaningful connection.

Also read: Investment Banking Interview Guide: What to Know in 2025

How to Prepare for an Investment Banking Coffee Chat

1. Do the Pre-Reading

Before the meeting, spend time researching the banker’s LinkedIn profile, recent deals the firm has closed, and general industry trends. This helps you avoid sensitive topics and enables you to ask key questions that show you’ve done your homework.

Also, brush up on the firm's company culture, values, and structure. Understanding the typical day of an investment banking analyst at a specific bank will help you ask targeted and thoughtful questions.

2. Craft a Sharp Elevator Pitch

Your elevator pitch should quickly summarize your background, what sparked your interest in investment banking, and why you’re speaking to this specific person. Tailor your message to their firm and role.

A clean structure for your pitch:

• Where you’re from (e.g., non-target or target school)
• Key experiences (finance internship, leadership roles)
• Why investment banking
• Why you’re excited to speak with them

Aim for 30–45 seconds. Practice aloud to make it sound natural, not robotic.

3. Prepare Conversation Flow and Questions

Avoid making it feel like an interrogation. Instead, aim to let the conversation flow naturally. Prepare 4–5 coffee chat questions that aren’t generic — dig deeper than “what do you like about your job?”

Examples of great investment banking coffee chat questions:

• What does a typical day look like for your team?
• What would you say is the most important thing a new analyst should bring to the table?
• How does your firm differentiate itself in terms of company culture?
• How do junior bankers at your firm gain exposure to clients or deals?

Steer clear of asking technical questions during a coffee chat — save those for interviews. Instead, focus on the person’s path, firm culture, and advice.

What to Do During the Chat

Open with Genuine Small Talk

Start with brief small talk — comment on their city, team, or recent firm activity. If it’s a virtual coffee or virtual meeting, make sure your camera is on, your background is tidy, and your tech is stable.

Keep the conversation light in the first minute. A smile and confident body language go a long way.

Be Curious, Not Transactional

Don’t make it all about getting a job — build meaningful connections by listening carefully and expressing genuine interest in their journey. Let the conversation flow be your goal, not checking boxes.

If you're nervous, you're not alone. Many Reddit users admit they felt awkward at first, but preparation helps. One user noted:

A candidate noted: “The first few chats were rough, but once I stopped trying to impress and focused on learning, everything changed.”

Take Mental Notes

Notice things they say about team structure, mentorship, or their career progression. These are nuggets you can reference in your thank you note and future conversations.

Best Questions to Ask in an Investment Banking Coffee Chat

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is showing up to a coffee chat without thoughtful questions. A well-prepared list signals genuine interest, professionalism, and respect for the other person’s time. Here are some of the best coffee chat questions to ask — categorized by purpose:

Questions to Understand the Role

• What does a typical day look like for you?
• What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role?
• How does your team usually divide responsibilities on a live deal?

These help you understand the day-to-day responsibilities and whether the role aligns with your career goals.

Questions About the Firm and Culture

• How would you describe the company culture here?
• What made you choose this bank over others?
• How does your firm support analysts’ development or growth?

Use these to compare firm cultures and understand how different banks operate internally.

Questions About Career Path and Development

• What skills have been most critical to your success so far?
• How has your role evolved since you started?
• What do you see as the most important thing for a first-year analyst to master early on?

These show that you’re thinking long-term and are serious about building a successful career.

Questions That Build Rapport

• What was your recruiting experience like?
• Was there anyone who gave you advice that stuck with you?
• What do you like to do in your free time outside of work?

Small talk can turn into meaningful conversations — especially if you find common ground. These help the conversation flow naturally.

What to Avoid Asking

• Anything easily answered by a quick Google search
• Questions about salary, vacation, or compensation
• Anything overly personal or controversial

Always prioritize questions that show curiosity, professionalism, and a desire to learn.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even one misstep can derail a great chat. Here are the big ones:

• Talking too much — it’s a two-way street.
• Using your phone or laptop for distractions.
• Asking basic questions you could have Googled.
• Oversharing or diving into sensitive topics.
• Coming off as entitled or pushy.

Stay humble. Show you're here to learn and grow — that's what makes a successful coffee chat.

What to Wear: Business Casual or More?

When in doubt, go with business casual for in-person meetings. For virtual coffee chats, wear a collared shirt or blouse, and ensure you look clean, confident, and put-together. First impressions matter — especially in banking.

How to Follow Up the Right Way

A good thank-you note seals the impression. Send it within 24 hours, and keep it short but personal.

