Interview Dining Etiquette

[^_^ 5,021]

This has come up a few times over the last few years, and all but one of those times I bombed it. The one time I didn't was for the job I have now - I was interviewed over lunch, after being told to leave my resume and materials behind in the hiring managers office.

This came in my inbox from Monster.com. There is no URL. If you insist on asking for one, GFY.

Interview Dining Etiquette

By Adam C. Mayer, Monster Contributing Writer

No matter where an interview takes place, it is still an interview. If a potential employer decides to interview you over a meal at a restaurant, your table manners must be up to par. The following etiquette guidelines will help get you through your next dinner interview.

Before the Meal

Long before you enter the restaurant, make sure you turn off your cellphone or beeper. The candidate who receives a call during the meal doesn't receive a call after the meal.

Before the meal arrives, be sure to actively listen to the interviewer. Paraphrase the content of what an interviewer is saying. Be sure to stay away from sensitive subjects such as religion and politics. Look for and seize any opportunity to sell yourself.

During the Meal

Eighty percent of communication is expressed through body language. Although you may be nervous, do your best to relax. Maintain an assured posture throughout the meal and, yes, elbows off the table.

Chances are good that more than one person will interview you. If this is the case, wait until everyone is comfortably seated at the table, and then place your napkin in your lap. If your napkin happens to fall to the floor, ask the server for a new one.

Browse the menu for harmless foods such as moderately priced chicken or fish. Stay away from spaghetti, peas, expensive items and anything that sounds colossal. When ordering, be courteous to the wait staff. Throughout the meal, be sure to say "please" and "thank you." Your polite attitude will foster an overall positive impression.

After the Meal

Indicate that you are finished with your meal by placing the knife and fork, on your plate, at 4 o'clock. Be sure to place the napkin on the right-hand side of your table setting.

You were invited to the meal so you are not obligated to pay the bill. To offer payment would be inappropriate. Whoever invited you will pay the bill. Be sure to thank the interviewers and obtain their business cards.

What would you do after a face-to-face, phone or impromptu interview? Send a thank-you letter, of course. This situation is no different, so send one as soon as possible.

Dining 101

Knowing the basics of table setup is essential and your key to comfort. You are free to drink from glasses on your right. Your bread plate is on the left. The old silverware maxim holds true: Start on the outside and work your way in.

When eating a roll or bread, make sure to break it into bite-size pieces. If your beverage is served in a stemmed glass, pick it up by the stem.

Once everyone's meal is served, begin eating slowly and with care. Hold your silverware with consideration. Placing a used utensil on the table is considered unsanitary and poor manners. Situate soiled utensils on the side of your plate. Keep the elbows close to your body while cutting food.

Reach only for items in front of you. Politely ask others to pass items out of reasonable reach. When passing items, be sure to offer to your left. Keep in mind, however, if a passing pattern has already developed, go with the flow.

Eat your entire meal if possible. It may seem disrespectful if you leave a large amount of food behind, and this isn't the time to request a doggy bag.

More Tips

* Bring all foods to your mouth, not the other way around.

* Never talk with your mouth full.

* Under no circumstances should you smoke or order alcohol.

* Enjoy yourself.

[Jewel-8 21]

Thanks Legacy!

[^_^ 5,021]

Thanks Legacy!

You're welcome.

Any idea what this means?

Bring all foods to your mouth, not the other way around.

[NotworkSte 19]

Interesting read. Have come across this tactic before as one of the interview techniques to take people out of their comfort zone.

Tip - during meal, eat with mouth closed! My goodness, how many people here chew with their mouths open, especially gum?! all you can hear is chomp chomp. A nation of Sir Alex Ferguson's when it comes to that.

The point about being nice to waiting staff... is appropriate for anyone you come across from start to finish. I've seen people fail an interview in the first 30 seconds of arriving before it even began, but being dismissive of the receptionist. It all counts...

And yes enjoy it, it's free food! And usually of a higher quality than you would spend on yourself.

Note, if you actually get hired and are working at 3am in the morning trying to do a low level install of catos on a Cisco 4006 for the 3rd time and I buy you pizza because you've not had anything to eat for 12 hours, etiquette can be left at the door

[^_^ 5,021]

Interesting read. Have come across this tactic before as one of the interview techniques to take people out of their comfort zone.

Yup. I walked into the hiring managers office in my lucky suit () with all my material, ready to ask questions and take notes, and what does he do? Wait for me to sit down, put my stuff on the table, then he suggests I take my coat off, and when I do, he says ok let's go. I start to pick up my stuff and he says, no no - leave it there.

That said, I'd not say a meal is out of my comfort zone. Eating is fun. Eating with people watching your every move... not so much

The point about being nice to waiting staff... is appropriate for anyone you come across from start to finish. I've seen people fail an interview in the first 30 seconds of arriving before it even began, but being dismissive of the receptionist.

Too true. We ask everyone whos come in contact with a potential for feedback before a hiring decision is made, well everyone except for the security staff.

[Nina~ 431]

Any idea what this means?

Bring all foods to your mouth, not the other way around.

It means that you should not lean toward your food. i.e The back of your neck should never face the ceiling. Sit up tall and bring the food to your mouth.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Any idea what this means?

Bring all foods to your mouth, not the other way around.

It means what it says - you are not to bend down and move your head towards the plate but remain seated straight and use the utensils to move the food from the plate up to your mouth.

[chri'stina 190]

You're welcome.

Any idea what this means?

Bring all foods to your mouth, not the other way around.

I'd assume it means don't lean down to take a bite, bring the food up to your mouth instead of leaning down to it?

If I had an interview while eating, I would feel awkward and might not even eat much.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Those sound like socialist guidlines to get some ** job. Does your job frequently require you to give a reach around Legacy Member?

[SMOKE 1,426]

You're welcome.

Any idea what this means?

Bring all foods to your mouth, not the other way around.

don't bend over your plate. you'll look like livestock eating out of a feed trough.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I would suggest:

Farting and belching (don't hold back).

Snapping your fingers to get the waiter's attention and then dismissing him with a casual wave and a polite "** off".

Also be sure to ask the interviewer about religion, politics and how many times per week they have sex.

Edited July 1, 2010 by Its a MADHOUSE

[^_^ 5,021]

It means that you should not lean toward your food. i.e The back of your neck should never face the ceiling. Sit up tall and bring the food to your mouth.

Oh. People do that?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

You should also stuff dinner rolls, condiments and cutlery into your suit.

[^_^ 5,021]

Those sound like socialist guidlines to get some ** job. Does your job frequently require you to give a reach around Legacy Member?

No, I don't work for the gubmint.

[chri'stina 190]

The problem with sitting tall and bringing the food to your mouth is dropping food on your fancy shirt. That would happen to me during an interview I'm sure. Something red on a white shirt.