So you are working your way through the interview process and you get the call, “Come in for a “meet the team” style interview where you will meet the people you’ll be working with if you’re the candidate we choose.
The style of these interviews are normally much more informal that the previous ones and will give you the chance to get a feel for the culture of the business, as well as allow your potential co-workers a chance to see if you would be a good fit.
They can be tricky interviews, so that’s why I’ve come up with some tips on how to ace that difficult “meet the team” interview.
A False Sense Of Security. Don’t be lured.
Depending on the style of the interview, you might find yourself in a situation where you’re just chatting with some really cool people – but beware!
While they may seem trustworthy and very “friendly”, this could be an act to extract information from you to discover what you’d really be like to work with.
My top tip would be to be friendly, but cautious. You want to connect with these people, but you also don’t want to put your life out there during this final stage.
Be Yourself – But Not Too Much!
Following on from the last point, while this interview is an opportunity to show off your personality and reveal the “real you”, you still need to keep your guard up and portray the best possible version of yourself.
You will feel relaxed and like you can share things with your new prospective co-workers – but they really don’t need to know that you go get drunk at bowling on Wednesday’s or got “laid-off” from one of your jobs for hating the sales manager.
Make sure you still treat this as a professional interview and avoid telling them anything you wouldn’t want your new boss to find out.
Don’t Drink Too Much
Occasionally, these sort of interviews will take place in a bar or restaurant to take the formal edge off the situation.
However, this is dangerous territory as a lot of your potential colleagues will be taking this as an opportunity to indulge in an alcoholic beverage or two – so do you conform or stay sober?
Well, it’s really up to you, but definitely don’t have more than one drink. Do you really want your co-workers’ first impression of you to be drunk you dancing on the table? Didn’t think so!
Show An Interest In Your Potential Co-Workers
Even though this situation is all about getting to know you as a person, it’s also a great chance for you to ask some questions about the people you might be working with. Yes ask questions!
People love it when someone takes an interest in them, and it shows that you have a real interest and enthusiasm for working with them and at the business.
Now, I’m not talking about questions like “What’s your sign?” or “Are you single, Dylan?”, but asking them how long they’ve been a part of the company, what the work environment is like or how they find working there is perfectly fine and appropriate!