With today’s intense competition for esteemed corporate positions, it is no wonder why many companies opt for more creative methods of hiring potential employees. Other than the classic formal interview, companies conduct informal interviews to job applicants. But why do companies use this casual hiring technique? More importantly, how can an applicant maximize informal interviews to gain the company’s favour towards his employment? Read on for some valuable explanations and tips.

Informal Interviews: Getting to the bottom line of your application
Informal interviews are being used in professional settings. Informal personal interviews involve a face-to-face discussion of basic and special issues related to personal and professional goals, job requirement and expectations, and other more casual subjects. This is a relaxed type of interview that almost always leads to a second or follow up interview. Companies have varied reasons in conducting informal interviews when hiring candidates with potential. In informal interviews, companies aim to know more of the applicant’s social skills and communicative competence, as this interview can reveal a person’s ability to take charge and carry on a sensible conversation.

Pros of Informal Interviews
Informal interviews can be beneficial to both employers and applicants. Having an informal setting breaks the intimidating atmosphere of most job interviews. Interviewers can create a more welcoming and stress-free environment that eases the interviewee. Comfortable interviewees tend to be more honest and calm when answering questions. An informal interview also allows employers to see the interviewee from many angles. The interviewee can talk about other interests, creating a better image of himself.

Cons of Informal Interviews
Informal interviews, however, may not be sufficient to gauge the professional competence of the applicant. The interviewee, on the other hand, faces the challenge of making a skilled impression in spite of the questions.

Tips to Ace Informal Interviews
Turn an informal interview to your advantage. Interviewees can get a better edge and make the best come out during this interview type. Don’t be afraid to assert yourself and take the lead of the conversation.

Show genuine interest by asking relevant questions. Learn more about the industry from the perspective of the interviewee. This is useful for you to have an idea of the expectations and requirements of the job you are applying for.

However, be attentive to what the interviewer is saying. Keep the flow of conversation by staying sharp and focused. Later, make references to significant things that the interviewer mentioned.