How to Handle an Interview at Lunch

In some ways easier, in some ways a little trickier, a successful lunch interview will depend on your best table manners combined with your professional expertise.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Briefcases
• Bonded Paper
• Personal Organizers
• Spiral Notebooks
• résumé software

1. Follow general interview rules. Appear on time, wear proper clothes and be ready to talk experience - but don't do it with your mouth full.

2. Wait for your interviewer at the front of the building, not in the bar, unless you'd be in the way otherwise. Hold off on ordering a drink.

3. Ask for your table if everyone's already assembled.

4. Follow the lead of your interviewer regarding food and beverages. If she's having wine, you might too, if you're comfortable.

5. Order something in the middle of the menu prices, if you order first. But if you can let others be your guide, select an item in the price range they set.

6. Select something that's easy to eat, and not too messy. In other words, no spaghetti, spareribs, crab or fried chicken.

7. Brush up on basic table manners. Put your napkin in your lap immediately; leave it on the chair when leaving the table. No elbows, no smoking, no fingers.

8. Eat some of your order, even if you hate it. Try not to wipe your plate with bread, chew the bones or slurp your soup.

9. Discuss your skills and other relevant issues between bites. If asked a question just as you've taken a mouthful of potatoes, wait until you swallow. Make eye contact to indicate your willingness; your table mates will understand.

10. Keep up with the table - don't eat faster or slower than everyone else.

11. Order dessert if others have. If not, pass it up.

12. Prepare to leave with everyone else, even if you're not finished eating.

Tips & Warnings

• Assume the company will pick up the tab.
• In any situation where you're uncertain how to act, follow the general behavior of everyone else.
• Keep in mind that this is a job interview, not a cocktail party.

[lordjeffrey]

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[lordjeffrey]

on 7/10/2009 This is all great stuff, I love the part about not eating faster than the other person - important psychologically. I wrote an article on how to ace technical interviews which gets into psychology quite a bit. I'm "recommending" you...

[hartpl]

on 7/2/2009 Thanks for the tips. I learned something new. :)

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[interviewcoach]

on 2/27/2009 Nice post! I offer three additional lunch interview tips on my blog: http://blog.seattleinterviewcoach.com/2009/02/interview-tip-how-to-handle-lunch.html- Lewis, AKA SeattleInterviewCoach.com