How to Handle an Informal Interview

How to Handle an Informal InterviewHow to Handle an Informal InterviewLike many workplaces, job interviews are transitioningtoamora casualfeel. Instead of a structured, formal interview in a conference room, many hiring managers now begin with a low-key, informal conversation. Hiring managers or recruiters mayinvite candidates out for a cup of coffee, for instance, and instead of calling it an interview, the conversation may be framed as an exploratory orinformational session. Informal interviews are particularly common when hiring managers are actively recruiting a candidate. For candidates, this more casual interview style can present a new platzset of challenges What should you wear?What should you bring?How should you behave? Learn why informal interviews are growing in popularity and how to ace the experience. Whyare Informal Interviews aGrowingTrend? One common reason an employer will opt for an informal interview is that theyre mucksmuschenstill formulating the exact struc ture of the job. By meeting with a wide variety of candidates, without a specific job description, employers can use what they learn from informal interviews to flesh out the exact responsibilities and expectations for the role. Alternatively, employers may go this route because funding is too tentative to begin formal interviewing.The company mayevenbe considering another role for the current job holder andthereforewant to explore alternative talent before moving forward with reassignment or firing. Inthecaseofexecutive recruiters, theymay simply be trying to source talent for future clients. Preparing for a Casual Interview Get ready for a conversation, coffee date, or any other casual interview in the same thorough way youdprepare for a more formal, traditional job interview. Conduct extensiveresearch on the organizationand its products and/or services, challenges, achievements, and competition.Be ready to discuss yourcareer pathand long-term goals and to itemize assets and s trengths that have helped you add value to various projects and roles.Be prepared to cite specific examples andto tell stories that demonstratethe actionsyouve taken and theresults youvegenerated.Just as you would at a formal interview, you should have ideas for how youd fit into the company and what positive role you could playthere. What to Wear Because this is an informational meeting, you dont need to dress inprofessional interview attireunless thats what you usually wear to work. Otherwise,business casualorstart-up casualattire, depending on your industry, is appropriate. Of course, even if your clothing is a bit more casual, you should still wear an outfit that is clean and thatwould be appropriate in the office of the company. That way, your appearance wont distract yourinterviewerfrom your qualifications. What to Bring Bring some extra copies of your resume yourbusiness card, if you have one and a portfolio with a pad and pen so thatyou can take notes. What to As k the Recruiter One advantage of a less formal interview is that you can ask some questions early on to learn more about prospective opportunities since you may not have been given a formaljob description. Asking questions like, Can you tell me a bit more about why youve reached out to me? or Youve mentioned some potential changes in your operationscan you tell me more abouthow someone like me might fit into that picture? will help you to develop a clearer idea of which of your assets might best meet the employers needs. It will also help clarify foryouwhether you are interested in the job. On-the-Spot Offers In some cases, you may end up being offered a job on the spot or very shortly after yourmeeting. One job seeker, for example, progressed from getting a LinkedIn message about opportunities at a company to having a cup of coffee with a hiring manager to getting a job offer from the CEOthree days later. When the fit is right, interviewers are often eager to lock in a candida te. If the recruiter surprises you with a specific opportunity, be prepared to express your excitement and appreciation, but know that you can reserve the right to process that new information and get back to them in the near future. Dont feel compelled to make a decision about whether to pursue the job on the spot. Watch What You Say One danger of an informal meeting is the tendency to speak too freely. Even if recruiters seem down to earth or liketheyaretrying to sell you on a company, pleasenotethatthey will stilltake note of what you say or do and factor it into their assessment. Withthisinmind,never say anything negative about a colleague, former supervisor, or former employer. Keep things on a professional level even if the recruiter seems to have let his or her hair down. Its also a good idea to ask the recruiter to keep the meeting confidential sothat you dont jeopardize your current job. That should be understood, but its better to be sure that word of your meeting does nt get back to your present employer. Information Gathering Some recruiters will use informal meetings to pick your brain about other potential candidates, especially if they sense that their opening is not appropriate for you. Gather as much information about the job as possible, but refrain from sharing any of your contactsnames until you clear it with them. Your contacts may have a reason that they dont want to affiliate with a particular recruiter or appear to be in job-hunt mode. Who Pays When youre invited to meet with a recruiter for a cup of coffee or a meal, they will pick up the tab. Theres no need to offer to pay. Do say thank you to the recruiter or hiring manager, though. Follow Up after the Meeting Ask the rolle you met for his or her business card sothat you have the information you need to follow up. Its important tofollow up after the meeting, especially if you sense that there will be viable opportunities available through the recruiter. Since a primary goal for their meeting may have been to feel you out in terms of your interest level, make sure that your follow-upemail or letter clearly affirms your interest in exploring things further, if that is the case. If you have learned about a specific job or role that appeals to you, mention a few discrete strengths that might allow you to add value tothecompany. If the recruiter has hinted at any reservations or anyareas of your background that didnt quite fit, try to supplythemwith information that would counter those concerns. Even if you arent interested in the company, send a briefthank-you note. Also,invite the recruiter to connect with you on LinkedInif you arent already connected. A quick cup of coffee could turn into a future employment opportunity, even if the timing and job arent agoodfitright now. Key Takeaways Informal interviews are increasingly popular Even if its referred to as a casual coffee date, its wise to prepare beforehand just as you would for an interview.No ne ed to wear a suit More casual attire is acceptable, but make sure your outfit is clean and officeappropriate.Follow up afterward Even if the conversation is not going to lead to a more formal interview, its good networking practice to connect on LinkedIn andto send afollow-up email after the meeting.