Networking call with VC partner. What questions should I ask?

Good one on getting that call!

Have a look at this thread for some general tips on building chemistry

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-create-chemistry-with-the-interviewer-8271

My biggest tip

Only when you remove the need to "impress him/her" that you can be yourself and truly impress. In the desire to impress you will end up saying things unnaturally. Just approach this as a chat with any stranger you want to get to know for the first time.

Questions to ask

Regarding questions you want to ask, consider following areas. Keep the convo relaxed but also specific

• How has the company adapted in these times? What specifically has changed/improved?
• Expectations from new hires?
• Where is the focus & what clients are expecting as COVID situation gradually improves
• Ask for their tips on typical mistakes to avoid during the process
• Get coaching on your profile (experience/background)- which elements could be a good FIT and which do you need to improve to make it stronger?
• Mention key insights you have picked up from your research- talking to their employees, attending any webinars/open events, reading a publication etc. Ask for their view

It's great that you are setting up networking calls to learn more about VC, this is by far the best way to make legitimate connections and get a foot in the door. When it comes to netwrking calls, keep the following in mind

• Be mindful of the time you have on the call and prepare accordingly. If you have a 20 minute call, make sure you have enough questions for 20 mins and also make sure you do not go over the time limit unless they are okay with it. This shows respect and value for their time
• As for questions - use the time  to ask questions you genuinely want to know more about. For example
  • Questions specific to responsibilities in the role
  • Questions on how to make the shift into VC
  • Questions on their story, their firm and how they recruit
• Avoid the following
  • ANYTHING you can google - seriously this is a complete waste of time 
  • Filler questions - these are questions you feel you need to ask but may not actually get you anywhere (e.g., questions on typical day of a VC person or what skills you need to bring)
  • Personal questions or controversial topics like politics

Overall if you are well prepared they are more likely to mentor you through the recruitment process.

All the best,

Udayan

Hi there,

Ask about them

People love to talk about themselves. Just ask them what they've worked on recently or what their journey at BCG has been like. Importantly, do your research beforehand - find out what they've done and try and pick something from their past that looks interesting to you. Tailor your questions just like they tailor their FIT questions to your resume."So, how did you end up in the Industrial Goods sector?"

Ask insightful questions

Ideally, your questions should also show them that you're insightful, inquisitive, bright, thinking about current topics, etc. For example:

"I saw you worked on a big digital transformation for a financial services company - I experienced one myself and it seemed so hard to move such a big organisation. What did you see as the major challenges and breakthrough moments?"

"I know that x big trend is happening. I also know that y types of companies exhibit z traits. How do you reconcile this difference when ensuring y companies adopt x trends?

Summary: Ask about THEM and ask insightful questions!