Having a successful job interview is essential to securing your dream position. But have you ever heard of an informal interview? This type of meeting allows hiring managers to get a better understanding of who you are, what motivates and drives you, how well you communicate, and more. In this blog post, we will provide a guide on how to ace an informal interview so that you can make the best impression possible and increase your chances of being offered the job! We’ll discuss ways to prepare for such interviews as well as tips for positive communication with employers during these meetings. So let’s dive in!

What is an Informal Interview?

An informal interview, also known as a casual interview, is a type of interview that is less structured and formal than a traditional interview. It is often used as a way to get to know a candidate better, assess their personality and fit for the company, and determine if they are a good match for the role and organisation.

In an informal interview, the interviewer may ask more open-ended and conversational questions, rather than a set of predetermined questions. The interviewer may also be more relaxed and casual in their approach, and may give the candidate more opportunities to ask questions and learn more about the company and position. Informal interviews can be done in-person, over the phone, or via video call.

The focus of an informal interview is more on getting to know the candidate on a personal level, and less on their qualifications and experience. It is an opportunity to see how well the candidate would fit in with the company’s culture, values and team. The interviewer may also observe the candidate’s communication skills, attitude and body language, which are important for any role.

Advantages – Why should you take it seriously?

There are several advantages to taking an informal interview seriously, including:

• It can help you to better understand the company and its culture: An informal interview gives you the opportunity to ask more open-ended questions and learn more about the company and its values, which can help you decide if it is a good fit for you.
• It can give you a better sense of the role and its requirements: An informal interview can provide more insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of the role and what the company is looking for in a candidate.
• It can demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the position: Taking an informal interview seriously shows that you are genuinely interested in the role and are willing to invest time and effort in the process.
• It can help you to stand out from other candidates: By taking an informal interview seriously, you can demonstrate your personality, communication skills, and ability to fit in with the company’s culture, which can make you a more attractive candidate.
• It can be a good opportunity to build a relationship with the interviewer: An informal interview can be a good opportunity to build a connection with the interviewer and establish a more personal relationship, which can be beneficial in the future.

Overall, informal interviews can provide important information about the role and the company, and can help you to make a more informed decision about whether to pursue the opportunity further. It is important to take it as seriously as you would any other interview, as it can be an important step in the hiring process.

What not to do when holding an Informal Interview

When holding an informal interview, it’s important to keep in mind certain things to avoid doing in order to make the most of the opportunity. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Do not be unprepared: Even though it is an informal interview, it is still an interview. Make sure to research the company and the role beforehand, so you can ask informed questions and demonstrate your interest in the opportunity.
• Do not be too casual: While the atmosphere may be more relaxed, it is important to maintain a level of professionalism and to dress appropriately.
• Do not be too talkative or interrupt the interviewer: Remember to allow the interviewer to guide the conversation and ask questions, and avoid talking too much about yourself without giving the interviewer a chance to ask their own questions.
• Do not be too negative or critical: Avoid discussing negative aspects of past jobs or experiences, and avoid complaining or being critical of the company or the industry.
• Do not neglect to ask your own questions: Remember that an informal interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the company and the role, so be sure to ask any questions you may have.
• Do not neglect to follow up: Informal or not, always follow up with a thank you note or an email to express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and to reiterate your interest in the role.

By keeping these points in mind, you can make the most of an informal interview and demonstrate your qualifications, enthusiasm and fit for the role and the company culture.

Common types of questions asked during an informal interview

During an informal interview, the interviewer may ask a variety of questions to get to know the candidate better and assess their fit for the company and the role. Here are some common types of questions that may be asked:

1. Behavioural questions: These are questions that ask the candidate to describe a specific situation or experience and how they handled it. These questions are used to assess the candidate’s problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to handle difficult situations. Examples include “Can you tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult decision?” or “How do you handle stress and pressure in the workplace?”
2. Fit questions: These questions are used to assess the candidate’s fit for the company and the role. They may ask about the candidate’s values, interests, and motivation for the role. Examples include “What interests you about this position?” or “Why do you want to work for our company?”
3. Personal questions: The interviewer may ask more personal questions to get to know the candidate on a more personal level. These questions are used to assess the candidate’s personality, work ethic, and ability to fit in with the company’s culture. Examples include “What do you like to do outside of work?” or “What are your long-term career goals?”
4. Open-ended questions: These are more general questions that allow the candidate to provide more detailed and nuanced answers. They help the interviewer to understand the candidate’s perspective and thought process. Examples include “What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the industry right now?” or “What excites you most about this role?”
5. Hypothetical questions: These are questions that ask the candidate to imagine a specific scenario and describe how they would handle it. These questions are used to assess the candidate’s problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to handle difficult situations. Examples include “How would you handle a difficult customer complaint?” or “What would you do if you found out a team member was underperforming?”

