Is It an Interview or Not Informational Interview Tips for Either Way

Is It an Interview or Not Informational Interview Tips for Either Way Is It an Interview or Not? Interview Tips for Either WayHandle that pseudo-vorstellungsgesprch situation once and for all.Have you ever been in a situation where youve connected with someone at one of your target companies and been asked to meet, but they never explicitly stated that the meeting is an vorstellungsgesprch? I have, and Ill tell you from experience, if youre wrong about it being an einstellungsgesprch, it can be a bit awkward.One time, for example, I reached out to someone at a company where I welches interested in working. We started a conversation about the company, and that led to a meeting at a local coffee shop.I was excited. This was my opportunity. Id arranged an einstellungsgesprch with one of my preferred employers. But wait, no one ever said it was an interview. Oh no What do I do?I felt a bit odd reaching back out to the rolle and asking if the meeting was indeed an interview, so I just pre pared as though it was, utilizing informal interview tips and tricks. Turns out, I was wrong.It was actually the opposite. The individual with whom I met wanted to work for my employer. Apparently, he was looking to leave his company. We ended up joking about swapping positions and companies, but in the end, the meeting wasnt productive for either party.So, how do you prepare for a situation like this?You could always ask, but then you risk the chance of looking like a fool. In the case that asking isnt an option, here are a few steadfast rules to follow.Be prepared.Whether the meeting turns out to be an interview or not, its best to be prepared with answers to any questions that might arise in the case that it actually is an interview. Prepare in the same way youd prepare for an actual interview, even if its just brushing up on informal interview tips.Bring your resume (but dont make it obvious).You dont want to be holding your resume in your hands when you find out the meeting isn t actually an interview. But you also dont want to be caught without a copy of your resume if the meeting actually turns out to be an interview.Even if an employer has your resume already, experts advise that you bring a copy with you to your interview as well. In the case of an ambiguous possibly-interview-meeting, tuck your resume away in your laptop bag and only bring it out in the case that you find out youre actually involved in an interview.If youre not, proper coffee meeting etiquette means keeping it stashed in its hiding spot.Go geschftliches miteinander casual.Not sure if you should go with a professional outfit or more informal interview attire? Business casual is the best bet. Lets say the ambiguous meeting is taking place at a coffee shop. Even if it turns out to be an interview, youd be a bit overdressed for a coffee shop if youre wearing a full out suit. Try wearing something business casual, like a jacket and jeans, for example. Or go with a button down shirt or blou se with business slacks or skirt. Either way, you wont risk being too overdressed, but you also wont appear to under-dressed.Arrive early - but not too early.Just like with a regular interview, its good to arrive ahead of time. However, in this case it could be best to arrive only about five minutes early, rather than the recommended 10. That way, its more likely that the person with whom youre meeting will already be there when you arrive.This gives you the opportunity to scope out the scene a bit and get comfortable. Based on what you see, youll be able to change up your introduction to fit the scenario.Take a professional approach.Interview or not, its best to kick things off in a professional manner. In the first few minutes of the meeting, dont follow informal interview tips and go with all the traditional interview advice. Handshake, look the person in the eyes, smile and all the other details.Be approachable, but represent yourself in the same manner you would if you were aro und your colleagues at work, not hanging out with friends or family.Watch what you order.Going back to the coffee shop reference. You sit down at the table and the conversation is going well. You still dont know, however, know whether youre wrapped up in an interview or just making a professional connection.Youre really craving some lunch and a latte, but you arent sure what to do. Your best bet is actually to skip the lunch. If it is an interview, the person interviewing you will likely be all about sipping on a caffeinated beverage while you chat, but they probably arent going to eat. Coffee meeting etiquette is clear in this situation dont order food. The last thing you need is to wind up with a mouthful of food when the interviewer asks the dreaded, Whats your biggest weakness? question.Become the interviewer.If the conversation is rolling along smoothly, but 15 minutes in theres still no clear answer as to whether youre involved in an interview, its time for you to turn the tid e. There are a few questions you can ask that can help you determine the truth about the interview status. Try asking these questionsWhats the company culture like at ____?What plans for expansion do you have for the team?For ow many positions are you currently hiring?Can you describe your ideal candidate when filling a role in the ___ department?Again, its best to approach this with the thinking that it certainly could be an interview. Avoid the typically taboo interview topics likeSalary, politics, religion or personal information.If it is indeed an interview, these things can become disqualifiers.Ask about the next steps.So you made it the entire way through the conversation, and you still arent sure what to think. Theres one more thing you can do.Ask what the next steps will be. Inquire into how you proceed from that point on. At that point, the ambiguous interviewer will likely reveal all with their answer.If they say something like, lets keep in touch and exchange ideas, you w erent involved in an interview and can approach things from the professional networking angle.On the opposite side, if they say, were reviewing a number of other candidates and will get back to you or I think youd be a great fit for our company, you may just have been involved in an interview.Follow up.Either way, interview or not, its best to follow up. A follow up email or note is one of our best formal or informal interview tips. Its best to show your appreciation for the meeting. If it was an interview, its 100 percent expected of you. And if it wasnt an interview, consider things like future employment potential or possible collaboration.An interview you arent sure is an interview can be an awkward situation, but if you prepare yourself properly and follow these informal interview tips, you can turn it into a positive thing. Whatever the result may be, its good to be ready for anything. Get yourself in the mindset to be successful no matter what, and youll leave the experience in a positive way.Hire a TopResume writer to help you land more interviews, faster.Related Articles