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Happy Valentines Day!
KMPG 🐠 Senior Associate, NYC
Vettel you beauty ❤️
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Think about answers to what drives you, any ideas on growing revenue in Q4/2024, where you’d like to be in five years. No throwing your manager under the bus.
People like to talk about themselves. Ask about kids, how long they’ve been working there, sports they like, what brought them to wherever you live if they didn’t grow up there, etc. have a couple of talking points you are comfortable sharing. non-work related stories are great too.
I misread this as a in person chat, not a call, so nevermind. The above is better suited for a casual coffee chat for networking purposes. I’d prepare some work related talking points and know what your current goals are
I know this is given but always a good reminder no talk about sex, politics, or religion
If it’s a big, corporate place… keep it positive. Play the game. If you’re asked for constructive/negative feedback, lie or frame it carefully in a positive way (that includes potential solutions). Unfortunately and candidly, usually these people don’t really care about you (as nice as they may seem). Play the happy, company-man/woman role.
Be prepared to discuss topics about the business. Speak slowly and purposefully. Often, we women develop a habit of talking fast bc we’re SOOOO used to men cutting us off, that we quickly try to spew out our point before they have a chance. You’re meeting 1:1, so that’s not a concern. What is a concern is that you come off as confident, competent, and potentially promising to grow into higher leadership - or at least be trusted with impactful projects and roles.
I like to do research about the person (Facebook or whatever) to see if they have some hobbies (fishing, sports, etc.) that I could try to sneak into the conversation to connect with them, IF it makes sense.
Don’t be a sycophant, but come off like you like/respect them (in a business sense). People like people who like them.
Look into the key financials and metrics of the company and any recent news, so you can show you are knowledgeable on those topics in case they come up.
If you don’t have one already, prepare an elevator speech about you and where you fit in at the company and how you uniquely add value. Prepare some points regarding what you like about the role, the impact you hope to make, and goals you plan to achieve.
Most likely, they will ask something along the lines of “How can I support you?”. Think about that question and come up with a thoughtful answer exhibiting your excitement about the business, what you want to achieve, and a mature point about such support - but be careful that it is framed very positively. Preferably, it’s something you genuinely could use support on.
Basically, you’re asking their buy-in on something that will improve/positively affect the business. They’ll be excited that you’re passionate about contributing and adding value.
You know your environment, but try not to be too formal. They want to feel like they are approachable, so you want to make them feel that that is how you see them.
***Never bash your current boss. If there’s something that is truly a concern there, save it for a later discussion. You want them to leave that meeting with a fully positive impression of you - that you are competent and can be trusted. Get that social capital first. If that person is the right person to share a concern about your boss, pull them aside later. Honestly, though, unless it’s insanely egregious, never speak poorly about your boss. They will find out and ensure you get fired.
Google “skip level meetings” for more advice.
Good luck!
“Get to know each other better” sounds like an opportunity to ask them questions about themselves. How long they’ve been at the company, what they were up to before then, maybe a few personal questions. I wouldn’t stress about it.
If you’re planning to share what’s happening in your working world, I’d plan to share overall goals, maybe some ideas, but avoid listing off all the tasks currently on your list.
You have the same amount of information that I have on what this catch up call entails. So I really appreciate all the different perspectives on what it could be!
Let them lead the conversation and don't stress over it
Be yourself, ask good questions about how you can support the goals of the company, department, and how you can support your leadership team. Ask for feedback and for input on how you can grow in your career
Totally agree. Just be yourself, she/he wants to get to know the real you. Be honest, show your personality, have fun and get to know them too. Ask questions about them. Good luck!
At a previous jobs, these were called 1-over-1. Being scheduled for one of these is generally a good sign. I used mine to talk about:
1. Issues with projects where I wanted advice or guidance.
2. Discuss things about the company that I liked.
What’s a catch up call? Personal or work catch up? If work catch up I would prepare an agenda on what’s on my plate currently. Or at least that’s what I usually do. And I make sure I add everything. 😅
Be yourself and don’t trash anyone.
Mentor
Have an idea on what you would like to do for your next job with the company. You don’t have to talk about it. But if this is an introductory call - it might come up.
Be prepared for them to ask you about your boss. Think through your response. Also be read to answer if they ask what else you need to succeed in your role,
At my company we call them skip levels. I do it because I want to get to know the people on my team better. There is a layer or two between them and me so it’s the only good way to get to know them. I want to hear their perspectives on the business and their roles since they are on the front lines with customers and have a better understanding of the voice of the customer.
How did it go?