I've been through 6 interview rounds, and have been told I'm in the final 3. The team lead now wants to meet up for a 'casual coffee chat' before he makes his decision.
I have no idea how to prep for this kind of thing, any tips on what to do?

likehelpful
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Quite a few execs I worked for invite potential hires for these informal chats over coffee and dinner often; they want to see what you’re like outside of the office setting (which is also a great way for you to determine whether this person is an amazing human being or a jerk, ie you’ll see how they treat people around them). There’s nothing really you need to prepare for it. Think of this as getting to know one another; ask great questions to keep the convo engaging so it does not feel like an interview, maintain great eye contact/body language, etc. But under any circumstances forget that it is indeed an interview.

Good luck! ❤️

likehelpfulsmart

I was invited to an "casual coffee chat" after one online interview. I found it awkward to prepare for e.g. should I dress casually or interview-y? It was with 2 people--the person I would be reporting to and her manager. The coffee chat turned out to be a "blessing in disguise" because my would-be manager was very cold and unfriendly, traits that hadn't come out in the online interview. I was one of two people left in the running, and I got the sense her manager preferred me but she preferred the other candidate. I pulled myself from consideration after the coffee chat, and didn't regret it a bit!

I also agree with the others that 6 rounds is too many unless you are interviewing for CEO. Possibly even too many for CEO too!!

likesmart
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Keep looking for a job. Seems like they are just making excuses to delay hiring.

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Drink Decaf

likefunny

I have been through that before. Be a little more casual in what you wear but be careful about opening up too much. You don't need to reveal all your dark secrets. They just want to see you in a more social situation.

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Keep an eye out for who might be sitting nearby. They might be planting other people around you. Maybe one interviewer has a barista friend and wants to see how you treat people? Maybe they will spill on you and see how you handle it! Either way be yourself and whatever is meant to be will be. Maybe you will find out something that will make you not want the job. Be very observant!! Also, will you be buying your own coffee or offering to buy theirs of do you wait to have them offer to buy yours? Also if you get a verbal offer how do you respond?

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On a positive note, just hope for the best. Any updates on your interview?

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itdoesn’t

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SIX interviews and now they want to sit down and "chat" ?

What is this position, Director of the FBI ? You gonna be the PM of a new Skunk Works ultra secret project ?

Seriously, in the recruiting world they call this "sucking canal water" - I'd stop sucking if I were you.

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The coffee chat is a trap. There is some weird "thing" about what you do with the cup and how you respond to the offer. I can't remember the particulars, but it's a trap.

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I've never heard of anyone going through 6 interviews for one position. Not even police officers have to go through as many, but do what you have to do.

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Just be polite, and be yourself. They are just trying to get to know you.

Be cool. Be real. These rounds sound like you're there not mega money. Think more than say a senator.
They may be looking for the best candidate, or the cheapest capable.

A coffee chat? Hard pass.

I recently went through an interview and got the job, but not until they made me go through another round. Apparently, one of my interviewers had a concern about something I said during the interview and they wanted to make sure I understood the expectations of the job. The CFO was very transparent about it and she told me straight up what the concern was, so I was able to explain where I’m coming from and what the miscommunication was. You’re given some good advice in this thread… That’s the only thing I can say is that you want to find out what their concern is (if any) and address it head on. Good luck!!

I think that is a bit extreme and you run the risk of losing an exceptional, candidate. Very unnecessary in my opinion. 

6 rounds is asking a lot to ask of a person .

Yep for sure …. Including the interviewers

Considering it takes just a few minutes to determine if you like someone for a role or not and believe in their capabilities or not quite quickly means that a 6 layered interview process suggests they don’t know what they are even looking for.

Just be yourself. Don't give them an impression of something that you're not, which makes it an impression that you're not going to be able to upkeep.

When I was in retained executive search, I would take the finalists to a private club. It was important to see what they ordered, and most importantly their manners. One guy used his fingers and that was the end of him.

They are wasteful: on their end and obviously yours. Move onwards - use them as practice. Thats the best of what they have to offer.

After y’all went through SIX interviews, they better hire all 3 of you.. Geez

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