Published on Wednesday, May 21, 2008
An interview by itself is very stressful; imagine the gut-wrenching panic if the interviewer casually drops a, ‘Lets meet for lunch to discuss the job!’
The social setting makes navigating the interview minefield all the more tricky and intimidating. Its no longer only about listening to the interviewer, appearing confident despite your nervousness and formulating intelligent responses. You also have to pay attention to which fork you use and how you look while eating.
The social setting makes navigating the interview minefield all the more tricky and intimidating. Its no longer only about listening to the interviewer, appearing confident despite your nervousness and formulating intelligent responses. You also have to pay attention to which fork you use and how you look while eating.
Not a very appetising prospect, is it!
Well, if you are ‘devoured’ by anxiety over a lunch interview, here are some helpful tips for getting a job while actually eating.
First things first - Interviewing over a meal is definitely more casual than in an office, but general interview rules still apply.
You have to be punctual, dressed in business attire and armed with both the necessary documents and answers. Doing your homework and preparing intelligent questions about the company’s business, current trends and future prospects is all the more important as it enables you to glean necessary information as well as ride out any awkward pauses during the meal.
Social niceties – Its time to brush up the basic table manners your mother taught you as you are literally eating under a microscope.
Simple etiquette includes:
• Do not sit down untilthe host does.
• Place your napkin in your lap while eating and use it to wipe your mouth often; you do not want to interview with a blob of food dangling on your chin.
• Keep your elbows off the table.
• Eat small bites and chew with your mouth closed
• Do not slurp your soup or eat noisily.
• Never speak with your mouth full.
• Use the proper spoons, forks and knives (from outside in) or pay attention to others’ actions.
• Only reach for items that are in front of you and always pass to your left. Politely ask others to pass something that is out of reach.
When it comes to the actual dining – Follow the interviewer’s lead in behaviour, tone and ordering.
• Skip the extravagant items and order in a similar price range as the interviewer. If he insists that you order first, choose something moderately priced - in the middle of the menu range.
• Exercise caution and restraint over what you actually order; this is not the time for gastronomic indulgences. Steer clear of messy items like spaghetti or pizza that may splatter or require lot of cutting/chewing. You do not want to risk splashing sauce/gravy on your shirt front or lo and behold, the interviewer’s.
Similarly, avoid finger food, something that has a strong odour or is crunchy to eat. Settle on a small, conservative meal that is manageable with bite-like portions or can be easily cut into small pieces with a knife and fork.
• Also, be gracious when declining anything – drink, dessert or just a second helping.
Some more etiquette matters – The interviewer will pay attention to how you treat the wait staff.
Be polite, courteous and respectful to the servers, peppered with ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as it will reflect on your professionalism and how well you work with others. As etiquette expert Robin Jay points out, “Anyone who is nice to you but nasty to their server is not a nice person. So, be polite to restaurant staff, no matter what happens!” Also, do not complain about the food or service.
Consume and converse – Take your time while eating and talking as it is difficult to do both at the same time. Give more attention to the interviewer and less to the lunch.
Look at the interviewer and not the food while speaking. On the other hand, ensure that your anxiety does not keep you from eating at all.
Keep pace with others on the table so that you finish eating approximately at the same time.
Go with the flow – Initiate small talk with thoughtful observations or impersonal questions.
Take your cues from the interviewer and let him prompt the interview discussion.
Listen actively and give focussed, concise answers that give both of you a chance to eat. Discuss your skills, qualifications and experience between bites, waiting until you have swallowed your food.
The unthinkable happens - If an embarrassing situation pops up – you spill food, knock over a glass, use the wrong fork or even something gets stuck in your teeth – stay composed, handling it with grace and good humour.
Request the waiter’s assistance after duly apologising and then move on to refocus on the interview. Finally, remember that you are the guest and never offer to pay. Pick up the tab only if you have initiated the meeting.
While leaving, thank the interviewer for the enjoyable meal and reaffirm your interest in working for his company.
