What is a Coffee Chat?

Posted by [email protected] on Jul. 23, 2023  /   Women in Supply Chain  /  Subscribe 0

What is a Coffee Chat?

• The Coffee Chat concept is a 30-minute, informal interview / discussion / mentorship that can be held in-person or online.

What drives a Coffee Chat?

• A person reaches out through direct contact such as E-Mailing or schedules time with someone from their established network.

How often should Coffee Chats occur?

• Coffee chats are not a one-time thing. Stay in contact with the person throughout time, be it months or even years.

What are the outcomes of a Coffee Chat?

• Impress the hiring manager by asking thoughtful questions.
• Learn more about a company’s culture.
• Expand your network and learn of other opportunities in their organization by asking to be introduced to one or more additional contacts, only if the conversation is going well.

What is the structure of a Coffee Chat?

• Introduce yourself and your purpose by covering who you are, what you’ve done in the past, what you’re doing today, and where you’re trying to go.
  • Need confidence introducing yourself? Find tips to nails your introductions here!
• Have 10-15 questions prepared but know you can schedule another Coffee Chat if you do not cover all in one sitting.

Types of Questions

1. Ask open-ended questions.
   1. “What do you find most enjoyable about your role?”
   2. “Walk me through your most rewarding career decision.”
   3. “Why did you pick this firm over its competitors?”
2. Don’t ask anything you can Google.
   1. Example: “What is your company’s mission and vision statement?”
   2. Instead: “How do you ensure that you’re personal and professional mission statements continue to intertwine?”
3. Ask questions unique to the person you’re chatting with to uncover gems of their career path.
   1. “How did you transfer from one Business Segment to another?”
   2. “What did the recruiting process look like for when you started at this company?”
4. Do not ask anything that is too intrusive or antagonistic.
   1. Example: “Why are you focusing on smaller firms?”
   2. Instead: “It looks like your firm has potential for growth.”

How to end a Coffee Chat?

• “I realize we are at our allotted time (or past) our allotted time, so if you need to get back, I totally understand.”

How to overcome nerves during a Coffee Chat?

• To get better at something, you simply must do it more! Over time, you relax and the flow remains scripted yet natural.

Resources: 

https://blog.transparentcareer.com/college-students/career-advice/dos-donts-coffee-chat/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG2VgwpzCoE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bABza-jo4VA

Self-Introduction & Elevator Pitch

Posted by [email protected] on Jul. 23, 2023  /   Women in Supply Chain  /  Subscribe 0

What is a Self-Introduction & Elevator Pitch?

"A strong self-introduction includes who you are, what you do and what others need to know about you. When you deliver a powerful self-introduction, you can make a lasting positive impression" as stated in this article on indeed.com.  Self-introductions can bring clarity and confidence to others in a 1:1 or large audience setting.  An elevator pitch is a short version of a self-introduction.

Why do I need an elevator pitch? 

An elevator pitch is key to quickly and confidently showcase your professional abilities, strengths and skills, plus decisively express what you want.  Once you have created an elevator pitch, you will be prepared to deliver it when an unexpected opportunity arises.

How long should it be? 

An elevator pitch is typically 30-50 seconds long or about 75 words.

When do I use it? 

An elevator pitch can be used in many forums such as at career fairs, ASCM Houston Chapter professional development meeting (PDM), internal company networking event, etc.  The content can also be used in your online LinkedIn profile or during your interview when asked to tell about yourself.

How to write it?

An elevator pitch should tell who you are, what you currently do and what you want.  (i.e. your education, work experience, special skills & strengths that you bring to the table).  What you want could be: a job opportunity, internship, introduction to a new contact, or opportunity to provide your products or services.

How to end it? 

Be sure to follow the elevator pitch with a "THANKS" and follow-up if there is interest in your request.

Tips:

Remember to speak naturally and slowly.  Create an elevator pitch that is easy to understand and can be tailored to the situation.

Resources:

How To Give an Elevator Pitch (With Examples) | Indeed.com

Self-Introductions With Tips and Examples | Indeed.com

As Women in Supply Chain, what do you need to be successful? what are the barriers?

Posted by [email protected] on Jan. 12, 2020  /   Women in Supply Chain  /  Subscribe 0