What is an informal interview and how do you prepare for one?

If you’re in the middle of a job hunt, you may have been approached by a company offering you an “informal interview.” You know it’s an interview (after all, they used the word “interview”), but what in the world do they mean by “informal”? That you don’t have to wear a tuxedo or call them sir or ma’am? While it’s true that you don’t have to do any of that, an informal interview is just a different type of interview and it’s become more popular in recent years. So how do you prepare for one? How different will it be from a “regular” interview? We’ll answer the question “What is an informal interview” and give you all the information you need to ace it—informally, of course.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• What is the meaning of an informal interview?

• What should you expect in an informal interview?

• What questions are asked in an informal interview?

• Should you prepare for an informal interview?

What is the meaning of an informal interview?

An informal interview is a meeting that can take place in a non-traditional setting, such as in a coffee shop or over lunch, and doesn’t have the same “structure” as a regular, or “formal” interview. The interviewer may frame his or her request as ‘Why don't you come by to have a chat to learn more about the position?' or something similar.

The interviewer’s aim however is the same: to see if you’d be a good fit for the position and the company. Many hiring managers like informal interviews, as most candidates tend to feel more relaxed, as it’s outside the normal corporate setting, and are more likely to let their guard down a bit and show a bit of their personalities. Informal interviews can crop up at any point in the hiring process. Employers might use it at the beginning as a screening tool, or at the end when they’re prepared to offer the job but have a few more questions.

What can you expect in an informal interview?

As mentioned, informal interviews tend to take place in non-traditional settings like a café or restaurant but may be held in a company office or meeting room. If you’re meeting for lunch or coffee, the interviewer will most likely pick up the tab (but have some money in your wallet just in case). Expect it to feel more like a conversation than a question-and-answer session, and you may have more opportunities to ask the interviewer questions and learn more about the company. Remember, though, that you’re not having lunch with a buddy; you’re still there to be interviewed so don’t let yourself get too “relaxed.” Informal interviews may also be shorter than regular interviews, 20-30 minutes, or the length of a lunch or cup of coffee. 

What questions are asked in an informal interview?

You might be wondering what the difference is between formal and informal interview questions. Honestly, not much. In an informal interview, the question asked might have a wider, more personal range than in a formal setting. Not too personal, of course, but questions might touch on your hobbies, what you like to read, and a little bit about your personal background. The interviewer will also likely ask you about your career trajectory and experience, or what you like best about your field. A lot of the questions will be very similar to ones you'd hear in formal interviews but will be phrased more casually. This is still a great opportunity to highlight your skills and experience and explain why you'd be a good fit for the position. Some examples of questions you might be asked are:

• Tell me about yourself.

• What do you think about the future of this industry?

• Why did you apply for this job?

• Have you ever encountered conflict on the job? How did it work out?

• Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?

The thing about an informal interview is that it’s also a great opportunity for you to ask the interview questions, too. If there's a lull in the conversation, use the opportunity to pose a question to the interviewer. You could ask:

• What is the culture like at your company? 

• What was it about my resume that made you want to meet with me?

• What growth opportunities are there for this role?

• What do you like best about working at ABC Company?

• Can you tell me anything about the people I might be working with?

Don’t ask closed-ended questions that only require a “yes” or “no” response. This is your opportunity to engage with the interviewer, so make sure your questions are productive and informative. Not only will you learn more about the company, but also it will demonstrate that you’ve done your research and are enthusiastic about potentially working there.

Should you prepare for an informal interview?

Absolutely! Like any interview, the key to success in an informal interview is preparation. You’ll want to find out as much as you can about the role, the company and its mission, values, and overall culture, and any industry news. There are a few other ways you can prepare for an informal interview to make sure it goes smoothly.

• Know whom you’re interviewing with.

• Bring something to write on in case you want to take notes, your portfolio (if you have one), and additional copies of your resume.

• Practice your active listening skills beforehand. Remember, this is designed to be a conversation, so make sure you’re really listening to the interviewer, not just waiting to talk.

• Prepare answers to common behavioral and situational interview questions using the STAR method.

• Be ready to discuss your skills, background, and education.

It’s also important to arrive for the interview early to get settled. There’s nothing worse than running late and coming into the meeting flustered or stressed. If you're meeting at a restaurant, consider looking at the menu ahead of time, so you don't waste valuable interview time figuring out what you want to order (and avoid anything with a red sauce).

Need some help polishing your interview skills? Check out Career.io’s Interview Prep tool, which will provide you with real-world interview questions and AI-generated feedback to give you the skills you need to ace your next interview.

Key takeaways

1. An informal interview can take place in a non-traditional setting, such as in a coffee shop or over lunch, and doesn’t have the same “structure” as a regular, or “formal” interview.

2. An informal interview will feel more like a conversation than a question-and-answer session, and you may have more opportunities to ask the interviewer questions and learn more about the company. 

3. You should prepare for the interview ahead of time by knowing who you’re meeting with, doing company research, and preparing answers to common interview questions.