"Informal" interview

[Troy.McClure]

Ive just got invited for an "informal" interview for an entery level job in a biochem lab. This is the first time Im going for a propper job & Im just wondering, whats an informal interview? Should I put on a suit or the Sunday best, and should I bring any sort of documents (degree etc) with me?

Im totally clueless here

[stojkovic]

Ive just got invited for an "informal" interview for an entery level job in a biochem lab. This is the first time Im going for a propper job & Im just wondering, whats an informal interview? Should I put on a suit or the Sunday best, and should I bring any sort of documents (degree etc) with me?

Im totally clueless here

Never had one.
Where is it.
If in an office/lab environment - wear a suit or jacket but no tie.

If he's taking you out to lunch or pub, then I guess casual would do.

Yes always bring documents to show you are prepared. Even if you are not asked for them its still good to have them with you.

Best of luck

[paul_oshea]

mate speaking from experience open collar is fine, prolly wouldnt even need a suit jacket.

informal pretty much means that you are right for the job and they pretty much have you as their no 1 candidate, they just want to get to know you and ask you certain questions like what projects have you done, what things do you like to do, what hours are you used to etc.

Informal at most would mean smart casual dress code.

if i were you i would be opening up the champagne already.

have you done a masters or anything/have this company used something you have created etc. that maybe why he has called it an informal interview.

always good to have some sorta documentation with you in a nice cover by cover i mean not necessarily briefcase but something black for storing hard backs etc.

[pete]

Think only done one those once before & that was just meeting in hotel for cup of coffee so not an interview.

Suit would sound like overkill but NO.1 rule of interviews is you can never be overdressed but you can be underdressed. Likewise overdressed will never lose you a job but underdressed could.
I'd go with smart casual, collar, tie would be no harm & could have jacket too.

[Colm55]

Ive just got invited for an "informal" interview for an entery level job in a biochem lab. This is the first time Im going for a propper job & Im just wondering, whats an informal interview? Should I put on a suit or the Sunday best, and should I bring any sort of documents (degree etc) with me?

Im totally clueless here

Generally entry level positions are informal interviews, I did one two years ago for the job i'm in now and it was like a chat with the lads, all i talked about was playing soccer, GAA and the like, a few technical questions about my degree, working within a team enviornment etc, i wore the suit to make a good first impression, its more professional and respectable.

Mr. O shea above, pretty much has it spot on, only i'd wear the suit.

[Babysis]

Ok, I work in recruitment but im no expert, but I will give you my opinion.

1) Always wear a suit unless told otherwise - First impressions count, informal or not

2) This will still be an interview. It will just be a different format. They will be wanting to find out more about you, and will expect you to have questions for them - Look at it as an information gathering excercise.

3) Bring your documents, do your research (If necessary - depends on the role).

4) Treat this as a proper interview. Dont let yourself down by taking your eye off the ball.


I hope that helps - Thats what I tell my guys when they go for informal interviews. You will be sound. Dont worry.

[paul_oshea]

ya well said above.

[Macy]

I would take informal just to mean not sitting one side of desk with a panel of interviewers the other. Treat your prep and dress as if it were though.

Pretty much as the expert Babysis says I suppose, although never trust recruitment consultants if your looking for them to put you in for jobs you actually tell them you want ...

[Babysis]

I would take informal just to mean not sitting one side of desk with a panel of interviewers the other. Treat your prep and dress as if it were though.

Pretty much as the expert Babysis says I suppose, although never trust recruitment consultants if your looking for them to put you in for jobs you actually tell them you want ...

ah ha, but you see thats why Im differnt. I do listen. Im the caring sharing headhunter.

I place recruitment consultants, so think of the rubbish I have to put up with.

Best advice is to treat every stage of an interview as a first interview. if in doubt go formal. Usually works.

[paul_oshea]

although never trust recruitment consultants if your looking for them to put you in for jobs you actually tell them you want

ya!! LOL

[paul_oshea]

if in doubt..

..pull it out

[Babysis]

..pull it out

What are you four???

[Peadar]

If it's an American company and they say "Informal" then you don't need to wear a suit.
Wear a shirt, trousers and clean shoes.
If you must wear a jacket, keep it plain and non descript.
Don't slouch in your seat and if they offer you a chance to ask questions, ask some.
If you've followed the advice of Babysis above, you'll have plenty questions to ask.
Be interested, enthusiastic, confident and polite.
They should have a copy of your CV since they've invited you so there isn't really any need to bring anything with you.
If they require anything, you'll be given the chance to supply it later.

If you have any specific questions, ring them to confirm the interview, location etc. and then ask, "is there anything I need to bring with me?"

Good luck with it kid.

[Babysis]

Well there you go Troy. Plenty of Information, your probably no better off then when you started.

As long as your prepared, Im sure you will do great. You can only try your best after all Good Luck

[strangeirish]

Always dress your best for an interview, informal or not. Def bring any doc's you have, i.e. CV etc.. It would be very embarrassing if you were asked for something you did not bring.

Going back to the dress thing, first impressions last longest. A canidate that took the time to dress to impress would get my attention versus the casually dressed canidate, which may be construed as being lazy. Good luck. You should have no problem with all the good advice that everyone has passed along.

Oh, and one more thing, you have two ears and one mouth. Use them accordingly.

[paul_oshea]

Going back to the dress thing, first impressions last longest. A canidate that took the time to dress to impress would get my attention versus the casually dressed canidate, which may be construed as being lazy. Good luck. You should have no problem with all the good advice that everyone has passed along.

true, depending on the person/company ( it doesnt necessarily matter if its an american company) they may say informal to see will you still make an effort, so best to take the above advice. some times the informal part in the way you present yourself can be a little trick on their part. i.e. can you always rely on this person to look/do their best and make the effort.

[Peadar]

some times the informal part in the way you present yourself can be a little trick on their part. i.e. can you always rely on this person to look/do their best and make the effort.

I have yet to come across a company who was trying to trick candidates.
If you wear a tie and you're the only one, then you can always take it off and put it in your pocket.

Just tell yourself, 'I am going to get this job!'
You'll be grand.

[tiktok]

I have yet to come across a company who was trying to trick candidates.

You do occasionally get thrown a curve though.

A HR manager once asked me what I did in my spare time, when I mentioned I followed City, he said ''I always consider Irish football a Garrison game''. it was a pure attempt to throw me.

I got the job though

[Peadar]

he said ''I always consider Irish football a Garrison game''.

I got the job though

It would surely have been descrimination if you didn't!?

I've given hundreds of technical interviews and usually keep them informal.
It's all about the persons attitude.
There's a job to be done and I want to know that the person we hire is going to do it for us.

[Eire06]

I'd say a nice shirt and trousers would do, suit jacket to be safe but no tie...

Bring all you can with you in a folder, even if they don't ask you for anything makes you look organised and well prepaired can't do any harm...

On the other hand
a short skirt, low top and a big smile will always work!!