During a typical job search, job seekers often go through multiple rounds of interviews with one company. It’s likely a second or third interview could be a meal with the hiring manager or multiple members of the business. It’s important for job seekers to be prepared for this type of situation as it requires additional thought and preparation after the initial phone or in-house interviews.
Here are a few tricks to make sure you give the best impression during a meal
- Don’t arrive at the meal hungry. Eat a small snack on the way so that the interviewers won’t hear a growling stomach. Even though it’s a meal, you should be focused on conversing with the other parties and not concentrating on how good that garlic chicken passing by looks.
- Before you get to the restaurant, turn off your cell phone. Though the interview may be in a more casual setting than the office, it is just as important that you aren’t interrupted.
- Be careful about what you order. Don’t choose anything messy such as spaghetti, ribs, or a delicious blooming onion. Select a meal you can easily eat in small bites. Also, don’t order the most expensive item on the menu – look for a moderately priced meal. If you’re worried about what to order, review the restaurant’s menu online beforehand. This will allow you to come to the meal prepared and not seem indecisive at the table – which can form a perception in the interviewer’s mind.
- Don’t order alcohol even if it’s offered. It is common for interviewers to order beer or wine at a dinner, however, you should not follow suit. If someone offers, they may be testing your judgment. It is best to politely decline and keep your full attention throughout the meal.
- Try and relax – but just a little. Part of the purpose of a meal interview is to show your personality. Be polite to servers, mind your manners and try to enjoy the conversation. However, do not let your guard down, this is not a meal with your friends.
- If you’ve ordered a large meal and you can’t finish it, that’s fine. Don’t have it boxed to go.
- Absolutely don’t forget to say thank you twice. Though you will undoubtedly said thank you at the end of the meal, you should send a thank you note to everyone at the meal. Sending a personal note to everyone present will show you truly paid attention and you are continuing to put in the effort to land the position.