• Reference something specific you discussedReaffirm your appreciationKeep the door open for potential opportunities

Here’s a simple structure:

Hi [Name], thank you again for taking the time to chat with me today. I really enjoyed learning more about your experience working on M&A deals at [firm name], especially your insights into how junior analysts gain exposure. I really appreciate your advice and look forward to staying in touch. Best, [Your Name]

Don’t follow up more than once unless they asked for something (like your résumé). If you’re consistent and respectful, networking will snowball over time.

How to Turn Coffee Chats into Job Offers

Coffee chats won’t directly get you hired, but they open doors. After 5–10 informational interviews, you’ll likely develop mutual connections, earn referrals, or be flagged by HR during the recruiting process.

If they said “reach out during recruiting,” do it. If they mentioned another team member you should talk to, follow through.

Pro tip: Stay in touch every few months with updates about your career goals, internships, or skills you’re building.

Bonus Tips to Master Networking in IB

• Build a networking tracker (Excel, Notion) to log every contact and follow-up.
• Practice communication skills with mock coffee chats.
• Rehearse your elevator pitch until it feels effortless.
• Make use of mutual connections to get warm intros.
• Develop confidence by talking to people beyond bankers — your professors, peers, or alumni.

One applicant shared: “Coffee chats aren’t just about getting a job. They’re about personal growth, building your networking skills, and connecting with the industry on a human level.”

Seek Advice from Experts Today!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, you’re not alone — coffee chats can be intimidating, especially if you’re navigating the recruiting world without a built-in network. That’s where working with a top investment banking coach can make a measurable difference.

The best coaches help you:

• Refine your elevator pitch to be sharp and memorable
• Practice live coffee chat scenarios so you can enter real ones with confidence
• Craft thoughtful questions that spark genuine conversations
• Review and improve your communication style in real time
• Navigate the networking process strategically, from outreach to follow-up

Whether you're coming from a non-target school or transitioning careers, a seasoned coach can provide the structure, feedback, and insider perspective to help you stand out.

Read next:

• Mastering Networking for Investment Banking Opportunities: Tips & Tricks
• Effective Networking Strategies for Investment Banking Associates
• Maximizing Your Networking Opportunities as an Investment Banking Analyst
• Valuation Techniques Every Investment Banking Candidate Should Know
• Demystifying Investment Banking: Roadmap for Aspiring Bankers

FAQs

How to prepare for investment banking coffee chats?

• Impress the person you're speaking to by being charming and respectful, knowing their work experience (if you know ahead of time who you're meeting), and asking thoughtful questions. Learn about any potential opportunities, the status of recruiting processes, or any advice to succeed in the interview.

How to prep for coffee chat?

• Understand their role, career path, and any recent work or achievements. This preparation shows respect for their time and allows you to ask thoughtful questions. Be Specific About Your Goals: When requesting a coffee chat, be clear about what you're hoping to learn.

What are the questions asked in investment banking?

• What follows is a list of 400 investment banking interview questions and answers, divided into different types of “fit” questions (personal, team/leadership, “why banking,” etc.), technical questions (accounting, valuation, DCF, merger models and LBO models, and brain teasers), and other topics.

How should I handle a situation where the professional doesn't respond to my initial coffee chat request?

• It's common for professionals to have busy schedules, so don't be discouraged by a lack of response. Wait about a week before sending a polite follow-up email reiterating your interest. If there's still no reply after another week, consider reaching out to someone else in the firm or expanding your network to other professionals.

Is it appropriate to take notes during a coffee chat?

• Yes, taking notes is acceptable and shows that you're engaged and value the information being shared. However, keep it subtle to maintain the conversational flow. Jotting down key points can help you remember details for future reference and follow-ups.

How can I gracefully exit a coffee chat that is exceeding the agreed-upon time?

• Respecting the professional's time is crucial. If the conversation is running over, you can say, "I want to be mindful of your schedule; do you have time to continue, or should we wrap up?" This acknowledges their time commitment and allows them to decide how to proceed.

Should I offer to pay for the coffee during a coffee chat?

• While it's a courteous gesture to offer, typically, the professional will insist on covering the bill. If you initiated the meeting, you might say, "May I take care of the coffee?" but be prepared for them to decline. It's the gesture that counts.

How do I handle a situation where I don't know the answer to a question posed during the coffee chat?

• It's okay not to have all the answers. If asked something you're unsure about, respond with honesty: "I haven't encountered that before, but I'm eager to learn more about it." This demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn, qualities valued in the industry.