Lunch interviews have become increasingly popular among employers, and for good reason. With packed schedules, many hiring managers prefer to combine a meal with an interview, making efficient use of their time. But beyond convenience, a lunch interview serves another important purpose: it allows employers to observe how you handle yourself in a social setting.
If the role involves meeting clients or adapting to different environments, your ability to navigate a professional meal can be just as important as your résumé. Regardless of the setting, preparation is key, just as it would be for an interview.
Things to Consider
- Always follow proper etiquette. Wait for your interviewer to take a seat before you sit down. It is seen as a sign of respect and will leave a lasting, positive impression on your interviewer. It also demonstrates that you are professional, which is what the interviewer is looking for.
- Always sit up straight and keep your feet flat on the floor. This is the proper posture for any interview; other poses, such as leaning, crossing your legs, or resting your elbows on the table, are frowned upon as they seem too casual.
- Unfold your napkin and place it on your lap when the food arrives. This demonstrates proper table manners and helps prevent staining your clothing.
- Try to order something less expensive than what your interviewer is ordering. If you are asked to order first, choose something in the medium price range. This is a common courtesy when dining out, and your interviewer wants to see you demonstrate respect.
- Eat slowly and take small bites. You will be asked questions about the job as you eat, and you want to ensure you can answer those questions without taking too long to chew and swallow.
- Keep your arms off the table; leaning on your elbows or having them on the table is unprofessional. However, folding your hands on the edge of the table is acceptable.
- Use proper cutlery for your meal. If you are unfamiliar with cutlery etiquette, research it or ask someone to teach you.
- Remember the purpose of the meal: this is a job interview, and you want to get hired. Don’t get caught up in the food or an off-topic conversation for too long.
- Don’t let your guard down. The meal interview might create a very friendly atmosphere, and the employer may seem casual. If there is something you wouldn’t bring up in a formal interview, refrain from discussing it during a meal interview as well. Maintain a professional presence regardless of how casual the interviewer may seem.
- If you are nervous, visit the restaurant ahead of time and imagine having an interview there. If you cannot physically visit the restaurant, look it up on the Internet. Familiarize yourself with the menu, the environment, and the surroundings.
- A lunch interview is a balanced, two-sided conversation. Make sure you have prepared by going through your past experiences in advance.
- Use the lunch interview to your advantage. If your interviewer asks you a question while you have food in your mouth, use that time to think about your response. If you are unsure of an answer, take a small bite to allow yourself time to think.
- Avoid indecisiveness when ordering. Reviewing the menu beforehand can help prevent this. You should know what you want and not have to think about it for too long.
- After the meal, thank your interviewer for their time and the meal. Speak professionally and courteously.
Follow these tips to have a successful interview, and enjoy the meal!
If you need help preparing for an upcoming interview or are interested in upgrading your technical skills to increase your marketability in the IT field, please don’t hesitate to contact us. NetSoft College of Technology is one of the best IT Colleges in Mississauga near Toronto, Milton, Hamilton, Oakville, and Brampton. We offer Microsoft, Citrix, VMware, Cisco, Linux, and Red Hat certification courses.