Does “chat” mean interview? What should I wear?

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I decided to apply for a voluntary office role with a charity that offers counselling because I want to gain some admin experience while I’m unemployed. I had to fill in an application form and provide references so it was a fairly formal process. I have now been invited in for a “chat” about it on Wednesday but I’m unsure whether I should be treating this like an interview and what I should wear.

I don’t understand what people mean when they say “chat” as I recently applied for an internship, was invited in for a “chat” but it actually turned out to be a pretty intense interview. I didn’t get the position and was totally unprepared for the interview because I thought it would be informal seeing as the woman said it was a chat, not an interview!

I doubt this will be as formal as the internship “chat” as it’s not the same kind of thing but I will prepare some answers to likely questions, just in case. However, I’m completely stuck on what to wear! I don’t want to dress up for a formal interview if it really is just a chat, but then again I don’t want to be underdressed either. I’m so confused and would love to get people’s opinions. How would you approach this? Has anyone faced something similar?

Thank you for reading!

Prepare for it as if it were a formal interview, but dress the way you would if you already worked there (maybe a little nicer).

Probably best to dress as the staff do, or a little more formal, but certainly not less formal.
Smart casual is the term that comes to mind; that's usually dress pants, collared shirt leather shoes, and no tie, though you can always wear a tie and remove it later.
I wouldn't worry about a suit, that's a bit too formal for a charity organisation, unless it's a management role.

Remember it's a voluntary position and they want you to help them; possibly need you more than you need them, so the power dynamic is not the same as it would be for paid employment.
In essence if you're going for a "chat" or interview at an organisation where you will be volunteering, it's about seeing that you are the right fit for what they're looking for, and you doing likewise.
They are seeing if you will fit in with an existing team, not just seeing if you have the skills to do the job.

Remember also, there are always some sort of internal politics in play in organisations, whether they are government, private, or even voluntary. You may get interviewed, feel fine but not gain a position, this may be about fitting in with the social dynamic rather than not having what they're looking for. Voluntary organisations are not as rigorous when it comes to avoiding discrimination or whatever when hiring, so even if things don't work out at least you've given it a try.
If you are really keen and fail you can always try somewhere else - you won't get black listed for failing an interview, or not gaining a voluntary position (or paid position for that matter).

I realise the above could be a bit negative so the other thing to remember is that if you are willing to volunteer, it means you want to be valuable to your community and give something back.
If it all goes well you will get good experience, develop some skills and will find yourself in a position later - after doing the volunteer work - of having skills and experiences you can bring with you to a future employer, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that.
Employers like to see people value productivity and social values, and the fact you are willing to volunteer shows you have a social conscience and a determination to go good for others - that's never a bad thing.

Dress it up!

Research them, and get to know how your skills and experiences match theirs. I agree on having some answers ready.

The more you practice, the better you get.

Above all, relax. Remember, you clearly have something they want!

Everything you do in life is an interview. From an outside perspective, I'd probably recommend business casual. They probably won't ask you the typical interview questions (aka, what are your strengths, describe a time when...., etc), but they may ask you a few such as why do you want to work here, what your interests are, or why should we hire you over someone else.

Thanks so much to everyone who responded. Unfortunately I don't know what the staff and other volunteers wear so I can't use that to help me.

I appreciate all the help!

If its what I think it is, then no it isn't an interview. More likely the co-ordinator has offered to invite you in for a litte 'informal chat' and nothing more.
Of course by all means dress up and show him/her what you're made of, but as far as trying out for anything like counselling I would say a certificate or the like would be your best bet.
It isn't Samaritans is it? if it is, then they are always welcome to you.

I've had 'chats', also known as 'informal interviews' - prepare like it's a formal interview (but don't worry too much about it) and it's generally correct to wear smart casual (not as formal as in a formal interview).

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