Going to a lunch interview is a tricky experience. You have to present yourself as professional, while still allowing yourself to be somewhat casual. Most often, when potential employers invite you to a lunch interview, they want to get a glimpse into your personality.
So, how do you make sure you find that happy balance between professional and charismatic?
This guide will give you an insight into correct lunch interview etiquette.
Prepare Ahead
As with any interview, you’ll want to be prepared when walking into the restaurant. Make sure you get there early so that you don’t have to look around the restaurant for the interviewer. It’s best to meet them at the door.
Since you know which restaurant you will be going to, it would be wise to look at the menu and choose what you will order. That way, you won’t get flustered, take too long to decide at the restaurant or risk seeming indecisive.
Another thing you might want to prepare for, is how to introduce topics that you want to highlight in your resume without having paperwork in front of you. Speaking of paperwork, you will still need to bring everything to a lunch interview that you would bring to a regular interview; your resume, a portfolio if applicable, references, and your ID.
Be on Your Best Behavior
From the time you walk into the restaurant to the time you drive away, you want to be in interview mode. At no time do you want to let any impolite gesture slip. You should be a gracious and polite restaurant guest.
This will prove your people skills and how you will represent the company, should you be hired. Smile and be courteous to the restaurant staff as well as to your interviewer. Now is not the time to be demanding or complain about the meal.
Be a Conversationalist
Because this is a slightly more casual interview than the traditional office interview, you’ll be expected to engage in some chit chat. This doesn’t mean that it’s time to give the interviewer your whole life story, nor gossip about the latest celebrity couple.
Make your conversation smart, possibly thinking of topics beforehand. Don’t bring up politics or religion.
Order Smart
There are some strategies about what you order to eat that can save you some embarrassment. Avoid foods that are extremely messy or noisy, like slurping soup or eating BBQ ribs.
Also keep in mind that your interviewer is flipping the bill, so don’t order the most expensive meal on the menu. Neither do you want to look so nervous that you can’t eat.
Last, but not least, don’t order any alcoholic drinks. Not only does it look unprofessional, but it might make you less likely to choose your words carefully.
As was mentioned in the beginning about preparation, you should take the time to look up the menu before you get to the restaurant so that you don’t take too long to order.
A lunch interview can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and great people skills. If you go in with the right attitude and are well prepared, you can be assured that you will ace the lunch interview and get a free meal to boot!
