{"id":427,"date":"2022-03-31T13:07:49","date_gmt":"2022-03-31T13:07:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/?p=427"},"modified":"2023-06-26T08:56:58","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T08:56:58","slug":"informal-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"Informal Interview. Complete Guide and Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your resume and cover letter have made a good impression on your potential employer, you may be asked to meet for an interview \u2014 either in person or online. Some interviews are formal and conducted in a traditional setting. Others, on the other hand, are informal and allow for a more casual conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, we are looking into what an informal interview entails and how to best prepare for it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"builder-button\">  \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your resume<\/a>\n    <\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img width=\"768\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Informal-Interview.png\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Informal Interview. Complete Guide and Tips\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Informal-Interview.png 768w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Informal-Interview-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Informal-Interview-50x34.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e0a3917c7a7\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e0a3917c7a7\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#What_is_an_informal_interview\" >What is an informal interview?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#Why_do_employers_use_informal_interviews\" >Why do employers use informal interviews?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#How_to_prepare_for_an_informal_interview\" >How to prepare for an informal interview?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#Do_some_company_research\" >Do some company research<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#Analyze_the_job_description\" >Analyze the job description<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#Consider_what_you_may_be_asked\" >Consider what you may be asked<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#Think_long_term\" >Think long term<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#Informal_interview_tips_during_the_interview\" >Informal interview tips: during the interview<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#Ask_questions\" >Ask questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#Listen_carefully\" >Listen carefully<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#Dont_lose_focus\" >Don\u2019t lose focus<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#What_if_you_are_offered_the_job_on_the_spot\" >What if you are offered the job on the spot?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#How_to_follow_up_after_an_informal_interview\" >How to follow up after an informal interview?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/informal-interview\/#Summing_it_up\" >Summing it up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_an_informal_interview\"><\/span>What is an informal interview?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An informal interview is different from a traditional interview in a way that it typically takes place in a casual setting, does not have a strict structure and rarely requires a particular dress code or any specific preparation. While a formal interview is focused on evaluating your technical skills and professional knowledge, an informal interview has more to do with getting to know you as a person. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An informal interview can take place in a coffee shop, over dinner or even during a walk in the park whereas a formal interview would typically take place at the company&#8217;s headquarters. An informal interview has no specified duration. It can be a quick brunch or turn into a long conversation if both parties have a lot to discuss.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"builder-banner-top\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__title\">\n            You'll Never Find a Good Job\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__text\">\n            It\u2019s a job hunter\u2019s common fear, but we can help boost your chances!\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner-top__a\">Click to use resume builder<\/a>\n    <\/div><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_employers_use_informal_interviews\"><\/span>Why do employers use informal interviews?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The purpose of an informal interview for an employer is to decide whether the candidate is right for the company. By means of a casual conversation, they will aim to find out more about the candidate\u2019s personality, attitude towards work, leadership abilities, team spirit and more. The candidate, on the other hand, will have the opportunity to learn more about the company, its mission and values, their potential team-mates and more.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_prepare_for_an_informal_interview\"><\/span>How to prepare for an informal interview?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While we have mentioned earlier that an informal interview requires no preparation, it is recommended to do a bit of research prior to your meeting so that you feel confident and ready to both answer and ask questions. Here are a few useful strategies to get ready for an informal interview:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_some_company_research\"><\/span>Do some company research<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the best places to start is to read up on the company that you are applying for. This will give you a better idea of what questions you may be asked and will also help you find out what you may want to ask your potential employer:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a look at the company\u2019s website.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check their social media profiles on Linkedin, Facebook and other media.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you know anyone already working for the company, take the time to talk to them and get some valuable insights into their company\u2019s culture.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t know anyone working for the company, do some research on Linkedin: you may be able to find out how many people work there and even who your potential supervisor will be.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Analyze_the_job_description\"><\/span>Analyze the job description<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are going to discuss a specific position, take the time to go over the job description again. Think about how your experience aligns with what the job requires and have some examples ready that prove your expertise and accomplishments in previous employment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consider_what_you_may_be_asked\"><\/span>Consider what you may be asked<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is definitely no need to try to predict the questions you will be asked during the interview. And scripting your answers and reciting them is also a very bad idea. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with planning your answers to some of the most popular interview questions like \u201cwhere do you see yourself in five years\u201d or \u201cwhat are your long-term career aspirations\u201d. Having an idea of what you will say will help your employer save quite a bit of time and will let you avoid uncomfortable silences or vague and ill-conceived replies.