Preparing for Your Interview Effectively 

Research – What information should you look up about the company/position beforehand? 

Before an informal interview, it’s important to research the company and the position to be better prepared and make the most of the opportunity. Here are some of the key pieces of information you should look up beforehand:

• Company overview: Research the company’s history, mission, and values, as well as its products, services, and recent news. Understanding the company’s overall business and its industry position can help you in understanding the role and how you could fit into it.
• Position details: Review the job description and requirements for the position you are applying for. This will help you to understand the specific responsibilities and qualifications required for the role, and allow you to tailor your responses to the interviewer’s questions.
• Company culture: Look into the company’s culture and values, as well as its approach to work-life balance and company perks. This will give you a better sense of whether the company would be a good fit for you, and allow you to tailor your responses to the interviewer’s questions about fit.
• Organisational structure: Look into the company’s organisational structure, including the different departments and teams within the company, as well as the role of the position you are applying for within the overall organisation.
• Recent news and press releases: Look into the company’s recent news and press releases, so you can be aware of recent developments, acquisitions, partnerships, etc.
• Social media presence: Look into the company’s social media presence and website, which can give you a sense of the company’s tone, brand, and culture.

By researching the company and position beforehand, you can better demonstrate your interest in the opportunity and your qualifications for the role, as well as be more informed during the interview, which can help you stand out as a candidate.

Questions – What kind of questions can you expect from your interviewer(s)? 

1. Can you tell us about a time when you had to work outside of your comfort zone?
2. How do you approach and manage change within a team or organisation?
3. How do you stay motivated and engaged in your work?
4. Can you describe a successful project or accomplishment that you have worked on?
5. How do you handle and prioritise multiple tasks and projects?
6. Can you tell us about a time when you had to adapt to a new technology or tool?
7. Can you give an example of a successful problem-solving technique you have used in the past?
8. What interests you about this position?
9. Why do you want to work for our company?
10. What are your long-term career goals?

Keep in mind that different companies and roles may have different requirements, so the questions may vary. These are just some examples of informal interview questions that are common in many organisations.

How should you answer these questions effectively? (Example Answers)

1. Can you tell us about a time when you had to work outside of your comfort zone?

Answer: “One example that comes to mind was when I was working on a project that required me to present my findings to the company’s board of directors. I had never done public speaking on that level before, and it was definitely outside of my comfort zone. However, I prepared by researching the company’s board members, practising my presentation, and seeking feedback from colleagues. In the end, the presentation went well, and the board members had positive feedback. It taught me that even though it can be uncomfortable, stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to great opportunities and growth.”

2. How do you approach and manage change within a team or organisation?

Answer: “When managing change within a team or organisation, I first try to understand the reasons behind the change and how it will benefit the team or organisation. I then communicate this information clearly to the team, and involve them in the process as much as possible. This helps to build buy-in and ensure that everyone is on the same page. I also make sure to provide support and resources to help the team adjust to the change. I also stay open to feedback and make adjustments as needed.”

3. How do you stay motivated and engaged in your work?

Answer: “I stay motivated and engaged in my work by setting clear and challenging goals for myself. I also make sure to take on projects and tasks that align with my interests and strengths. Additionally, I try to maintain a positive attitude and seek out opportunities for learning and growth. I also make sure to take breaks and engage in activities outside of work that I enjoy, to maintain a balance and avoid burnout. Finally, I also make sure to surround myself with supportive and motivated colleagues, which helps to keep me motivated and engaged.”

4. Can you describe a successful project or accomplishment that you have worked on?

Answer: “One project I am particularly proud of was when I led a team to implement a new customer service system for our company. The project involved extensive research, planning and coordination with various departments, as well as training and support for our customer service representatives. The new system resulted in a significant improvement in customer satisfaction ratings and a reduction in customer complaints. It was a great accomplishment for the team and the company, and it taught me the importance of clear communication, collaboration and attention to details.”

5. How do you handle and prioritise multiple tasks and projects?

Answer: “When managing multiple tasks and projects, I first make a list of all the tasks and prioritise them based on their level of importance and urgency. I then use tools such as calendars and to-do lists to schedule and track my progress. I also make sure to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. I also make sure to stay organised and not procrastinate on important tasks. Furthermore, I use the Eisenhower matrix to prioritise my work and make sure that the important things are done on time.”

