virtual coffee chats

Hi there,

Good question — virtual coffee chats are generally informal and not officially evaluative, but they do serve a purpose. Here’s what consultants are usually paying attention to:

1. Genuine Interest in the Firm
They want to see that you’ve done your homework and ask thoughtful, specific questions — not generic ones.

2. Communication & Presence
Even in a casual setting, how you communicate matters. Clear, confident, and respectful interaction leaves a good impression.

3. Cultural Fit & Motivation
They’re gauging whether your background, motivations, and energy align with the team and firm culture.

4. Red Flag Detection
This is key — coffee chats are often used to spot any red flags early (e.g. arrogance, poor communication, lack of preparation), which may be shared informally with recruiters.

As for your device incident — don’t stress. If you were present, engaged, and handled it calmly, it's unlikely to have impacted anything.

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out.
Best,
Evelina

Hi there,

In virtual coffee chats (especially with consulting firms), the purpose is usually informal (you won’t receive a case), but you are still being evaluated. Here’s what they typically look out for:

What is being evaluated:

1. Motivation & Fit
   Are you genuinely interested in the firm? Do you understand what they do? Do you ask thoughtful questions? Are you someone they’d want to work with?
2. Communication Style
   Clear, concise, and engaging communication is a big plus, even if it’s casual. They might not expect “case-level polish,” but they notice how you express yourself.

3. Professionalism & Demeanor
   Being friendly, respectful, and present is key. This includes your setup (camera on, no major distractions, professional behavior).
   
   
   Cheers,

   Kevin

Think about these chats to serve to key goals.

1. Obtain information about the consulting firm, the work they focus on, etc. which can help you decide on your preferences as well as provide you information that you could use during later potential interviews

2. Show a good version of yourself. Even though a coffee chat is typically not a ‘hard assessment’ environment building a connection with the consultant to whom you are talking can still positively impact your chances of being interviewed and receiving an offer.

You’re right to be cautious — virtual coffee chats, especially with MBB or other consulting firms, are absolutely informal screens and often mini interviews in disguise

They may not include a formal case, but here’s what’s typically being evaluated — explicitly or implicitly:

 1. Personal Story & Motivation

They want to know:

• Why consulting?
• Why now?
• Why their firm and office?
   

You should be clear, structured, and authentic. They’re gauging if your story makes sense and whether you’d fit into their team.
 

 2. Communication & Executive Presence

This is huge.

• Do you speak clearly and confidently?
• Are you concise?
• Do you “feel” like someone who could talk to clients?
  This is where structure really helps — even in casual convos.

3. Curiosity & Coachability

They’re subtly testing:

• Are you asking thoughtful questions?
• Are you curious about the role and firm beyond surface-level?
• Do you listen and follow up well?
  
   4. Professionalism

Your tech hiccup (e.g., a parallel device logging in) may seem minor, but yes — these details can matter. It signals how you’d show up in client settings.
 

✅ What to do going forward:

• Treat every coffee chat as a soft screen.
• Have your story and motivation crisp.
• Prepare 3–4 thoughtful questions tailored to the person (not just “what’s the culture like?”).
• Watch tone, structure, presence.

Hi there,

I've actually a guide specifically on this that you might want to read:

• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals

In short, it's not that something is directly evaluated. They rather want to get a sense of whether you are genuinely interested in consulting and have the sort of skills and background to join. 

What matters the most, though, is naturally clicking with the interviewer, and going into the conversation prepared but without any stiff expectations of what you might get out of it.

Best,
Cristian

Hey there! 

Yes, you are being evaluated. Its uncommon they give you a case (although McK has done that with me before :)), but they are looking to evaluate: 

1. Are you / why are interested in consulting / the specific firm? 

2. Are you a good communicator? 

3. Would I have concerns putting you in front of a client?  

4. Do you pass the "airport test" (i.e. how would I feel having you be part of my team and being stuck at an airport together?) 

Best of luck! 

-Andreas