How can you tackle an informal interview over coffee? In this presentation, CFO of Scholastic Maureen O'Connell gives key pointers on how to tackle such a scenario.

2. 1. Do Your Research
 Before the information interview, read extensively about
the industry and the business in which your interviewee
works.
 The first place to start would be the company's website.
 Also read its social media pages and discussion forums.

3. 2) Come Prepared
 Note a list of questions you want to ask the interviewee
before you meet. This will ensure that you learn
everything you can about the industry and leave no
doubts unresolved.
 At the same time, keep your mind open to new points of
view that the interviewee might introduce in the course
of the discussion.

4. 3) Dress Appropriately
 Although the venue of your interview is informal, its
nature is not.
 Dress formally to show you are taking this meeting
seriously and strive to make a good first impression.
 Show your interviewee that you could become an asset
to his profession soon.

5. 4) Open Well
 Start the interview with a short introduction about
yourself, your interest and the purpose of the interview.
 This will enable the interviewee to get a clear idea about
the exact nature and scope of help that you need.

6. 5) Don’t Let your Guard Down
 A coffee interview could well turn out to be a pre-recruitment
screening. Smart industry veterans use this
time evaluate if you are the right fit for their
organization.
 Firm handshakes, sound knowledge, unwavering
attention and a pleasant demeanor could go a long way
in securing you a job interview if you decide that the
industry or organization under discussion seems like the
right fit for you.

7. 6) Participate
 An information interview is a two-way dialog. Feel free
to ask questions, express doubts and exhibit your
assent to your interviewee's ideas. At the same time,
don't dominate the conversation.
 Remember that the purpose of this meeting is to pick
the brains of the industry expert and build a lasting
rapport with him/her. He/she might well turn out to be a
long-term mentor!

8. 7) Respect Time
 Don't forget that the person you have requested to
interview is a busy individual, with a lot on his plate.
 Don't while away the time in meaningless chatter,
beating around the bush or asking repetitive questions.
 Stick to the point and draw as much as possible from
his expertise within a short span of time.

9. 8) Express Gratitude
 Since the interviewee has been kind enough to spare
his valuable time to help you out, don't forget to send
him a thank-you note a day or two after the interview.

10. 9) Bonus Tip – Keep your
Order Simple
 Eating while speaking could be a clumsy and awkward
affair. So, stick to a cup of coffee, which you may neatly
sip during the pauses in your interview.
 These short pauses also give you crucial moments to
ponder upon what has been discussed and frame
questions about any lingering doubts you may have.

11. Tips for those Who Conduct Coffee
Interviews for Recruitment
 Let’s also look at some tips for the other side of the
table as well.

12. 1) Stick to Personality
Assessment
 A coffee house offers a relaxing, informal environment
to gauge personality. It helps you evaluate factors like
how your interviewees behave in a public set-up, how
confident they are when surrounded by strangers,
whether or not they can handle small talk and if they
can multi-task (read: talk while eating) gracefully.
 It is highly recommended to conduct the actual job
interview in a formal set-up within your official
workplace.

13. 2) Prepare Your Questions
 Conducting coffee interviews are a great way to
discover the prospective employee as a person. So,
questions about their background, strengths,
weaknesses, ability to work in teams and under
pressure, long-term career goals, etc. are most
appropriate.
 Considering the distraction and noise around, save the
technical and problem-solving questions for the meeting
room.

14. 3) Break the Ice
 Show your spontaneous, human side as soon as you
meet the interviewee to put him at ease.
 A good way to start is by complimenting the decor of the
cafe or an interesting store you noticed nearby and
seeking his/her view on it.
 Conversational small talk not directly related to the
more serious discussion coming up is a great
icebreaker.

15. 4) Facilitate Discussion
 Remember that interviewees might feel uncomfortable
discussing career prospects, salary and such other
details in a public set-up.
 Gently encourage them to voice their questions freely.

16. 5) Pay The Tab
 It is common practice for the recruiter to foot the bill. So,
don't expect your interviewee to pay.
 Insist on paying it yourself if he/she offers to do so.

17. Maureen O'Connell
Maureen O’Connell is the current Executive VP,
CFO and CAO of Scholastic Corporation. When not
working, Maureen loves running, Skiing, Scuba
Diving or Travelling.