Prepare yourself for mealtime interview

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/09/2010 (5588 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There are two main reasons why an employer would want to take a job candidate out to lunch to conduct an interview: 1) they are very busy people and it’s the only break in their hectic schedule, or 2) they are hoping to get some unique insight into a prospective employee’s interpersonal skills. Gulp.

While a lunchtime interview may be nothing more than the chance to become acquainted in a more relaxed and less traditional environment, there is no doubt that it is also a chance to more closely assess the candidate’s personality and grace under pressure.

Some employers take it too far, like in the legend of Thomas Edison. Apparently, Edison would invite job applicants out to lunch as a test. If they added salt to their soup without tasting it first, he refused to hire them. In his mind, he didn’t trust anyone who made decisions based on unfounded assumptions.

Luckily, most applicants’ table manners do not come under such scrutiny. Etiquette is important, of course, but if it’s a worthwhile job, it shouldn’t be the only factor in the decision-making process. Showing self-confidence, being a considerate listener and asking intelligent questions is far more important than whether or not you eat your salad with the correct fork.

However, how you handle yourself really does matter, which is why it is essential to prepare for your lunchtime interview (like any job interview) well in advance with these reminders:

Be mindful of your manners: Although it sounds logical, using your best table manners is important. If you’re out of practice, just remember the basics that mom taught you: keep your elbows off the table, sit up straight, don’t talk with your mouth full and mind your Ps and Qs.

Allow the host to steer the conversation: Upon arriving, your host may want to engage in some appetizing small talk before getting to the meatier interview discussion. Go with the flow. Whether they dive right in with questions about your professional qualifications or want to discuss the weather, just let them set the tone and follow their lead.

Order wisely: You don’t want to choose messy or difficult-to-eat food (avoid gooey ribs, oversized sandwiches, whole lobsters, chicken with bones and saucy spaghetti). You also want to choose a moderately-priced meal, neither too pricy nor too cheap. If you are really nervous, visit the restaurant’s website and review their menu in advance so you can appear decisive when it is time to order.

Be polite to the server: Treat the serving staff with courtesy, as this is a reflection of your professionalism and how well you work with others. If there is a problem with your meal or an oversight made by the server, address it tactfully and respectfully.

Give the employer your full attention: Remember to turn off your cellphone or pager in advance, even if your host leaves theirs on. It is never acceptable to take a phone call or respond to a text message when sitting in front of a potential employer.

Multitask during the meal: There is no way around the fact that you will have to consume and converse at the same time. Don’t feel so pressured to go on and on about yourself that your plate gets cold, but at the same time, don’t focus solely on your food. Respond to questions with focused and direct answers. By asking your own thoughtful questions in between, you’ll have ample time to eat while you listen.

Don’t cry over spilt milk: If you accidentally drop your fork or knock over your glass of water, don’t panic. Instead, show that you can remain calm and handle an embarrassing situation with grace by smiling, offering a brief pardon and continuing on with the conversation.

Closing the deal over dessert: You always want to end the meeting on a positive note while avoiding any faux pas. For instance, it’s assumed that your host will pay for lunch but just in case, have suitable payment ready. And, as is in a traditional office setting, you want to extend a polite handshake and a genuine thank you — not only for the opportunity but for the meal and the company you just enjoyed.

Congratulations, you just made it through a lunchtime interview. With any luck, your impeccable dining etiquette and insightful conversation will have impressed a prospective employer enough to see that you are indeed a candidate worth your salt.

— With reporting by Barbara Chabai

John McFerran, PhD, F.CHRP, is founder and vice-president of executive recruiting with People First HR Services Ltd. For more information, visit www.peoplefirsthr.com.

RESEARCH:

http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/interviewdining.htm

http://www.worktree.com/newsletter/meal-lunch-interview.html

http://www.bcjobs.ca/re/career-centre/career-tools/interview-tips/acing-the-lunch-interview