Meeting or Interview?

Definitely suit up and pretend it's going to be an interview. If it turns out to be a friendly chat, no problem.

What do you mean by bring references? You should know who your references are but if the asks you for phone #s you can give them to him afterwards. Usually in the US people don't write references' contact information on their resumes.

Yes, you should treat it like an interview. Do not dress worse than the dress code of the firm/your interviewer, whichever is more formal, and if you want to play it safe, dress in a suit. Even if this isn't the formal interview, he is still evaluating you. Bring a copy (or several) of your resume. Other items, like references or your transcripts, you can generally follow up with later.

By not making it a formal interview, the guy has the option of turning the conversation into a friendly chat if he doesn't see fit right away. Or the guy may just want to help (small chance, but not impossible).

It's an interview.

There is no reason for a "friendly chat" other than to evaluate you for the job. He's not looking for new friends right out of college.

Be sharp, be prepared , be present and be your best... Good Luck!

agree with all the guys, suit up, be sharp, and if it turns out to be interview cool, either way he may give you good advice also references do come afterward, and if you werent fresh out of college i'd say to forgo the cover letter, they are a waste of time mostly but thats down the line :-)

If you explicitly told him you are applying for a full-time position, then I'm pretty sure this will be an interview. Good luck!

Who knows his rationale for sitting down with you. Doesn't matter really. Treat everything like as an opportunity to impress. Treat it like an interview. Even if they don't have a job now maybe they will later. Or maybe he can help you network.

What is the downside of overdressing? Almost nothing. But there is a downside to treating it too casually.

If he looks uncomfortable at your suit, and says this is not an interview, just be honest and tell him you were not sure but you still wanted to impress him either way. 99% chance he will appreciate the effort.

Know your 3 top strengths, know what you can do to help this firm and be sharp & clear in your communication.

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Good for you by the way to really be pushing for a job. There is a difference between "pushy" and "really pushing for a job."

Can't count the # of people I used to interview in early days that said they really wanted/needed a job. But when asking them how they were going about their search, they lacked a plan and couldn't communicate that they were working it hard. If that is the case, why would I bring them into my company where I wanted people that had a plan and worked hard to achieve it.

By the way, that is an interviewing question -tell me about your search? how is it going?
Bad answer --> "well it's a really tough market and there is not much out there"
(OK - they just told me about their problem, not what they are doing about it)

Bad answer --> "Well I know a person that works in xx company and I am hoping to get an interview there." (Lazy and no plan, candidate is waiting for others to do the work for them)

Bad answer --> "Well this is the company that I really want to work for and it is where I am focusing my efforts." ( candidate puts all efforts in 1 basket on such an important thing?? Especially when probabilty of any one company is so low? Candidate is either a BSer, not that bright, or lacks a real job plan - any of them is a potential knockout.)

Better answer: "This is one of my top choices but here is a recap of my search plan. " Be succinct! But verbalize a well thought out and thorough plan that shows that you can set a goal, develop a plan against that goal and show you work hard to get it. I know it's hard to be succint and do the others things I just wrote ...but practice , get it sharp. Great communication will immensly help you in interviews...and on the job.

Sorry to drag on if this is all stuff you know already. Just trying to share experiences that might help. Good luck

Did you have the meeting?

Prepare like it is an interview. If it's not (and you will know within minutes of sitting down with him), you will appear well informed, if it is you will appear well prepared.