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Step 1
Follow dining interview etiquette by turning off your cell phone during a lunch interview. A mealtime interview may seem less formal because you and the interview team are eating, but this is not the case. This type of interview must be taken seriously without interruptions.
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Step 2
Sit down as directed and politely wait for your interviewers to be seated. After the entire table is seated, put your napkin in your lap. If you need to use the restroom, politely excuse yourself at this time.
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Step 3
Peruse the menu for something that is moderately priced and easy to eat. Avoid foods that may drip or stain such as pasta with red sauce. Try to make an intelligent decision about what you will eat instead of choosing the first item you see on the menu.
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Step 4
Follow interview dining etiquette by sticking to water or a soft drink during the meal. Refrain from ordering an alcoholic beverage at this time.
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Step 5
Pay full attention to the group of interviewers and the questions they ask you as you wait for your food. It may be harder to focus in a noisy restaurant than in an office setting, but force yourself to do so. Learning to focus in any type of setting may be an important part of your first job.
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Step 6
Practice general dining etiquette during a lunch interview. Use the correct utensils for your food, break bread into bite-sized pieces and ask the others at the table to politely pass condiments that you cannot reach. Wait until your mouth is clear of food before speaking.
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Step 7
Be polite to all wait staff during your meal. Your interviewers will be judging not only your abilities for the job, but also your table manners and overall demeanor.
