When you’re going through the interview process for a new role, depending on how successful you are, you may be invited to a “meet the team”-style interview where you will get acquainted with the people you’ll be working with if you’re successful.
These type of interviews are normally much more informal than previous ones and give you the chance to get a feel for the culture of the business, as well as allow your co-workers to see if you’d be a good fit.
They can be quite tricky meetings, so that’s why I’ve come up with some tips on how to ace that difficult “meet the team” interview.
Don’t Be Lured Into A False Sense Of Security
Depending on the style of the interview, you might find yourself in a situation where you’re just chatting with some really friendly people – but beware!
While they may seem trustworthy and very “matey”, this could be an act to glean 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 foot in it at the final hurdle.
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 to 12-hour raves at the weekend or got fired from one of your jobs for being constantly late!
Make sure you still treat this as a professional interview and avoid telling them anything you wouldn’t want your 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? 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.
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 starsign?” or “Are you single?”, but asking them how long they’ve been a part of the company or how they find working there is perfectly fine and appropriate!