The 'informal' chat before applying

[Blulights]

Hello all,
Have you ever had an informal chat before applying for the job?
I am looking for some guidance. I have found a job I love the sound of. In the small print it states to get in contact with the director for an informal chat about the role.
I reached out and he's said great lets chat tomorrow (which is today).

So it's an informal chat...but we all know this is an interview in a way.

My question is what would you ask the director? Or any tips on making the phone convo work well?

I've researched so much and have an idea but still very nervous and want to make a good impression.

Thanks so much

Yes pretty standard in my industry to have a 'chat' before applying. I think in general I try (as the candidate) to do more listening than talking, ask open ended questions about the role, the team, the organisation, that kind of thing. The sort of questions that you'd ask at the end of a standard interview when they say 'have you got any questions for us'.

I do have in my head a little spiel/ 'sales pitch' (urgh) about myself, why I am interested in the role, my previous experience and qualifications etc - less polished and shorter than the interview answer you'd give but just covering the basics of me and my best points.

Sometimes I take the opportunity to gauge if it's worth me applying if I don't fully fit the PS/advert requirements but obviously that's a tricky line to walk as you don't want to undersell yourself by highlighting any weaknesses/gaps in your CV so I do a bit of a tricksy 'what are you looking for in a candidate for this vacancy', 'what are the most important skills', 'what would an ideal candidate look like' type questions then if they say XYZ are most important and I don't have that then I know it's probably not for me.

Also if there are deal-breakers for me such as needing certain flexibility in working hours or a minimum salary or similar then the informal chat is a good place to find out if it's out of the question or not, but typically you won't get an absolute answer to those kind of questions at that time as they won't confirm until a candidate is appointed. And obviously you don't want to push it or you'll seem like you only care about the money or whatever. But if they say no absolutely no we need someone who can work 100 hours a week or make noises about limited salary flexibility then that kind of gives you your answer...

Good luck!

Hi,

That's a brilliant bit of advice, thanks so much for your help!
I've drafted notes.

1. About me
2. My career goal and why I like the job
3. Questions for the director.

I doubt the call will be very long but I imagine some people won't have read the small print about getting in contact so it looks good that I've reached out I hope!

How did it go, @Blulights ?