Making the Most Out of an Informal Interview

A coffee meeting or lunch date with an employer is rarely as innocuous as it seems during a job search. In many cases, these casual get-togethers are opportunities for a potential employer to assess you as a candidate in a relaxed setting. By recognizing this type of informal interview for what it is and preparing accordingly, you can deliver a strong, job-winning performance.

Dress Appropriately

Despite the low-key setting, an informal interview is a valuable opportunity to make a positive impression. Your appearance should enhance your image as a capable, pulled-together professional in your specific industry. Choose a business-casual outfit that makes you feel confident and enables you to focus on the conversation. When in doubt, opt for clothing that would fit in at the target company. A modern suit might be appropriate for a high-finance job, but it would look out of place in an elementary school. Avoid jeans or items with visible wear, even if you're going to a low-key coffee shop. Appropriate clothing subtly communicates insider status without detracting from your qualifications.

Research the Interviewer

An informal interview might be your only chance to make an impression on a potential employer. Make the most of this valuable one-on-one time by arriving prepared. In addition to standard company research, take time to look up the interviewer. Review his LinkedIn page and the company website to learn about his responsibilities and career history. Check out the contacts you have in common on Facebook and Twitter. Search for news articles that contain his name to learn about his accomplishments and reputation. This process enables you to find commonalities that can help you establish a memorable personal connection during the informal interview — it also ensures that you don't waste time asking questions that could easily be answered with a Google search.

Let the Employer Lead

Company representatives might schedule an informal interview for a variety of reasons: to network, vet you as a candidate for a specific job, or get to know you for future openings. Help the employer achieve his specific goal by looking to him for cues about tone or style. If he wants to chat casually about the industry in general, use the conversation to express your enthusiasm and tell a compelling story about your experience. If he jumps right into specifics about the job or your qualifications, hand over a copy of your resume and sell yourself as a candidate. No matter how relaxed the tone, remember that the employer is observing you through a professional lens — stay professional and positive at all times.

An informal interview helps an employer understand what it would be like to work with you on a day-to-day basis. By creating a professional image and allowing your personality to come through, you can make a valuable connection that leads to a dream job.

Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net