Preparing for an informal job interview: what to expect

An informal interview is a question-and-answer-based conversation without the rigid structure of a formal interview. Informal interviews happen in a relaxed setting. They aim to reduce pressure for polished answers. The goal is to understand behaviour and personality without nerves.

Recruitment in the public sector tends to be more structured. However, you may still come across informal interviews where cultural fit is a key consideration for the role.

Why do hiring managers use informal interviews?

Hiring managers will conduct informal interviews for a few reasons:

To assess personality and cultural fit

The relaxed nature of an informal interview allows a hiring manager to assess your personality and decide if you're a good fit with the company culture. Conversations flow more naturally, allowing an interviewer to gain a better sense of your communication style and demeanour.

Gather additional information

Often a written CV and cover letter don't paint a full picture of a candidate. Hiring managers will ask questions, or seek more information about what you wrote, such as experience, skills and qualifications.

Build relationships with candidates

Informal interviews help to create a better connection during the hiring process. This not only keeps you keen for their opportunity, but also shows whether you have strong interpersonal skills.

To assess motivation

By having a casual chat, managers can understand why you want the job. They can learn what you hope to achieve and what drives you. Again, this can establish whether you're a good fit for the role.

When to expect an informal interview

Informal interviews can take many forms, from chats over the phone, video links and meeting up in person. They can take place at various stages of the hiring process, depending on a company's hiring practices and the specifics of a job vacancy:

Before a formal interview

In some cases, an informal phone or video call will be set up before inviting a candidate in for a formal interview. This initial conversation serves as a screening to determine if someone has the required qualifications and cultural fit.

During a formal interview process

Informal interviews can also be incorporated into a formal interview process. For example, a hiring manager or other team members may take a candidate out for lunch or coffee after the formal interview to get to know them better and answer any additional questions they may have. Note that lunch meetings occur far less frequently in a public sector recruitment process.

As a follow-up to a formal interview

An informal interview may take place as a follow-up chat after a formal interview, either before making a final decision or before a final interview with a senior team as a final way to gather information.

As part of the offer process

In some cases, hiring managers request a chat rather than an interview during an offer process. For example, they may invite the candidate to come in for a casual meeting to discuss the details of the offer, remind a candidate of staff benefits, share onboarding details and projects that they'll be working on.

Is it the same thing as an informal chat?

You may see job descriptions inviting candidates to an "informal chat" about the role rather than an informal interview. These are often preliminary conversations, usually before you've even formally applied, to help both sides decide if it's worth progressing. If you're unsure what stage of the process it represents, it's always fine to ask the employer for clarification.

Commonly asked questions during an informal interview

Informal interview questions are more casual and conversational in nature, designed to get an overall sense of a candidate's personality, interests, and work style. Informal interviews often open by talking about your week, how you're feeling about the hiring process and other friendly topics.

However, informal interview questions often mirror typical questions that you might expect:

• Why do you think you'd be good at this job?
• Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
• Have you ever faced a challenging situation at work and how did you handle it?
• What is your preferred method of communication?
• What motivates you to perform well at work?
• What is the one thing you'd like to achieve in this role?
• Do you work best in a team-oriented or autonomous environment?
• How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback?

While informal interviews focus on personality and fit, interviewers may still ask you some competency-based questions. If you'd like help structuring your answers using techniques like the STAR method, take a look at our guide to common interview questions and answers.

How to prepare for an informal interview

By their nature, informal interviews are less structured and spontaneous. The focus is on personality and culture fit, so the best way to approach an informal interview is to be yourself and feel comfortable. However, that's easier said than done, so here are a few informal interview preparation tips:

Research the company

Even if the interview is informal, you should know something about the company. Visit their website to familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and culture. You can also check their social media profiles to get a sense of what it is like working for them.

This information will give you an idea of their expectations and how you can fit in with their team.

Understand the role

It's important to understand the role you're applying for. Read through the job description and make notes about your experience, skills, and qualifications that are a good match. Remember to have a copy of your CV and cover letter handy as it's likely your interviewer will ask questions that refer directly to what you have written.

Remember to smile and be yourself

In an informal interview, the interviewer is trying to get a sense of your personality and character, so be yourself. Relax, smile, and let your personality shine through.

Prepare a list of questions

Be curious and ask thoughtful questions about the company, the role, and the team. Think about what would be useful to know on your first day, and what elements of a role and company culture that you're most interested in.

For ideas on what to ask, see our guide on the power of asking questions in a job interview.

What should you wear for an informal interview?

Even if an interview is informal, you should dress professionally. Smart casual is usually the right call for an informal interview. Think along the lines of what you'd wear to an important meeting rather than a formal panel interview.

A neat shirt or blouse with trousers or a skirt works well. The key is to look professional without being overdressed. You want to come across as someone who takes the opportunity seriously while still feeling comfortable enough to have a natural conversation.

Frequently asked questions

Is an informal interview a good sign?

Yes, being invited to an informal interview is generally positive. It usually means you've passed an initial screening stage and the employer wants to get a better sense of your personality. That said, it's not a guarantee you'll get the job. Treat it as an opportunity to make a strong impression while also deciding if the role is right for you.

What's the difference between a formal and informal interview?

A formal interview typically follows a structured format with predetermined questions, often in front of a panel, and may include competency-based or scenario questions. An informal interview is more conversational. There's no rigid structure, and the focus is usually on getting to know you as a person rather than testing specific skills. Both are still part of the assessment process, so preparation matters either way.

How long does an informal interview last?

Most informal interviews last between 20 and 45 minutes, though this can vary. Because the conversation is less structured, it may feel shorter than a formal interview. If it's a quick coffee chat, expect around 20 to 30 minutes. If it's a more in-depth conversation with a hiring manager, it could stretch closer to an hour.

How do I introduce myself in an informal interview?

Keep it natural. A brief summary of who you are, your current role or situation, and why you're interested in the opportunity is plenty. You don't need a rehearsed elevator pitch because the interviewer already has your CV, so focus on coming across as personable and genuinely interested rather than reciting your career history.

Written by Jobs Go Public

Jobs Go Public has been connecting public sector employers with candidates since 1999. Our career advice is informed by over 25 years of specialist recruitment experience.

Last updated: 20 January 2026

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