What to do when meeting your expected professor even before the interview?

Question

I am a postdoc and I have applied to a researcher position in another institute in another country. The story is that I once asked about the position and the professor there replied very positively and asked me to submit my application since my CV meets most of the requirements.

After I submitted my application, I sent a follow-up email informing her that my application has already been submitted. She thanked me and we share a couple of emails around different topics.

Yesterday she asked me if I will be at a conference in my current country and I answered with yes. So, she proposed that she will have a brief chat with me. I believe she will test the water of my skills.

The questions:

1. How good are these meets even before interviews?
2. what is a good approach to show here that I am a good fit? any recommendations?
3. what sort of general questions I might receive?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Just for reference to others who might have the same question. The meeting was amazing, we communicated at Dinner, I asked many questions as well as she did the same to me.

In the end, I got questions if I am really interested to join her group..and my answer was yes since I saw she is ambitious, relaxed, open-minded, and collaborative. At the same time, I got semi-confirmation that she will do her best to make me the first option among candidates.

Therefore, my answers would be:

• This type of meetings can really push the candidate acceptance and support forward.

• following up Roland recommendation, be yourself and relaxed.

• Ask your questions, try to see if your future supervisor is collaborative and motivating.

Best