Informal interview advice

kr15snw

So I had an interview on Monday and think it went ok, but it's always hard to predict isn't it!

I was informed about an hour after that I had been put through to the next stage and had been invited to a 2nd interview on Friday. They stated that this was an informal interview.

Soooooo....... Whats an informal interview? Lol

David_Brent

I know its annoying when they say "oh don't worry its gonig to be quite an informal interview"...I have always treated informal interviews pretty formal even if they say informal. I think they say it to throw you into a deep confussed state - informal - does that mean I can wear my Speedo's and flip flops and a S club 7 T Shirt at the interview, whilst smoking a havannah cigar, sipping on on a pina colada? Bouncing questions back and forth witha bit of mozart playing in the back ground?!!

I would treat it pretty formal still dress to impress but at the same time let them see some personality from you, tell them about your interests outside work, ask them questions about what they like doing etc relate anything common you may have with the interviewers eg one may be keen long distance runners and you may be a memeber of a running club then you could spark up a conversation about running etc etc. It will be focused less on the academic/work side and more on you as a person and how you would fit in. Good luck.

spendingmad

I would say at an informal 2nd stage interview, you would probably be shown round the workplace whilst having a chat ie. not sat with a desk between you type thing. Prepare as for an formal interview but be prepared to walk around meet different teams etc.

Good luck!

Annisele

I worked somewhere where "informal interview" meant 'we want you to meet the guy who's going to be your new boss - he's had no formal interview training, but before we hire you we want to make sure the two of you don't instantly hate each other'.

I suspect that that isn't a universal definition though!

kr15snw

They kept mentioning how I'd be part of a team so I wonder if their going to stick me with the team and see how I get on with them!

I was going to go for slightly less formal dress (instead of suit Id wear what I would wear in an office job) and just try and be relaxed!

Savvy_Sue

I'd stick with the suit until you've seen what they wear in the office ...

kr15snw

I did meet the office guys at the first interview and it was the usual. Men is suit trousers with a shirt and tie, women in smart trousers / skirts with a blouse / officey top.