Conversational Interview: What to Do When It Feels More Like a Friendly Chat

Ever walked into an interview expecting a formal Q&A but ended up chatting like old friends? That’s a conversational interview. Instead of grilling you with rapid-fire questions, the interviewer takes a more relaxed, back-and-forth approach—almost like a casual coffee chat.

This style can feel refreshing and natural, making it easier for you to showcase your personality and build a genuine connection. But make no mistake—just because it feels casual doesn’t mean it’s not an interview. You still need to bring your A-game, but in a way that flows with the conversation rather than sounding overly rehearsed. 

Here's how to nail a conversation style interview.

A conversational interview can work in your favor—here's why

A conversational interview gives you the chance to stand out—not just as a candidate with the right skills but as someone the hiring manager can see themselves working with every day. “Because interviewers also assess how well you would fit in with the team and overall company culture, bringing a little bit of your personality into the interview can work in your favor,” says Lauren Wethers, a career coach at The Muse. 

Think about the first few moments of an interview. Instead of responding with a basic “I’m doing well, thanks,” why not add a little personal touch? Something like, “I’m great! I had an amazing yoga session this morning, so I’m feeling super refreshed. How about you?” This simple shift makes the conversation flow more naturally and helps establish rapport right away.

Remember, they already have your resume. Now, they want to get a feel for your personality, communication style, and how you might fit into their team.

The potential benefits of a conversational interview

Here’s why making small talk with the recruiter can give you a competitive edge:

• It helps you build a connection: When the conversation feels natural, you’re more likely to form a real bond with the interviewer. They get the picture of how it will be like working with you.

• It showcases your soft skills: “While your resume should showcase your hard skills, the interview is a great place to display soft skills like communication and interpersonal skills, which are just as important when picking the right person for the job,” Wethers says. 

• It feels less stressful: Without the pressure of traditional question-answer format, you might find it easier to be yourself and speak more openly.

The downside: When a conversational interview crosses a line

Not every conversational interview is a positive experience. Some interviewers might use the casual format to fish for information that’s not legally relevant to the hiring process. Some of the potential risks of conversational interviews are:

• Blurred boundaries: A chatty interviewer might veer into personal territory—asking about your family, marital status, or future plans in a way that feels inappropriate. Be careful with traps. 

• The “safe space” trap: Adopting a friendly posture doesn't mean the recruiter is your actual friend. This is still an interview—not a safe space for you to share about your personal life. Keep details of kids, religion, and political views out of the convo. “Sharing that you take your kids to the zoo when discussing what you do in your free time, for example, could put you at risk for discrimination,” the career coach says. 

• Lack of structure: Without a clear set of questions, you might not get a full opportunity to showcase your qualifications.

• Risk of unconscious bias: When interviews rely too much on “vibe checks,” there’s a chance that hiring decisions are made based on personal preferences rather than merit.

If the conversational interview starts to drift into areas that feel too personal, steer it back. If asked about family, for example, you can pivot with, “I like to keep my personal and professional life separate, but I’d love to share what excites me about this role!”

Read this next: The 25 Red Flag Interview Questions You Should Never Answer

How to nail a conversational interview 

A casual style doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare. Here’s how to approach it:

Go with the flow, but stay professional

Engage in natural conversation, but always keep the focus on the role and your qualifications. If an interviewer asks about your weekend, a simple response like, “It was great! I spent some time hiking—how about you?” keeps things light while maintaining professionalism.

Take opportunities to highlight your skills

Don’t miss chances to tie the discussion back to your experience. If the interviewer shares a challenge they’re facing, you can say, “That’s really interesting! At my last job, we tackled something similar by…” This shows you’re actively listening and have relevant expertise.

Recognize red flags

If an interviewer keeps pushing for personal details or the conversation starts feeling too informal (to the point where professionalism is lost), take note. This could indicate a company culture that lacks boundaries.

Read this next: Curious about Workplace Culture? Ask These 7 Questions to Gain Insight

Have questions ready

Since conversational interviews tend to be more open-ended, having thoughtful questions prepared can help guide the discussion and show your interest in the role. Ask things like, “What do you love most about working here?” or “Can you tell me about the team’s dynamic?”

Read this next: Questions to Ask Your Interviewer During Every Stage of Your Job Interview

Conversation vs interview: Finding the middle ground

Conversational interviews can be a game-changer if you know how to navigate them. They allow you to showcase not just your qualifications, but also your personality and ability to build connections. Just remember to keep things professional, recognize when the conversation is crossing the line, and always steer it back to what really matters: why you’re the best fit for the job.