How to Ace an Informal Job Interview: Expert Strategies for Success

Most job seekers focus on mastering formal interviews, but informal conversations about job opportunities are just as important—and often overlooked. These discussions, which may take place over coffee, drinks, or even a video call, lack the structure of traditional interviews but still shape hiring decisions.

Basil Leroux, a headhunter, emphasizes that ‘nothing is ever really informal, as opinions and judgements are always being formed.’ As an Executive Career Coach, I’ve seen leaders miss opportunities to shine in these settings simply because they underestimated their importance. To help you prepare, here are four key strategies for succeeding in an informal job interview.

Understand the Purpose, Format, and Power Dynamics

Before the conversation, clarify its purpose by asking for context. Find out:

• How many other candidates are having similar discussions?
• What is the next step in the hiring process?
• How will the conversation be used to evaluate you?

Informal chats serve various roles, such as:

• Gathering information before a formal selection process begins.
• Assessing your circumstances and ‘selling’ the job opportunity.
• Building a talent pool for future openings.
• Seeking input from stakeholders or technical experts.
• Serving as a formality when the position is already yours to lose.
• Including you for political reasons, even if the job isn’t truly available.

Research the individuals you’ll meet by checking their LinkedIn profiles, company websites, and online presence. Look for shared connections, past employers, academic backgrounds, or interests you can reference during the conversation.

Assess their decision-making power in the hiring process. Key players typically include:

• High-power roles: Direct line managers or major stakeholders whose opinion could immediately disqualify you.
• Lower-power roles: Peers, direct reports, or current role holders whose input may carry less weight but shouldn’t be ignored.

Paul, a Chief Technology Officer, recently experienced three ‘informal chats’ that varied widely in format:

• A video call with structured interview questions (hardly informal).
• An office meeting to discuss his technical experience, but no technical questions were asked.
• A dinner with a former colleague, introducing him to a CEO to explore cultural fit.

Prepare for Ambiguity and Adapt Your Approach

Informal interviews often lack clear success criteria, making them harder to prepare for. To adapt, focus on:

• Storytelling: Share concise, relevant anecdotes that highlight your skills and achievements.
• Active listening: Pay attention to their cues and tailor your responses accordingly.
• Authenticity: Be yourself, but align your personality with the company culture.

Since the format is unpredictable, practice answering open-ended questions like:

• ‘Tell me about yourself.’
• ‘What interests you about this role?’
• ‘How do you handle [common industry challenge]?’

Showcase Your Value Without Over-Preparing

While preparation is key, avoid sounding rehearsed. Instead, aim to:

• Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize how your experience solves their problems.
• Ask insightful questions: Demonstrate your interest in the role and company (e.g., ‘What’s the biggest challenge facing this team right now?’).
• Follow up promptly: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, referencing specific points from your conversation.

Turn the Informal into a Competitive Advantage

Informal interviews are opportunities to build rapport and stand out. Use them to:

• Build relationships: Connect with interviewers on a personal level, but keep it professional.
• Clarify expectations: Ask about the next steps and timelines to show your enthusiasm.
• Leave a lasting impression: Be memorable for the right reasons—confidence, clarity, and cultural fit.

‘Informal chats are a chance to let your personality shine. Don’t hide behind a script—engage authentically and leave them wanting to learn more.’ — Executive Career Coach