Common Mistakes to Avoid

Coffee chats seem straightforward, but there are recurring mistakes that can turn a great opportunity into a missed one — or worse, leave a negative impression. Each of these mistakes is a way to fail the vibe check. The good news: every single one is avoidable once you know what to watch for.

Mistake #1: Treating It Like a Job Interview

This is the most common and most damaging mistake. The moment you ask "Are you hiring?" or "Can you help me get a job?", you fundamentally change the dynamic. The conversation shifts from genuine connection to uncomfortable obligation. The other person goes from wanting to help you to wanting to end the conversation.

The fix: You're here to learn, not to ask for a job. Focus entirely on understanding their experience. The job opportunities emerge naturally from relationships — usually weeks or months later, not during the first conversation. When someone wants to help you get hired, they'll bring it up themselves.

Mistake #2: Not Doing Your Research

Showing up without knowing anything about the person's background sends a clear message: you don't value their time. If you ask questions that a 5-minute LinkedIn scan would answer, you've wasted an opportunity to go deeper — and they'll notice.

The fix: Spend 15-20 minutes before every chat reviewing their LinkedIn profile, their company's website and pipeline, any publications, and recent industry news. We have a full research checklist in the prep workflow to make this easy.

Mistake #3: Asking Questions That Kill the Conversation

Yes/no questions are conversation killers. "Do you like your job?" gets you "Yeah, it's great" and then silence. "Is it hard to break into regulatory?" gets you "It can be" and a dead end. When your questions lead to one-word answers, the conversation loses all momentum and both of you feel it.

The fix: Ask open-ended questions that invite storytelling. Instead of "Do you like being an MSL?" try "What's something about the MSL role that surprised you once you were actually doing it?" Instead of "Is it hard to get into this field?" try "What was your path into this space, and what do you wish you'd known earlier?" The goal is to ask questions that the other person has to think about before answering — those are the ones that lead to real conversation.

Mistake #4: Pushing Your Ideas Instead of Asking and Learning

You're here to ask questions and learn — not to pitch your thesis, share your opinions on their company's strategy, or demonstrate how much you know. Some students treat coffee chats like an audition, trying to impress the other person with their knowledge. But unsolicited opinions about someone else's work come across as presumptuous, not impressive.

The fix: Default to curiosity. If you have a perspective, frame it as a question: "I read that the industry is shifting toward decentralized trials — is that something your team is seeing?" rather than "I think decentralized trials are the future and companies that don't adopt them will fall behind." The first invites conversation. The second shuts it down.

Mistake #5: Not Following Up

This is the biggest missed opportunity. You have a great conversation, feel inspired, and then... nothing. No email, no message, no connection maintained. The relationship dies before it starts.

The fix: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Reference something specific from the conversation. Then follow up again in 2-4 weeks with something of value — an article, a resource, or a quick update on how you applied their advice. We'll cover this in depth in Module 9.

Mistake #6: Apologizing for Existing

Saying "Sorry to bother you" or "I know you're incredibly busy" or "You probably don't have time for this" undermines you before the conversation even starts. It signals low confidence and makes the other person feel awkward — like they need to reassure you that it's okay to be here.

The fix: Express gratitude with confidence. "Thank you for making time for this — I really appreciate your willingness to share your experience." Same sentiment, completely different energy. You belong in this conversation. Act like it.

Mistake #7: Ending Without an Ask

Many students have a great conversation and then just... let it end. No request for a referral to someone else. No question about resources to explore. No confirmation that they can follow up. The conversation was great, but nothing comes next.

The fix: Always close with something. The most powerful is the warm intro ask: "Is there anyone else you'd suggest I talk to?" But even simpler ones work: "Are there resources you'd recommend for someone exploring this space?" or "Would it be okay if I followed up with you in a few weeks?" These small asks keep the relationship alive and the momentum going.

Mistake #8: Forgetting to Be Human

Sometimes students are so focused on being professional that they become robotic. They stick rigidly to their question list, don't react naturally to what's being said, and miss opportunities to connect on a personal level.

The fix: Be prepared, but be flexible. If they mention something interesting, follow that thread — even if it wasn't on your list. If they make a joke, laugh. If something surprises you, say so. If you don't know something, admit it. The best coffee chats feel like real conversations between two humans, not structured interviews.