How to Ace a Dinner Interview

If a prospective employer suggests a dinner interview, he has two things on his mind: He wants to see how you behave in a social setting, and he wants to test the rapport between the two of you. A dinner interview can be stressful because you will be answering questions and trying to eat at the same time. Good preparation and following a few guidelines can help you create a positive first impression.

Instructions

1. Dress in appropriate formal business attire. A man should wear a dark suit and long-sleeved shirt with a conservative necktie. Dark shoes to match the suit should be in good condition and shined. A woman should select a soft-colored suit and a blouse with a conservative neckline. The skirt should be no shorter than knee-length. Conservative, closed-toe shoes in a color that matches or complements the suit are best. Keep jewelry to a minimum, and be sure hair is clean and neat.

2. Arrive early. Turn off your mobile phone to avoid interruptions during the interview.

3. Proceed to the table, and be seated. Sit erect, and keep your elbows off the table. Take your napkin, and place it on your lap.

4. Take a quick look at the menu, and decide what to order. Choose something that will be easy to eat while you talk. For example, choose a pasta dish over a steak, which requires a lot of cutting and chewing. You don't need to order the least expensive item on the menu, but don't order the most expensive one either. Select something priced in the middle to low range.

5. When the server asks for your order, make good eye contact and state your wishes clearly. Use "please" and "thank you" when talking with restaurant personnel. This will show your interviewer how well you treat other people.

6. Take advantage of the time before your order arrives to learn more about the prospective job and the interviewer's expectations. If the interviewer doesn't start a job-related conversation, initiate one by asking about specific details of the job.

7. Follow dinner table etiquette while having your meal. If you're not confident about your table manners, consult an etiquette book or website to learn which fork to use, etc.

8. Before answering a question, pause briefly from eating and make eye contact with your interviewer. Never talk with your mouth full.

9. Use the information you obtained from your earlier conversation to market yourself well. Be careful not to be too informal with your interviewer. Keep the conversation on topic.

10. When the bill arrives, let the interviewer pay. Don't offer to pay. He is your host.

11. Make sure to say "thank you" for the meal as you leave. Follow up immediately with an email, thanking your host for both the meal and his time.

Tips & Warnings

• Go online and check out the restaurant's menu in advance. Decide what you might like to order so you won't waste valuable time reading the menu during your interview.

References

• Career Cast; How to Ace a Mealtime Job Interview; Taunee Besson
• University of Wisconsin River Falls: Etiquette Tips Dressing & Dining
• Think Energy Group: Why a Dinner Interview Can Make or Break You And What to do to Succeed
• Own the Dollar; The Top Ten Etiquette Tips For The Business Dinner or Interview; Hank Coleman
• Fairleigh Dickinson University: Dining Tips