12 ways to make the most of your casual job interview - Worksion (2023)

Here are 12 answers to the question, "What are your best tips for a job seeker to get the most out of an informal interview?"

• Answer the questions that are asked
• Get familiar with ambiguity
• Do not forget to smile
• Remember that informal interviews often assess the potential of the team
• Send a follow up message
• actively listening
• Assess how busy your conversation partner is
• Lead the conversation with thoughtful questions
• Be yourself
• do your research first
• wear something comfortable
• be ready for anything

Answer the questions that are asked

Listen carefully to the intent of the questions and don't get sidetracked or try to be funny. The interviewer is trying to gauge his personality and work ethic.

Don't worry about impressing them with your intelligence.

They want to see if you can do the job. Starting a long soliloquy about your favorite hobby can easily make the interviewer lose interest. Give them the basic information they need to make their decision, and then shut up.

matthew ramirez, CEO,paraphrase tool

Get familiar with ambiguity

Informal interviews are a great way for both parties to assess cultural fit. Interviewers are looking for someone who demonstrates the qualities and values ​​of their organization, while respondents are looking for an organization that fits them.

As a recruiting agency manager, I've interviewed hundreds of candidates who seem to want all their questions answered right away or who see the interview as a test they can pass because they didn't get a textbook.

His rigidity limits any open conversation about his past and how he might fit in at the company. We cannot cover everything in the initial interviews or the brief interview time of an informal interview.

Being comfortable with a two-way development process and an awareness of the big picture without needing all the details is one of the best ways for both sides to connect. Excellent candidates will be open to this within limits, and good recruiters know better than to overdo it.

Tony Topoleski, project Manager,ACE Partner

Do not forget to smile

An informal interview can be a great opportunity to show your personality and build a connection with the interviewer. And while it may seem like a smile won't make a difference during a phone interview, it can actually have a big impact.

Research has shown that smiling during a conversation can help create positive feelings and build a relationship. When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, which can make you feel happier and more relaxed. This way, you seem more confident and friendly to the person you're talking to.

So the next time you have an informal interview, whether in person or over the phone, don't forget to smile! Even if the other party can't see you, they can still hear the smile in your voice, and that can make a world of difference in establishing a connection.

Piotr Sosnowski, Director of People and Culture,Hello Junior

Remember that informal interviews often assess the potential of the team

The organization invites applicants to head office to become familiar with the workforce. Job seekers should not assume they have the right position. Impressive management is only the first step.

When candidates are invited to meet and greet, they are truly being judged on their ability to integrate with the existing team.

Stepping on the wrong foot can mean losing the job, so take the time to introduce yourself to each team member and treat them with the same respect you would if they were the hiring manager or CEO. Increase your chances of getting hired by having the entire workforce behind you. So always stay professional and polite.

Debbie Winkelbauer, CEO,navigation search

Send a follow up message

An informal interview can be a great opportunity to make a positive impression on a potential employer and learn more about the company's culture and role. One thing that people forget is to send a follow up after the interview.

Writing a quick thank you email or note to show appreciation for the opportunity to speak with the employer can go a long way.

This can help keep you informed and show that you are interested in the position. Pro Tip: Set a reminder on your calendar to check in and say hello.

kelly anderson, Carriereentrenador,continue seed

actively listening

Being an active listener is key to getting the most out of a casual job interview.

Giving the interview your full attention keeps the conversation interesting, builds respect, and ensures they don't miss anything important.

Nothing inspires confidence in a potential employee like an effective and engaging interview.

Alexander Robiquet, Co-Founder and CEO,crossed thoughts

Assess how busy your conversation partner is

The labor market works like any other, based on supply and demand. You need to know if you are in the candidate market or the employer market.

By estimating how busy your interlocutor is, you can read the job market. If the talk show is full, it shows that the market is currently favoring the employer.

If they have few other candidates, it suggests that the scales are in their favor. Knowing your current market value will help you prepare and position yourself. The Candidate Marketplace gives you the confidence to negotiate salaries, benefits and other important benefits.

However, in an employer marketplace, you may need to focus on differentiating yourself, as competition will be fierce and your bargaining power will be weaker. While an interviewer may not specifically say, "We're desperate for employees," your employment will serve as a useful clue and reveal much more information than most people realize.

Ben Schwencke, business psychologist,test association

Lead the conversation with thoughtful questions

Informal job interviews can be a great opportunity to set yourself apart and gain valuable information. Show your enthusiasm by preparing early for the interview and actively leading conversations with meaningful questions.your workand companies.

You can also make an unforgettable impression by sharing details of your own experiences in relation to what they do; it's a great way for the two of you to connect on a deeper level.

maria strip, personnel advisor and career coach,MK Despe Consulting

Be yourself

In an informal interview, you are the real you, true to your values, personality, and communication style. Of course, you'll want to maintain a certain level of professionalism even during a casual interview, but it's also important to keep the atmosphere light-hearted and not take yourself too seriously.

By being yourself, you are more likely to build trust with the other person, which helps create a positive atmosphere and impression.

It also reduces stress for both parties and can give you more confidence during the interview, allowing the interviewer to see who you really are when you're not under pressure. In general, a casual interview is an opportunity to show the interviewer the real you.

peter reagan, financial markets strategist,Grupo Birke Oro

do your research first

My top tip for a job seeker to get the most out of an informal interview is to do some research beforehand.

Spend some time researching the company and the position you are applying for so that you can confidently discuss why you are interested in the position and how your skills fit the requirements.

Practice some possible interview questions and topics so you canready to answer questionsthe interviewer may have

Finally, prepare yourself with questions of your own that show your interest in the company and the position. This is how you stand out from other candidates and make a good impression on the interviewer.

leo vaisburgo, executive partner,Amazon Suspension Lawyer

wear something comfortable

An informal interview should provide a relaxed and comfortable environment for both the interviewer and the job applicant.

Dressing well can help put you in a good mood, but it's important to find something you're comfortable in. You don't want the interviewer to remember your personality and experiences.your clothes!

Amy Lee, medical adviser,nuclear

be ready for anything

You never know where an informal job interview might lead, so it's important to be prepared to keep it short and sweet.make a big impression.

This means doing your homework on the person, the company they work for, and the roles or areas that interest them.

Your ability to listen actively and ask intelligent questions,reflective questionsIt can often be more important than knowing the answers, and that is only possible if you really understand the subject.

andrea miller, CEO,LeadWell Company