Handling an Informal Interview Effectively

Introducing the informal interview

An informal interview can be a key step in the hiring process. An

employer can use this event to gauge a candidate’s suitability for a
job and decide whether to move forward with a job application.
Learning about this recruitment method can help you to improve
your performance during the employment search. Discover the key
features of an informal interview and get tips for handling it
effectively.

What is an informal interview?

An informal interview is a selection method that involves a casual

setting, which differentiates it from a formal interview that takes
place in settings such as company boardrooms. Employers may use
this interview type to find out if a candidate suits a job opening,
determine an individual's interest in joining the company, or
evaluate if a position can be created for an applicant. These
meetings can take place at the start or end of the hiring process.
The surroundings for these events involve locations that are usually
reserved for social activities, such as restaurants and coffee shops.

Learn more: The Ultimate Job Interview Preparation Guide

Key informal interview features and tips

Consider the following informal interview features and tips to boost

your pre-interview, interview, and post-interview performance:

Benefits of an informal interview

There are several benefits in being requested to participate in this

interview type, such as:

 It's less stressful than a formal interview. Due to the

casual setting, this kind of interview may cause less stress in
candidates when compared with interviewing on company
premises. For candidates who are more authentic and relaxed
in casual gatherings, interviewing informally can be an
effective way to reduce stress and improve performance.
 It's easier to be yourself. An informal interview can give an
employer a better chance to gain insights on your personality
traits than a formal interview because it takes place in a social
environment. You can use this meeting to show the recruiter
your soft skills that suit the company culture, such as your
drive to succeed, reliability, empathy, and positivity.
  It can help you make valuable professional contact. In
an informal interview, both the interviewer and interviewee are
required to contribute to the conversation by asking questions
and maintaining the dialogue. Due to the lack of formality in
the setting, this interview type can improve your chances of
developing a professional relationship with your interviewer.
Making an effort to cultivate this contact could help your career
in the long term as it could lead to a letter of recommendation,
other job opportunities, or industry insights.
 It's easier to handle difficult topics. Employers are likely
to opt for informal interviews because they make it easier to
get employee insights on challenging topics that require less
structured answers. For example, this interview type can be
used by the hiring manager to find out whether a professional
is genuinely interested in a position or whether a proposed
salary is significantly below expectations.

Risks of an informal interview

Informal interviews carry several risks that candidates should

manage effectively, such as:

 It's easy to forget you're being evaluated. Due to the

casual setting used for an informal interview, a job applicant
can easily lapse into behavior that is normally used during a
social event held in that location. However, despite the lack of
formality, the hiring manager will evaluate you based on what
you say and do. You can manage this risk by remembering
 you're participating in an important step in the hiring process
and maintaining professional behavior throughout the event.
 It's easy to overshare. As this interview type is usually less
stressful and more enjoyable than a formal meeting, a
candidate can accidentally share too much information on
sensitive or controversial topics. You can address this risk by
using your active listening skills to understand each interview
question, making a relevant response without forgetting you're
being interviewed, and avoiding spontaneous speech.
 The opportunities to highlight your qualifications are
less obvious. Due to the unstructured method in which an
informal interview is held, interview subjects have fewer
chances to highlight their skills and achievements when
compared to a formal interview. You can manage this risk by
being proactive, searching for cues from the interviewer to
share information, and communicating what you have to offer
when you spot an opportunity to do so.
Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Analyzing a Company's
Glassdoor Page

Tips to prepare for an informal interview

When invited for an informal interview, use the following tips to

prepare:

 Learn about the employer. You will be expected to make an

effort to contribute to the conversation during the interview. To
handle this informal interview feature, it's best to research the
 business, including current competitors, challenges, and
achievements, before the interview. Next, develop a list of
open-ended questions you can ask the hiring manager which
indicate your knowledge of the company and motivation to
work there.
 Prepare for interview questions. While an informal
interview is less structured than a formal one, you should be
prepared to answer standard interview questions. For example,
get ready to answer questions on your long-term career goals,
professional strengths or skills, and examples in which you
added value while working for a previous employer. You can
develop answers to these question and practice your delivery
before the interview, so you make confident replies.
 Identify how you can contribute to the company. It's
important to communicate how you can add value to the
employer during your meeting. Use your company research
and knowledge of your abilities to identify how you can
contribute to the team before the interview and share this
information at the meeting.
 Handle logistics. It's essential to be at the interview location
on time because this indicates your organization and work
ethic. You will need to find out where you're meeting the
interviewer, how to get there, and the interview time ahead of
the meeting.
 Bring resume copies. Print a few hard copies of your resume
and bring them to the interview, so you can refer to this
document if necessary.
Learn more: What to Look for When Researching a
Company: A Complete Checklist

Tips for informal interview performance

Improve your performance at an informal interview with the

following tips:

 Dress appropriately. Choose attire that is appropriate for

both the venue and the interview. Opting for business casual
clothing, which is freshly washed and ironed, is the best choice
for an informal meeting.
 Do not offer to pay. During an informal interview, the hiring
manager pays the tab, so simply thank them when they pay.
 Be professional. Remember to avoid unprofessional speech
or actions. Demonstrate your interest in getting the job, and
thank the hiring manager for the opportunity at the end of the
interview
Learn more: How to Ace Your Next Interview

Tips for after an informal interview

After your informal interview, use the following tips to improve the
impression you made on the hiring manager:

 Send a thank-you email. Many employers hold informal

interviews to gauge a candidate's interest in working for them,
so if you want the job, it's important to communicate your
interest promptly. Send a thank-you email with an innovative
subject line to the recruiter after completing the meeting. In
 this communication, restate your interest in getting the job and
express your appreciation for the opportunity.
 Provide any necessary information to address
employer concerns. If the hiring agent voiced concern
during the informal interview about your skill set or training,
make sure to supply them with any necessary information to
resolve this promptly via email.
 Work on maintaining a relationship with the hiring
manager. When you follow up via email, keep the
conversation open by mentioning a key topic discussed during
the interview, making an offer to connect with the hiring
manager via professional platforms, and indicating your
interest in building a professional relationship. Developing this
contact can lead to an employment opportunity in the future
even if you do not immediately get a job.

Tips for an informal video interview

You can use the following tips to prepare for an informal video
interview:

 Get the necessary details to meet online. You will need to

know the time, online platform, and other recruiter details to
connect with the hiring agent on the internet.
 Dress suitably. As this meeting is a part of the selection
process, dress well in business casual attire.
 Test your computer equipment. Before the interview, test
your software and hardware for any glitches and make any
necessary changes.
 Contribute to having a professional interview. If you're
meeting via video conferencing platform, make sure your
background is free of clutter and other people. Try to conduct
the meeting in a quiet area of your home.