Lunch Interview
In recent years, the lunch interview has become a staple in the business world. It comes in many forms. On the one hand, you could sit face-to-face with the hiring manager, enjoy a bite to eat, and at the same time try to convince him of your skills and compatibility with the company. On the other hand, you could sit among two or more human resources professionals, potential coworkers, and maybe a potential boss or two.
Though proper interviewing etiquette certainly applies here — that is, the rules of dress and how to answer a question — the lunch interview introduces the added concern of eating. The most important rule to remember is this: Do not repulse your lunch companions with bad table manners.
Order food that is easy to eat and easy to keep under control. Avoid foods that are likely to end up between your teeth or splattered on your clothing. Don't be fussy about your food, and don't complain about it.
The surest way to do well in this type of test is to follow the lead of the interviewer or one of your dining companions. Above all, don't exert more concentration on trying to stuff your fajita than on answering the interviewer's questions.
Finally, don't order the most expensive thing on the menu. Just because you're not paying doesn't mean that you should treat yourself to the lobster.
One complaint about the traditional interview is that if the location of the interview is not consistent, the accuracy of the assessment of the candidate might be different. For example, the candidate might receive a different assessment on a lunch interview (where the candidate would be more relaxed) than an interview in the conference room.
Remember that this is a lunch
Etiquette Counts
If invited to lunch with a potential employer, there are several things to keep in mind, as proper manners and behavior are being assessed:
Don't be indecisive when it comes to ordering your food. Your mind should be focused on the interview ahead, not the meal.
Think about what you want to order ahead of time, and make sure it is something you can easily cut into bite-size pieces. Avoid anything that is messy or will require lots of attention.
Don't be rude to wait staff even if they are completely incompetent. You may be judged on how you react to the deficiencies of others.
So that you don't drink your future supervisor's water, remember to eat to the left, drink to the right.
Your napkin goes on your lap — don't leave it on the table or tuck it into your collar.
After you take a bite, put your knife and fork on your plate until you are ready for another bite.
Maintain eye contact while eating but be wary of staring while the interviewer tries to ingest his food.
Don't pass the salt without the pepper.
Avoid alcohol! Even if the interviewer is imbibing an alcoholic drink or two, your best bet is to err — and drink — on the side of caution.
Don't complain about the restaurant, the food, or the service. Even if the meal is barely this side of edible, swallow it with a smile. You've faked liking a meal before; now is the time to use those acting skills.
Finally, don't argue about who pays the bill here. In any business setting, the person who arranged the lunch (in this case, the interviewer) pays for the lunch.
