1. Introduction

Not sure if you should practice to prepare for your informal job interviews? In a nationwide recruiter survey, Yello discovered in 2020 that 51% of recruiters used interview scheduling software. A further 28% were considering the move.

Let’s get started! 

2. What is an Informal Interview?

An informal interview is a casual, less structured conversation often held outside of the typical formal interview setting. These interviews happen in relaxed environments where the employer will have a casual conversation to get to know you.

Informal Interviews – Key Facts

• An informal interview is a type of job interview without a set structure.
• Informal interviews give the interviewer and you a chance to get to know each other and discuss whether the role fits your skills.
• Informal interviews are also used to better understand how you behave, your motivations and your workplace personality.
• Informal chat interviews often take place in more relaxed environments like coffee shops or during networking events.
• Informal telephone interviews are typically used at an early stage for entry-level positions or graduate programs to screen the best-fit candidates.
• Informal job interviews are widely used in industries where cultural fit, interpersonal skills, and relationship-building are important.

What do informal interviews measure?

Informal interviews are typically used to measure your personality, communication skills, and general fit for the company and role.

Let’s find out which industries and employers tend to use informal interviews in their hiring process.

3. Which Employers Use Informal Interviews?

Informal interviews are used by different companies in different industries worldwide because they use them for roles that favour informal chat interviews. Industries that tend to use informal job interviews include:

Some global companies that have used informal interviews as part of their recruitment process include:

Why do these employers use informal interviews? Let’s find out below.

Why Do Employers Use Informal Interviews?

Why are informal interviews used?

Informal interviews are mainly used by employers to know you better beyond your resume and technical skills. Below are some other key reasons why employers use informal interviews:

Now that we know why employers use informal job interviews, it will also be good to find out what employers want to see in you during an informal interview.

What Do Employers Look For In Informal Interviews?

During an informal interview, employers will typically look for the following:

1. Cultural Fit: How well you align with the company’s values, mission, and work environment.
2. Interpersonal Skills: Your ability to communicate effectively, engage in conversation, and build rapport.
3. Enthusiasm and Interest: Genuine passion for the role, company, and industry.
4. Soft Skills: Your adaptability, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and teamwork capabilities.
5. Authenticity: How you present yourself naturally in a relaxed setting, revealing your true personality and approach.
6. Long-Term Potential: Your career goals and whether you have the potential to grow within the company.

Let’s check out how most informal interviews play out in the following section.

4. What Happens During Informal Interviews?

For your informal interview, you will typically meet up with your interviewer at a casual location. The interview feels more like a relaxed conversation and will involve topics around the job along with some motivational informal interview questions.

What to expect in an informal interview?

The conversation during your informal job interview will revolve around the following:

1. Your Background: You may be asked informal questions about you, your professional background, education and any past experiences. 
2. Your Interests: You could be asked to elaborate on your interests and hobbies. Consider how your interests align with your professional achievements.
3. Your and the Employer’s Goals: Your employer may want to get a better sense of your interest in the company and the position.
4. Job Requirements: Your interviewer may go through the job description in more detail and ask whether you have any questions about the requirements. Ensure to read the job description again ahead of the interview!
5. Expectations: The recruiter may also lay out a more detailed expectation of the organisation from the role on a day-to-day basis.

Watch our short video below for body language tips you can use during your informal interview:

Since we now know what informal chat interviews are, we should also find out what makes them differ from formal interviews. Read on to find out!

5. Difference Between Formal and Informal Interviews

What is the difference between a formal interview and an informal interview?

The main difference between formal and informal interviews lies in their structure and tone. Below is a breakdown of their key differences:

Now that the difference is clear, let’s go ahead to discover some common informal chat interview questions you may be asked.

6. Common Informal Job Interview Questions

Below are some informal interview example questions and answers:

First, check out our short video below for informal interview tips on how to answer the ‘Tell me about yourself’ interview question.

Below is an example of informal interview answers to some informal interview questions along with informal interview tips on how to answer them.

Question: Why should we hire you?

Good Answer: 

I believe my experience and passion align well with what your company is looking for. I’m proactive, enjoy solving problems, and work well in collaborative environments, which I understand is a big part of your company culture.

I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and I think I would add value to the team. Plus, I admire how the company prioritises innovation, and I’m eager to be a part of that.

Question: How do you see yourself fitting in?

Good Answer: 

I see myself fitting in well because I thrive in collaborative environments where people value open communication and teamwork, which is something your company emphasises.

I’m adaptable and enjoy learning from others, but I’m also proactive about sharing ideas and taking initiative when needed. From what I’ve learned about your culture, it seems like a place where I can contribute while continuing to grow and support the team in achieving its goals.

Looking for more tips to answer another popular informal interview question ‘How would your friends describe you?’, watch our short video below.

These are just some of the informal interview questions you might be asked. As these interviews typically have no set structure, you may also be asked follow up questions or further questions around your work personality and motivations.

Looking for more practice informal interview questions?

Don’t miss our quality informal interview tips that can help you prepare and pass your upcoming informal interview below!candidates are asking.

7. How to Prepare for an Informal Interview

Below are our top informal interview tips to help you prepare for your upcoming informal interview.

Top 9 Tips to Pass Your Informal Interview

1. Research the Company and Role: Understand the company’s culture and values and clearly understand the job, its requirements, and how your skills match.
2. Express Interest Clearly: Be ready to discuss why you’re interested in working there, how your values align with theirs, and how you can contribute to the team.
3. Practice with Informal Interview Example Questions: This helps you build confidence, refine your responses, confidently express your personality, and align your answers with the company’s culture.
4. Anticipate Key Topics: Anticipate topics related to your background, experience, and career goals. Be ready to share stories that highlight your personality and work style.
5. Highlight Interpersonal Skills: Focus on showcasing your interpersonal skills like communication, active listening, and adaptability, as these are often evaluated in informal settings.
6. Dress Appropriately: Choose an outfit that is good for the company’s culture and industry. Business casual is always a good choice to go with in this scenario.
7. Be Authentic: Show your true self. Engage in natural conversation and express your enthusiasm and openness for the role and the company.
8. Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Ask about the role, company culture, team dynamics and long-term opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the company.
9. Follow-Up After The Interview: Send a brief, polite follow-up message thanking the interviewer for their time and reinforcing your interest in the role.

So what questions can we ask the interviewer in an informal interview? 

Questions to Ask in an Informal Interview

In an informal interview, you can ask casual questions for more insight. If not already covered, you can ask some of the following questions to understand more about the company culture and the role:

1. Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role? 
2. What do you think are the most important skills and qualities for someone to succeed in this role? 
3. How does this role fit into the larger goals of the company? 
4. What do you like best about working at this company? 
5. Can you describe the team I’ll be working with and their backgrounds? 
6. How do you support the professional growth and development of your employees?
7. What’s the company culture like here? 
8. What are some of the biggest challenges you’re facing as a company right now? 

And with that, we’ve covered all you need to know about informal interviews! But before you go and ace your next informal interview, discover answers to some top questions people ask about informal interviews with our FAQs section below.

8. Informal Interview FAQs