Missed Coffee Chat

Hi,

It's really hard to tell how much this will negatively impact your candidacy. Why I say this is for 2 reasons:

1. Having been in the interviewer/consultants seat, the reality is that often I am so swamped with work that the freed up slot is actually better for me since now I have more time
2. While it could create a negative impression on recruiting/consulting team that you missed a coffee chat, in the end what they will assess you on is on your CV/CL and actual interview results

Could someone strongly object to you being invited to the interview based on you missing the coffee chat? Sure. Could someone also understand empathetically your situation and not hold it against you? Sure.

Hard to tell what the firm's response would be. Best thing you can do is continue to follow-up with HR/recruiting on the next steps.

All the best!

Hi there,

Q: Do you think it would negatively impact my candidacy? 

Given the reason why you could not attend, I don’t think it will have any direct negative impact. 

There is still an indirect negative effect however - you might have landed more easily an interview thanks to the networking during the coffee chat. Still, if you can find a referral for your application, you should be able to compensate for that.

You can find more on referrals below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear this happened to you! I fully agree with Benjamin's answer here: we truly cannot know for sure. The recruiters may be understanding of your situation and not worry about the missed coffee chat, or they could be less lenient. 

Regardless, there's not much you can do at this stage. You did the right thing by sending an email apologizing and explaining the situation though! Keeping my fingers crossed for you, and hope you are feeling better.

Hi there!

No, it won't affect it. 

These things happen. We're human. We've all been in these situations. And people in consulting firms are aware of them. 

Don't worry about it. If you've sent an apology email that is perfectly fine. 

Sharing with you a guide on how to conduct the coffee chat here:

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

Best,
Cristian

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Given your motive, it doesn't impact you negatively. 

You missed an opportunity for a positive impact though.

You may try to ask if you can have that chat at a different time.

Hi there,

I'm very sorry but it likely will - that's the honest truth.

Regardless, what's done is done - move on. Hopefuly explaining the situation has helped and you have done all you could.

Keep networking and applying to lots of firms.

Hi there,

in most cases, shouldn't be an issue, as long as you communicate honestly and politely. Would focus on that and not worry too much about it.

Regards, Andi