Exploring the Benefits of Informal Interviews: Why They’re Worth Incorporating into Your Recruitment Process

Exploring the Benefits of Informal Interviews: Why They’re Worth Incorporating into Your Recruitment Process

Are you tired of the same old recruitment process? If so, it might be time to mix things up and incorporate informal interviews into your hiring strategy. While formal interviews have been the norm for years, informal interviews can provide many hidden benefits that you might not expect. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of adopting informal interviews and why they should be on your radar.

What is an Informal Interview?

An informal interview is a casual conversation between the interviewer and the candidate. It does not follow a set of prepared questions or a strict structure. Instead, the conversation flows naturally, and the interviewer may ask questions based on the candidate’s responses. The goal of an informal interview is to get to know the candidate on a more personal level and to assess their personality, values, and work style.

The Benefits of Informal Interviews

1. Better Insight into the Candidate’s Personality – Formal interviews can tell you a lot about a candidate’s qualifications and experience, but they don’t provide much insight into their personality. An informal interview can help you get a better sense of who the candidate is as a person and how they may fit into your company’s culture. This is particularly important if you’re looking to hire someone who will work closely with a team or needs to be a cultural fit.

2. Helps to Reduce Stress – Many candidates find formal interviews nerve-racking and stressful, which can impact their ability to perform. An informal interview is a more relaxed way of getting to know the candidate, which can help to reduce stress and allow them to be themselves.

3. Can Help Build Trust – Informal interviews can help to build trust between the candidate and the interviewer. When candidates feel relaxed and at ease, they are more likely to open up and be honest. This can help to build a strong foundation of trust, which can be beneficial in the long run.

4. Can Lead to More Accurate Assessments – Candidate assessments can be difficult to make based solely on a formal interview. An informal interview can provide more in-depth information that can help you accurately assess the candidate’s fit with your company.

Examples of Informal Interview Techniques

There are several techniques that you can use to conduct an informal interview. Some of the most successful techniques include:

1. Making the Candidate Feel Welcome – Start by making small talk and putting the candidate at ease. This can help them feel more comfortable and open up during the conversation.

2. Focusing on the Candidate’s Interests and Hobbies – Ask the candidate about their interests and hobbies. This can be a great way to get to know them, and it can also provide information about their personality and work style.

3. Asking Behavioural Questions – Behavioural questions can help you assess a candidate’s work style and how they handle certain situations. For example, you could ask the candidate to describe a time when they had to work with a difficult coworker and how they handled the situation.

The Bottom Line

Incorporating informal interviews into your recruitment process can provide a range of benefits, from gaining a better understanding of a candidate’s personality to reducing stress. By embracing informal interviews, you can get a better understanding of your candidates and improve your hiring process. So, next time you’re looking to hire, consider incorporating informal interviews into your recruitment strategy.