6. Can you tell us about a time when you had to adapt to a new technology or tool?

Answer: “Recently, I had to adapt to a new project management software for our team. At first, it was challenging as I was used to working with a different tool. However, I made sure to take the time to learn the new software by attending training sessions, reading the user manual and experimenting with the tool on my own. I also reached out to my colleagues for guidance and support. By the end of the process, I was able to navigate the new software effectively and it helped to improve the efficiency and communication within the team.

7. Can you give an example of a successful problem-solving technique you have used in the past?

Answer: “One problem-solving technique I have used in the past is the 5 Whys method. This involves asking why a problem is occurring repeatedly until the root cause of the problem is identified. This approach helped me to resolve a customer service issue where customers were complaining about long wait times on the phone. By asking “why” repeatedly, I was able to identify that the root cause was understaffing during peak hours. By addressing this issue, we were able to improve our customer service and reduce wait times.

8. What interests you about this position?

Answer: “I am particularly interested in this position because it aligns with my career goals and allows me to utilise my skills and experience. I am also impressed with the company’s mission, values, and reputation in the industry. I am excited about the opportunity to work with a team of experienced professionals and contribute to the company’s success.”

9. Why do you want to work for our company?

Answer: “I want to work for your company because it is a leader in the industry and has a strong reputation for innovation, quality and customer satisfaction. The company’s values align with my own and I am impressed by the company’s commitment to its employees, its customers and the community. I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of a dynamic and successful team and to contribute to the company’s growth.”

10. What are your long-term career goals?

Answer: “My long-term career goal is to continue to grow and develop my skills and experience in my field, while also contributing to the success of the company I work for. I am dedicated to staying current with industry trends and best practices, and I strive to take on leadership roles and responsibilities in the future. Ultimately, I hope to become a respected and valuable member of the company’s management team, and to be able to make a meaningful impact on the company’s growth and success.”

Follow Up Strategy – When and how often should you follow up after your meeting with the potential employer?

When and how often you should follow up after an interview can depend on the company’s hiring process and timeline, as well as the interviewer’s instructions. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to send a thank-you note or email within 24-48 hours of the interview. This note should express your gratitude for the interviewer’s time and reiterate your interest in the position.

It’s also a good idea to reach out to the interviewer or hiring manager within a week or two of the interview to inquire about the status of the position and the hiring timeline. If you haven’t heard back after that, you can follow up again in another week or two. You should be mindful of not being too persistent and respectful of the interviewer’s time.

It’s important to be patient throughout the process and avoid being too pushy, remember that hiring processes can take time. Remember to be respectful of the company’s time, and to avoid being too persistent or pushy. It’s a good idea to tailor the follow-up strategy based on the company’s hiring process and timeline, as well as the interviewer’s instructions.

Master the art of reading body language during your Informal Interview

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Important Interview Etiquette You All Need To Know

Reading body language during an informal interview can provide valuable insights into the interviewer’s thoughts and feelings, and can help you to adjust your own behaviour accordingly. Here are some tips for mastering the art of reading body language during an informal interview:

• Observe the interviewer’s posture: Pay attention to the interviewer’s posture, as it can indicate their level of confidence, engagement, and interest. An open and relaxed posture, such as sitting back in the chair with arms and legs uncrossed, can indicate that the interviewer is comfortable and open to what you have to say.
• Watch for nonverbal cues: Nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, eye contact, and gestures can also provide important information about the interviewer’s thoughts and feelings. For example, maintaining good eye contact can indicate interest and engagement, while avoiding eye contact can indicate disinterest or discomfort.
• Listen to tone of voice: The tone of voice can also provide important information about the interviewer’s thoughts and feelings. For example, a monotone or monotonic can indicate disinterest, while a warm and friendly tone can indicate engagement and interest.
• Be aware of your own body language: Be aware of your own body language and make sure that it is open and relaxed. Avoid crossing your arms or legs, as this can indicate defensiveness or discomfort.
• Don’t jump to conclusions: Remember that body language can be open to interpretation, so don’t jump to conclusions based on one nonverbal cue. Instead, try to understand the context and the bigger picture.

By mastering the art of reading body language, you can gain valuable insights into the interviewer’s thoughts and feelings and make adjustments to your own behaviour accordingly. This can help you to build rapport and make a positive impression during the interview.