"Informal chat" - Job seeking

stoofa · 10 Mar 2016 at 16:16

Hi all,
I'm currently in the process of job seeking. Emailed a CV yesterday and received a call today. Had a chat with the person and he wanted to confirm some details about me he couldn't find on my CV (Note number 1 - need to change my CV as we should never be in the situation).

After a chat he said "Well on that basis I'd like to invite you to come and take a look, for an informal chat. I wouldn't call it an interview......"

That's fine, he may well be just getting a gauge of me, this may well be instead of an interview, I don't know.
My question - how does one dress for an informal chat? I truly feel suit and tie would be a negative, he has stressed not an interview and I don't want to appear overdressed for this.

I will treat the meeting as an interview - so firm handshakes, I'll ask him questions etc - but just after some clothing advice.

Cheers all.

Deiwos · 10 Mar 2016 at 16:58

Would go in a suit despite what they say. I had a similar situation recently and went in a suit. It shows you're taking it seriously and are professional.

WYNIR0 · 10 Mar 2016 at 17:00

Deiwos said:
Would go in a suit despite what they say. I had a similar situation recently and went in a suit. It shows you're taking it seriously and are professional.

Suit, or at the least slacks, smart shoes, shirt and tie.

Whats the role?

stoofa · 10 Mar 2016 at 17:14

2nd/3rd Line Business Support team
Job description said it would involve some on-site visits and they may include visits to help build relationships with new and existing customers.

helpimcrap · 10 Mar 2016 at 17:27

Suit. 1st impressions count no matter what you've been told. Good luck.

booyaka · 10 Mar 2016 at 17:32

helpimcrap said:
Suit. 1st impressions count no matter what you've been told. Good luck.

I agree - tie or no tie is up to you but always go looking professional no matter what.

stoofa · 10 Mar 2016 at 17:38

Thanks all - advice always appreciated.

Buffman · 10 Mar 2016 at 17:50

wear a grey suit without the suit jacket

Haggisman · 10 Mar 2016 at 17:52

I'd go smart suit, no tie - still looks smart, but not overly formal

NickK · 10 Mar 2016 at 18:45

Informal chat = interview. Go in a suit and tie.
Treat all interactions as an interview and on the clock. Including coffee chats and phone calls.

The fact that it's informal just means he's got nothing to put in front of you at the moment. I've had a few "informal chats", just happen to be coffee with the CEO each time.. suit, tie and shiny shoes each time.

If you can get enough information to research the person you're meeting and the business first - it allows you to think how to frame and communicate before hand.

randomshenans · 10 Mar 2016 at 18:46

Was it with a recruiter, or direct with the company?

scorchedbee · 10 Mar 2016 at 18:53

Suit and tie everytime, I was invited for an "informal chat" with a director and was told smart casual, the chat went well.

I had a secondment at head office and was told smart casual dress, I turned up in a suit and was glad I did as the other applicants also wore suits.

It may sound strange but I feel it sets you up to come across and be in the right frame on mind, you put a suit on and automatically your posture, mannerisms and demeanour will all change. At least I feel more confident in a suit.

NickK · 10 Mar 2016 at 19:40

I've been in an interview where I was told to "loose the tie".. but that was the same interview that the interviewers were drinking Balmers from the friday afternoon drinks trolley.

There's laid back.. then there's taking the purpose of interviewing you seriously..

Even on my 8th interview (since nov), the last interview was in the coffee shop. It turned out that the section boss was also in the coffee shop that I'd spoke to previously on the phone - at a different table. He was in a suit.. the guy was I was talking to was in jeans and a t-shirt.

Also your role has a relationship/company appearance aspect. They may be expecting you to be able to turn that "informal chat" into something engrossing to them. Think of it as a trial run..