In the fast-paced world of recruitment, hiring managers are increasingly looking beyond traditional interview questions and tests. The shift is towards assessing cultural fit—how well a candidate’s values, work ethic, and personality align with a company’s ethos. To do this, some recruiters are using unconventional strategies, including late-night coffee-shop interviews, to gauge candidates in a more natural and unguarded environment.
In a recent episode of BaytCast, Hani Alahdal, a senior HR leader in Saudi Arabia, shared how he used 8 PM coffee-shop interviews as a way to assess cultural fit. These informal, late-night interviews were designed to reveal how candidates respond to unpredictability, whether they can relax and be themselves, and how well they handle informal settings outside the structured office environment.
Hani’s approach to interviewing at unconventional times and places is more than just a test of how well candidates dress or how they speak in formal settings. By choosing a coffee shop at night, Hani was able to create a relaxed atmosphere where candidates could drop their guard. His goal was to see how candidates would behave in a more casual, unpredictable environment, far from the usual office conference rooms.
During his BaytCast conversation with Rabea Ataya, CEO of Bayt.com, Hani explained that he chose coffee shops and evening meetings to test candidates' authenticity. He observed how they interacted with people outside of the interview panel, how they managed small challenges like ordering coffee, and whether they could stay focused despite the informal environment. These interactions, Hani believed, offered a deeper insight into their ability to adapt to the company culture.
Cultural fit is one of the most important—but often overlooked—factors in hiring decisions. Skills and qualifications might get you the job, but how you align with the company's core values, work style, and team dynamics is what determines whether you’ll thrive in the role. This is where unorthodox methods, like late-night interviews, come into play.
In the podcast, Hani highlighted how companies today are looking for more than just someone who can do the job—they want individuals who will integrate seamlessly into the team and adapt to the company’s culture. Whether it’s creative problem-solving, adaptability, or the ability to manage stress, these traits are now as important as technical skills.
As companies continue to embrace unorthodox interview formats, you may find yourself asked to meet at odd hours, in casual settings, or with unconventional interview styles. Here’s how you can prepare:
Be Authentic
The whole point of an informal setting is to see the real you. Don’t try to force a “professional” persona—just be yourself. Whether you’re meeting for coffee or dinner, stay true to who you are. Recruiters can spot inauthentic behavior, and cultural fit is all about being genuine.
Stay Adaptable
Interviews that take place in unexpected locations or at unusual times are tests of your adaptability. Stay relaxed, adjust to the situation, and show that you can thrive in less structured environments. Flexibility is a key trait recruiters are looking for today.
Showcase Your Communication Skills
In a more informal setting, communication becomes even more important. You may not have a set list of questions or structured answers, but you can still demonstrate clear communication, active listening, and thoughtful responses.
Don’t Let the Setting Throw You Off
In his interview with Rabea Ataya on BaytCast, Hani explained that these late-night coffee-shop settings are designed to get a deeper understanding of a candidate’s personality and fit. So, don’t be caught off guard by the environment. Instead, embrace it as a chance to show how well you can interact in more relaxed situations.
Focus on the Bigger Picture
Unconventional interviews often test your ability to see the bigger picture. They’re not just about checking off technical skills—they’re about evaluating your overall approach to work, life, and relationships. In the podcast, Hani mentioned that his interviews weren’t just about evaluating candidates for a specific role; they were about assessing whether they’d be able to contribute to the broader team dynamics and company culture.
In his conversation with Rabea Ataya on BaytCast, Hani Alahdal recounted his experience using late-night coffee-shop interviews as a key part of his recruitment process. His approach has proven to be an effective way to evaluate how well candidates align with a company's culture. Hani’s focus on authenticity, adaptability, and communication is a reminder that recruitment is about more than just filling a position—it’s about finding the right person who fits with the team and company ethos.
If you're interested in hearing more about Hani’s unique interviewing tactics and his insights into cultural fit, you can listen to the full conversation on YouTube or stream the audio on Spotify, Anghami, and Apple Podcasts.
In today’s competitive job market, unconventional interview methods are becoming more common as employers seek to find the perfect cultural fit. Whether it’s a late-night coffee-shop meeting or an unexpected curveball question, recruiters are testing more than just your qualifications—they’re assessing how well you’ll integrate into the team.
The next time you're asked to meet at 8 PM in a coffee shop, don’t panic. It might just be an opportunity to showcase your adaptability and authenticity. By preparing for unconventional interviews and embracing them as a chance to show your true self, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for roles that are more than just jobs—they’re opportunities for long-term success.
