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Preparing For Your Next Coffee Chat

5 Tips For A 15 Minute Chat

A coffee chat may be brief, but it can create space for meaningful connection and next steps when approached with intention. These five tips are designed to help you prepare thoughtfully and use the time well.

Look up the person’s current role and one recent item (company page, LinkedIn post, or event note). If you met them at a networking event, remind yourself of the moment you connected; if it was LinkedIn/social, reference the post or thread; if a referral, note who connected you and why. That tiny bit of context makes your opener feel intentional, not random.

Prepare Before the Call

Lead with who you are, one quick relevant detail (major, role, or project), and why you asked for the chat. Example: “I’m Crystal, a senior studying design — I loved your recent piece on portfolio strategy and wanted a quick read on next steps for entry-level roles.” Keep it concise and honest.

Open with a 30-second intro

Spend ~1–2 minutes on quick rapport, 8–10 minutes on your main question(s), and 2–3 minutes closing. Prioritize 1–2 focused questions (e.g., “Which skills should I build now?” or “What does a strong first role look like at your company?”). If they were a referral, you can also ask what a reasonable next step would be (intro, resume share, or follow-up call).

Plan the 15 minutes so you get one real answer.

Rather than “Any advice?” try: “What one skill would you build next?” or “Could you review one line of my resume?” If appropriate, offer to send a quick sample (link to a portfolio page or 1-page resume) and ask if they’d be willing to glance at it — this turns vague advice into a practical next step.

Ask for concrete, small asks — and offer something useful.

End by thanking them, restating one takeaway, and proposing the next small move (“May I send a one-page resume? Would you be open to a 20-minute follow-up in a few weeks?”). Within 24 hours, send a brief thank-you email that references something specific from the chat and confirms any agreed next step.