Strange Interview

LisaB85

I had an interview this morning for a large company, they didn't ask any questions as such other than when I could start, salary but it was just chatting really being told about the job and company, it seemed very informal like they were more interested in my personality than any achievements. Is this a good thing?

I must admit I preferred the interview to others I have been to where they put you on the spot with questions.

Mistral001

It is really down to gut instinct. Did you feel uncomfortable with any specific part or was it just a general impression?

LisaB85

I felt more relaxed than I would have if it had been a normal interview, I get the impression they are a fun good company to work for.

I wouldn't say I felt uncomfortable Its just I have never had an interview like it, maybe they prefer the more informal route. The staff I saw were all happy friendly and seemed to be having fun despite being busy.

scheming_gypsy

The interview i had for here was similar. He said he could see what i can do from my CV so it was an informal chat about things before he decided who to take on.

**Juice**

Just out of interest, what sort of company/role was it? Is it quite a forward thinking company?

InsideInsurance

Sometimes interviews can be a test, I remember one person who went for an interview and when they got there they were told "entertain us", they asked for clarification and got a irritated reply along the lines of "sing, dance, juggle, whatever, entertain us". After 30 minutes of singing she was then told the interview was over, she turned around to go when one of the interviewers asked her why she had wasted their time, didn't she realise that an interview is intended for both sides to see if its what they wanted and she hadn't asked them anything for the full 30 minutes. She didn't get a second interview.

If it is a multi-phase interview process it isnt that unusual to have at least one that is more chatty in nature. At a previous place for all but entry level roles the final round was with the strategy director and that was always a chat over a coffee about the state of the market, thoughts on where the industry is going, why somethings been successful or not etc which really was a test of a combination of personality, ability to interact with senior people and breadth of knowledge outside of immediately what you've been doing.

It would be more unusual to have it in a single round selection on the basis that ultimately anyone could put something on their CV without it having a shred of truth to it and so generally you do want to test people a little over any skills or character traits you're looking for.

Reverbe

This informal chatty style interview is sadly becoming the norm these days. I find them incredibly annoying all my experience and research- ie books etc teach you to read up on the company, prepare answers and questions etc. No book or person I have ever come across can give you advice to prepare for chats.I dont find they can possibly find the best possible candidate if they dont ask questions about your skills and experience nor give you any opportunity to sell yourself in some way_ tho i try to get round this by selling myself in the chat in a roundabout way this isnt always possible from whats going on in the interview.

TBH i think a hell of a lot of ppl dont know how to interview nor what to ask the prospective employee to get the best out of them or find about their suitability etc.

At least with the Old style you know if you have messed up bigtime by giving bad answers etc. When you come out of interviews these days you just feel like you have had a light chat and got on well with everyone and there is no way you can pinpoint why you havent got the job.

buzzhoney

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Sometimes interviews can be a test, I remember one person who went for an interview and when they got there they were told "entertain us", they asked for clarification and got a irritated reply along the lines of "sing, dance, juggle, whatever, entertain us". After 30 minutes of singing she was then told the interview was over, she turned around to go when one of the interviewers asked her why she had wasted their time, didn't she realise that an interview is intended for both sides to see if its what they wanted and she hadn't asked them anything for the full 30 minutes. She didn't get a second interview.

That's insane! I'd be furious. What complete nonsense.

Informal interviews can be frustrating, but it often means they're really interested in you and the thing is pretty much in the bag. You do have to remember to ask your own questions, though - apparently that really puts you ahead since most people forget. And also you should be assertive to that end - if you're going to make this huge commitment to spending most of your time working for someone, you need to know what's in it for you! It's not just a one-way thing.

967stuart

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Sometimes interviews can be a test, I remember one person who went for an interview and when they got there they were told "entertain us", they asked for clarification and got a irritated reply along the lines of "sing, dance, juggle, whatever, entertain us". After 30 minutes of singing she was then told the interview was over, she turned around to go when one of the interviewers asked her why she had wasted their time, didn't she realise that an interview is intended for both sides to see if its what they wanted and she hadn't asked them anything for the full 30 minutes. She didn't get a second interview.

LOL, this has to be a joke ?

If i went for a job and they asked me to 'entertain' them by singing and dancing I would lamp them !

Reverbe

buzzhoney wrote: »

That's insane! I'd be furious. What complete nonsense.

Informal interviews can be frustrating, but it often means they're really interested in you and the thing is pretty much in the bag. g.

TBH i find this is not really a case of the above but indicative of the fact that people who conduct interviews really have no idea how to interview.Only once in my experience has it been a case of pretty much in the bag - my current postion where I am getting NMW for a job that I have shedloads of experience with highly respected companies in the same field.:cool:

CBH88

My interview for my current job was very informal, and the company itself has a casual and friendly atmosphere. It's a good way for the company to get to know you as a person and see whether you would fit in with the team.