Follow up with a thank you letter or card the next day.On balance, keep in mind that the interviewer is not there to assess your dining prowess alone. So, instead of obsessing with the etiquette to the exclusion of all else, just follow the basic rules keeping the accent on your job expertise and accomplishments.
Yet, you do have to sail through the meal with professionalism, formality and proper manners to be able to secure the job.
Happy dining!
Good luck too!
Well, if you are ‘devoured’ by anxiety over a lunch interview, here are some helpful tips for getting a job while actually eating.
First things first - Interviewing over a meal is definitely more casual than in an office, but general interview rules still apply.
You have to be punctual, dressed in business attire and armed with both the necessary documents and answers. Doing your homework and preparing intelligent questions about the company’s business, current trends and future prospects is all the more important as it enables you to glean necessary information as well as ride out any awkward pauses during the meal.
Social niceties – Its time to brush up the basic table manners your mother taught you as you are literally eating under a microscope.
Simple etiquette includes:
• Do not sit down untilthe host does.
• Place your napkin in your lap while eating and use it to wipe your mouth often; you do not want to interview with a blob of food dangling on your chin.
• Keep your elbows off the table.
• Eat small bites and chew with your mouth closed
• Do not slurp your soup or eat noisily.
• Never speak with your mouth full.
• Use the proper spoons, forks and knives (from outside in) or pay attention to others’ actions.
• Only reach for items that are in front of you and always pass to your left. Politely ask others to pass something that is out of reach.
When it comes to the actual dining – Follow the interviewer’s lead in behaviour, tone and ordering.
• Skip the extravagant items and order in a similar price range as the interviewer. If he insists that you order first, choose something moderately priced - in the middle of the menu range.
• Exercise caution and restraint over what you actually order; this is not the time for gastronomic indulgences. Steer clear of messy items like spaghetti or pizza that may splatter or require lot of cutting/chewing. You do not want to risk splashing sauce/gravy on your shirt front or lo and behold, the interviewer’s.
Similarly, avoid finger food, something that has a strong odour or is crunchy to eat. Settle on a small, conservative meal that is manageable with bite-like portions or can be easily cut into small pieces with a knife and fork.
• Also, be gracious when declining anything – drink, dessert or just a second helping.
Some more etiquette matters – The interviewer will pay attention to how you treat the wait staff.
Be polite, courteous and respectful to the servers, peppered with ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as it will reflect on your professionalism and how well you work with others. As etiquette expert Robin Jay points out, “Anyone who is nice to you but nasty to their server is not a nice person. So, be polite to restaurant staff, no matter what happens!” Also, do not complain about the food or service.
Consume and converse – Take your time while eating and talking as it is difficult to do both at the same time. Give more attention to the interviewer and less to the lunch.
Look at the interviewer and not the food while speaking. On the other hand, ensure that your anxiety does not keep you from eating at all.
Keep pace with others on the table so that you finish eating approximately at the same time.
Go with the flow – Initiate small talk with thoughtful observations or impersonal questions.
Take your cues from the interviewer and let him prompt the interview discussion.
Listen actively and give focussed, concise answers that give both of you a chance to eat. Discuss your skills, qualifications and experience between bites, waiting until you have swallowed your food.
The unthinkable happens - If an embarrassing situation pops up – you spill food, knock over a glass, use the wrong fork or even something gets stuck in your teeth – stay composed, handling it with grace and good humour.
Request the waiter’s assistance after duly apologising and then move on to refocus on the interview. Finally, remember that you are the guest and never offer to pay. Pick up the tab only if you have initiated the meeting.
While leaving, thank the interviewer for the enjoyable meal and reaffirm your interest in working for his company.
Follow up with a thank you letter or card the next day.On balance, keep in mind that the interviewer is not there to assess your dining prowess alone. So, instead of obsessing with the etiquette to the exclusion of all else, just follow the basic rules keeping the accent on your job expertise and accomplishments.
Yet, you do have to sail through the meal with professionalism, formality and proper manners to be able to secure the job.
Happy dining!
Good luck too!
PAYAL CHANANIA
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