Interview followed by 'informal chat'

LucySera

So, I attended an interview last week for a job I really want. They asked me to undertake a written test and give a presentation which was followed by a panel interview. At the end of the interview, they said they would call the following week to let me know whether I had gotten the job.

Yesterday I got a call asking me to attend an 'informal chat' next Monday morning with their department head (who wasn't on the original panel)- approximately an hour long and no need to prepare anything.

Do you think this is a second interview? There was no mention of this either in the job ad or at the original interview...

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Cannot really tell from what you have written, but firstly good luck.


For me, a panel interview would be an assessment of your presentations skills, together with listening and answering queries etc. If you were successful, I would expect a more thorough second interview with department heads, director etc.


You do not say what role it is, I assume then it as Sales?

JustOnce

Maybe they just want to see if they could stand working with you?

You've maybe passed the skill-based stuff, now maybe they want to assess your fit with the organisation.

I know some industries where that (being able to fit in) is more important than the skills to some extent.

Good luck!

JReacher1

It sounds like they want to see whether you "fit in" with the department.

Be careful as informal chats don't seem like an interview but they are. The decision on whether you will get the job will be based on this chat!

LucySera

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth wrote: »

You do not say what role it is, I assume then it as Sales?

A senior policy role with a professional medical body actually. :j

Thanks for all your advice guys - very useful. I think I was thrown by the relative ambiguity of the term 'informal chat', however I imagine it is more of a streamlined second interview with two or three candidates.

I think I'll still dress smartly and come prepared. At least that way I won't be thrown if what was billed as a chat actually turns out to be an interrogation!

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Ok thanks and good luck.


Still sweating after yesterday's interview!!!!!!!!!!

janiebquick

Good luck, but, yes, all they are now interested in is how well you will fit in with the existing team.

prowla

The "informal chat" is an interview, but unlikely to be technical questions, etc.

TELLIT01

We did that when we were having trouble deciding between 2 candidates for a job. Their skill sets were very similar so we called them both back in for an 'informal chat' incorporating some of the people they would be working directly with. Although those individuals had no direct input to the decision making, it was very interesting and helpful to watch the way the 2 candidates interacted with the existing staff. It paid an important part in the final decision
Just try to be yourself, whilst remembering not to say or do anything which might be considered controversial!

InsideInsurance

prowla wrote: »

The "informal chat" is an interview, but unlikely to be technical questions, etc.

As above, it is an interview and should be treated as such.

It may be a little softer in terms of rarely having lots of competency based questions but its not a fait accompli.

It can be a simple "fit" type questions, does the senior manager like you. Sometimes it can be a test of working style so making sure he'll like the way you approach problems etc.

Occasionally the earlier stage interviews will pass up notes saying that they have concerns in one or two areas and ask that the next guys kick the tyres again in these areas and so these bits can be more traditional/ rigorous than the other parts