Topics for informal meet & greet with future direct report

Question

Completed all formal interviews for an opportunity. Now they'd like me to have an informal meet & greet with the person I would be managing. I love the idea of this and I already manage in my current role. Looking for other perspectives on how to approach this informal meet & greet...take the lead? Treat it like a 1:1? Ask what her professional goals are? How she's managed WFH during COVID? Her experience in the company/on the team? Her communication style/how she likes to receive feedback?

Sarah Mudd · Answer

I agree with what others said above. Use this as a time to get to now her and build a positive relationship. If this is still part of your interview process, you want her to walk away feeling like you would be a helpful, supportive, and encouraging manager. So focus on getting to know her, what she's looking for from someone in the position, and what expertise she has to offer.

Melinda Barrow · Answer

In my experience as a recruiter, the reason we used informal meet and greets was to get to know someone better as a person and see if their personality clicks with yours and with the company culture. We also call this “the airport test”, as in, “if I were stuck in an airport with this person waiting for a flight, would I enjoy myself or have a terrible time?”

You can definitely asking about career goals and things like that, but also treat this as a time to get to know the candidate and see if you’d enjoy working with them.

Alexis Gladstone · Answer

To me this is a time to show your authentic self. As others have suggested, use it as both a time to get know her personally as well as a bit about them career-wise.  I wouldn't miss the opportunity to let her know you want to answer any questions she has about you!

carol freysinger · Answer

I would start out by asking, 'tell me about where you're from, where you grew up.'  Start by getting to know the person a bit.  Then segue to the work-related topics.  Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

All of the above in a conversational tone. Depends on the time allowed and if you can have coffee or something and relax a bit. Good start to a working relationship. She may have about the same questions for you.

Anonymous · Answer

The key word is informal.  1:1's are usually aligned to a formal check in with your manager or subordinate and is work related.  Get to know your direct report in a informal manner. Naturally the conversation will gravitate towards work, maybe asking about general questions like work style, what they like or would like to change.  I recommend chatting at a more personal level.

Anonymous · Answer

Airport test invites all sorts of bias. I’d strongly discourage using that (plus “fit”) as a hiring criterion.

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