Interview Dinning Etiquiette

Conducting interviews outside of the office is becoming more and more common in the hiring process.  Employers who are taking candidates very seriously will interview someone all day, typically with multiple people, and lunch is part of this day-long process.  Although it’s lunchtime, or perhaps you agreed to meet for dinner, having a meal together is another environment for the interviewer to evaluate how you will fit in with the team.  Whether you will be taking clients out for dinner or having lunch with a vendor, they will want to see how you conduct yourself while dinning.

The first tip is to eat something that isn’t messy, like spaghetti.  Anything you can spill on yourself will not leave a positive impression.  Eat something simple, something that you won’t have to worry about spilling on yourself.    If you do happen to spill, excuse yourself and go to the restroom.  Hopefully, you have a travel size fabric cleaning product with you.  Alcohol should be avoided on an interview.  You want to be fresh and say the right things so save it for after the interview!

Don’t chew with your mouth open or talk with your mouth full of food.  Seems like advice your mom gave you right?  Well, it’s critical at this point to prove your professional skills, and some adults don’t know they do it, even when they believe they possess refined table manners.  Be conscious of your eating habits, eat slowly and keep your portions under control.

Second, be polite to everyone, the hostess, wait staff and naturally, your interviewer.  You are being evaluated on your social skills in this setting.  Say thank you and if you need additional items from the server, make sure you thank them for bringing the item to you.  While it is not your responsibility to pay for the bill when attending a lunch/dinner interview, be sure to thank the interviewer for taking care of the bill.

Finally, when you are leaving, make sure you have their business card in hand so you can follow up with a thank you note.  Reaffirm your interest in the position and follow up after the meeting with a thank you note.