Informal Chat?

[dave-therave]

Hi Guys, I could do with some advice!

My friend is a Business Analyst in the banking industry and told me of a job for a trainee BA in his dept. It was only advertised internally however I sent my CV off to his boss anyway on the off chance that it would be considered.

I had a reply asking me to go in for an "informal chat" that should last around 20 minutes with the boss and the senior BA to help with the shortlisting process. Apparently of the 20 or so people who applied around 12 of us have been asked to have one of these chats however I'm the only external candidate.

What should I expect in an informal chat? How informal should I expect it to be? I've no intention of arriving in shorts and flip flops however would I be ok to wear smart jeans, shoes (not black before we go into that discussion again!) and a smart/casual shirt? I'd hate to turn up fully suited and booted and look out of place (this is generally the dress code in the office apparently). Generally what are people looking for in an informal chat? Just that I'm not a total tool who has no idea what he's on about?

Any advice would be more than welcome! I'm 24 and have worked for the same company for the past 5 or so years so I'm not the most experienced when it comes to interviews and have never been for an "informal chat" before.

[Targarama]

Crikey man, this is an interview but he can't call it an interview. Wear a suit and treat it seriously. If he comes across as casual then fine. You can never be overdressed (especially for a job in a bank, this isn't Google!).

[bigandclever]

It's a fully booted and suited interview and nothing less

[Trevelyan]

Definitely go suited and booted. The 'informal' bit refers to the type of interview you'll be given, not to the way you should dress.

[Ewan S]

Go suited and booted. I turned up to an informal chat type interview in my suit when the company were having their dress down friday. The boss there spent 5 minutes apologising for not informing me! Result!

[dave-therave]

Thanks guys, saved me from looking like a bit of a muppet there!

So it's a kind of pre-interview type thing? To see if they want to give me an official interview with HR present etc?

[Grey Ghost]

Right now we've sorted out the dress code for the day I suggest the following:

1. Find out what department the vacancy is on
2. Do a bit of research on what that team do (your mate should help here)
3. Try to find something current in the financial world that is relevant to the team in case you are asked about such things
4. Prepare a little monologue about any skills you have in your current role that you feel are transferrable to/applicable to the role you are discussing
5. Do a bit of research on the firm as a whole

Then try to be relaxed and enjoy the interview

[dave-therave]

Thanks mate, if I'm honest I'm fairly confident with my knowledge of the company and the job itself. I'm a systems admin at the minute but do a lot of the stuff that the role will involve so I think I know the kind of thing they want to hear.

I don't have a degree or the industry related experience they want but we'll see what happens! You don't get anything in life if you don't go for it.

[dave-therave]

If anybody is interested, the "Informal Chat" went well and I have an interview on Wednesday

Currently spending my time swatting up on the company and the role so I should be able to answer any questions they ask!

[sy534534]

Good result! Best of luck on Wednesday.

[williamp]

dave-therave said:

If anybody is interested, the "Informal Chat" went well and I have an interview on Wednesday

Currently spending my time swatting up on the company and the role so I should be able to answer any questions they ask!

Good luck. Dont forget to swat up on yourself. a friend of mine wrote his CV way back. Sent it off, went for the interview and they asked him about it and...he coudlnt remember at the time what one of his points was: he has used some internal wording and, since moving departments before applying had forgotten about it!

Remember they also want someone who they feel will fit in with the team and the company- its not just about whether the person can do the job.

[sy534534]

And judging by you other thread, practise handshakes with as many women as you can find!

[dave-therave]

williamp said:

dave-therave said:

If anybody is interested, the "Informal Chat" went well and I have an interview on Wednesday

Currently spending my time swatting up on the company and the role so I should be able to answer any questions they ask!

Good luck. Dont forget to swat up on yourself. a friend of mine wrote his CV way back. Sent it off, went for the interview and they asked him about it and...he coudlnt remember at the time what one of his points was: he has used some internal wording and, since moving departments before applying had forgotten about it!

Remember they also want someone who they feel will fit in with the team and the company- its not just about whether the person can do the job.

Thanks!

I think it went well, definitely got a good vibe but you can never tell for sure. I'll find out today/tomorrow if I make it through to the final stage which is an assessment centre.

[dave-therave]

Through to the final stage so a 1 in 3 chance of me getting the job!

[iAlex]

Congrats!

[Original Poster]

Nice one!

[dave-therave]

I got the job

I start the end of October, very exciting!

[iAlex]

Well done pal - all the best of luck!

[Rude-boy]

Result!

[jammiedodger26]

Fantastic - congratulations!