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out the<\/span> <span style=\"color: #e88768;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/job-interview-questions\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/job-interview-questions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 most common job interview questions<\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Think_long_term\"><\/span>Think long term<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most employers will be very interested in your career goals. This will help them identify whether your professional goals can be met and how long you may stay in the company. Consider what you will be getting from the new position if employed, how you plan to further your career and what your employer can do to fulfill your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Informal_interview_tips_during_the_interview\"><\/span>Informal interview tips: during the interview<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An informal interview is a great opportunity to express yourself. However, it\u2019s an even better opportunity to showcase yourself as the perfect candidate for the job and to learn about the company you would like to work for. Here are some simple tips to follow during an informal interview:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ask_questions\"><\/span>Ask questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This will not only show your potential employer that you are genuinely interested in the position but will also be a great opportunity to learn more about the company, who you will work with and what career prospects you may expect. Here are some of the very basic interview questions to ask:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:17px\"><p><em>Could you tell me more about company culture?<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:17px\"><p><em>How big of a team will I be working with?<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:17px\"><p><em>What do you see as my main contribution to the team?<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:17px\"><p><em>What changes may happen in the company within the next several years?<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:17px\"><p><em>Is this a purely in-house position or are there remote options available?<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are more<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/questions-to-ask-an-interviewer\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/questions-to-ask-an-interviewer\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #e88768;\">job interview questions to ask your potential employer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Listen_carefully\"><\/span>Listen carefully<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to not only listen during the interview but to also practice active listening to keep the conversation going smoothly. Active listening involves making eye contact, nodding, smiling as well as referring to your interviewer\u2019s words when replying. For example, you could begin your reply with something like \u201cGoing back to what you just said\u2026\u201d or \u201cI completely agree with what you said about \u2026\u201d. This will demonstrate to your interviewer that you are genuinely interested in what they are saying and help build a lively and involved dialogue.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_lose_focus\"><\/span>Don\u2019t lose focus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s easy to get a bit too relaxed during an informal interview. However, it\u2019s important to remember that this is still a job interview \u2014 and your goal is to make a good impression. No matter how friendly they may seem, the interviewer will be watching what you say and do and making notes. Do your best to keep it as professional as possible while also remaining who you genuinely are. Avoid asking personal questions, making direct remarks or going into too much detail about your life outside of work.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_if_you_are_offered_the_job_on_the_spot\"><\/span>What if you are offered the job on the spot?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should be prepared to get an offer on the spot. Consider your reply before the interview \u2014 but do not feel obligated to reply right there and then. If you need to, give yourself enough time to consider the offer and make the decision that works for you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should also be prepared to answer questions about your expected salary, potential start date, availability for relocation and more.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_follow_up_after_an_informal_interview\"><\/span>How to follow up after an informal interview?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the interview, it\u2019s a good idea to send a follow-up email. It is important to choose the right time to send your email. If you know that the interviewer will be speaking to other candidates, it may be better to wait a few days before reaching out. When you do, make sure to thank the interviewer for their time, mention what you have learnt during your conversation and reaffirm your interest in the position.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/interview-thank-you-email\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #e88768;\"> how to show appreciation with an interview thank you email<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While following up on the interview is very useful, make sure to not bombard your interviewer with emails, calls and demands for feedback. Note that your interviewer may still have a number of candidates to talk to and a formal review and hiring procedure to follow.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are not sure when to expect an answer, read this post &#8211; <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/interview-feedback\/\"><span style=\"color: #e88768;\">how soon will I get HR feedback after the interview<\/span><\/a>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summing_it_up\"><\/span>Summing it up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An informal interview is a great way to express yourself and to get to know the company you may soon be working for. It\u2019s best to approach this interview as your true self \u2014 don\u2019t act or pretend to be someone you are not. On the other hand, make sure to do at least some research before the meeting and use the information that you have gathered to your advantage.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that this interview is not only for your employer \u2014 it\u2019s also an opportunity for you to evaluate how good of a match you and the company are and how this job aligns with your long-term career goals.<\/span><\/p>\n    <div class=\"builder-banner\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__title\">\n            Build your perfect resume in&nbsp;a&nbsp;snap\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__text\">\n            Use templates created by HR pros to make your resume and cover letter catch the recruiter's eye.\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your resume<\/a>\n    <\/div><div style='text-align:left' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Once your resume and cover letter have made a good impression on your potential employer, you may be asked to meet for an interview \u2014 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2683,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":""},"categories":[6,3],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0,"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/427"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=427"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/427\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6345,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/427\/revisions\/6345"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=427"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}