There’s a lot on your plate when preparing for an interview. And yet, sometimes there actually is food on your plate! Sometimes, interviewers will invite you out to a meal in order to get to know you a bit better and see if you are a good fit for the position. There are a few things that make interviews over meals different from the standard interview. Employers are able to see you in a different, more social setting, which may be valuable for a career where you would often interact with clients while eating. Meals are also a more casual setting to get to know you, and they get to see a new side of you as a potential employee.
Food adds an entire new level of stress, with eating, dining etiquette, and trying to figure out how to chew and make a good impression at the same time. Here’s a few dos and don’ts to help prepare you for that next food interview
Do
- Do your research. Just like in a normal interview, you want to do your research on the company, but in an interview that will take place in a restaurant, you will want to research the restaurant ahead of time as well! If you know the name of the restaurant, you can look at the menu ahead of time so that your choice is less stressful and time consuming, and you can get a sense for what the environment is like.
- Brush up on dining etiquette and table setup. Take a few minutes to review what utensils are used for what, and proper dining etiquette. Simple things that your mom reminded you of, such as not putting elbows on the table, really matter now!
- Think of questions and topics of conversation ahead of time. As in a normal interview, prepare to have questions to ask the interviewer. Letting the interviewer answer your questions also gives you more time to eat your meal.
- Dress to impress, but also to eat. Dress for the job that you are going for, but also keep in mind that you will be eating a meal. This may mean that you want to wear a shirt that does not have flowy sleeves, or excessive jewelry on your wrists. Since your hands will be extremely visible, be sure that your hands and fingernails are clean and polished. Keep in mind the layers you are wearing so that you are comfortable settling in and getting ready to leave the interview.
- Bring something to take notes on, such as a small notepad and pen. If you have a poor memory or want to take notes, bring something to write on, as you do not want to take out your phone to jot something down.
- Show up early. To prevent any awkwardness, prepare to arrive 15 minutes early so that your interviewer is not seated before you get there. However, no matter how early you arrive, always check to see if they have arrived earlier than you. Wait for them in the lounge, and don’t be on your phone when you arrive! Some people urge interviewees to brush up on current events before their interviews. This is a great time to do so!
- Come hungry, but not starving. You do not want to appear ravenous, but you do want to enjoy the meal, and eat enough of the food that you order. Wasting food can be a turnoff for some interviewers.
Ask where they would like you to sit. Be courteous and give your interviewer the first choice of where to sit. If it is a group interviewer, they may already have a seat in mind for you. - Pay attention to what your interviewer orders. You will want to order something in the same price range or a similar type of food. Be aware that they will most likely be paying the bill, so do not order the most expensive thing on the menu, but something more in the mid-price range. If your interviewer is simply having a coffee or tea, it may be wise for you to do the same. If it seems your interviewer has been to the restaurant before, you can get a sense for what to order by asking for their recommendations.
- Order something that will allow you to be engaged in conversation. Avoid ordering overly messy foods, such as long noodles or foods that call for direct contact with your hands. A light meal, or food that can be easily cut up into bite size pieces is recommended.
- Be polite to everyone. This includes the serving staff, the hostess, other guests, and your interviewer. The interviewer is always watching!
- Let the interviewer guide the conversation. Your interviewer will already have an idea of what they want to ask you about, and what to talk about. Let them take the wheel in steering the conversation, but do not be timid in your conversation.
- Relax and be yourself. The point of the interview is for the interviewer to get to know you better, and for you to become familiar with the company a bit more. Take some deep breaths and be yourself, because that is what you’re there to do!
- Be clear about your interest in the position. Be sure to reiterate that you are genuinely interested in the position.
- Allow the interviewer to pick up the tab. It is customary for whoever invited the other to the meal pays, so do not reach for the tab and allow the interviewer to take it. However, you may want to come to the interviewer prepared to pay for both of you just in case. Be sure to show your appreciation to your interviewer for the meal and for his or her time.
- Ask for your interviewer’s business card. Be sure to get their business card if you do not have his or her contact information so that you can properly follow up.
- Follow up with a handwritten note or sincere email. Following up is crucial. Within 24 hours, follow up with your interviewer with a handwritten note or an email. Jot down some things that you want to say immediately following the interview so that you don’t forget!
Don’t
- Show up late. This immediately sends the wrong message. Make sure that you know where you are going and how to get there, and prepare to arrive early.
- Use your phone. In fact, turn it off and leave it in your bag. Even if your interviewer is constantly using their device, do not be tempted to use yours.
- Open your menu until everyone is seated. It is courteous to wait until everyone is seated before you open the menu or touch anything on the table.
- Appear too picky or indecisive. These can be turn-offs, and display a lack of preparedness and decisiveness. Do your research ahead of time, and remember that the interview is not about the food but about the interview.
- Immediately bring up the job, or yourself. The more serious conversations regarding the job and yourself occur after orders are taken, so use the time prior to get comfortable and warm up to your interviewer.
- Have a one-way conversation. The interview does not have to be entirely you answering the questions directed at you. Take time to ask the interviewer about him or herself and the company, and listen carefully.
- Drink alcoholic beverages. Even if the interviewer is drinking, politely decline the offer. It is difficult enough to handle an interviewer without throwing alcohol into the mix!
- Be rude to the staff or complain about the food or service. The interviewer is always watching, so be sure to be courteous to everyone. This includes complaining about the food or the service, no matter how slow it may be.
- Forget that the purpose of the interview. Your interview is about your interview, and not the food! If your food does not work out the way you want, let it go, because that is not the most important part. Be more engaged with your interviewer and the conversation than with the food in front of you.
- Be afraid of silence. Especially when nervous, people tend to ramble. Relax, and don’t be afraid of the silence. However, silence can be your opportunity to ask questions or bring up topics that you want to talk about.
- Leave your materials on the eating table. If you have brought your resume, portfolio, or other documents, it is best to leave them in your bag. You can let your interviewer know that you have them with you, but wait until they ask to see it before bringing them out.
- Ask for a doggie bag. This may not apply to all situations, but many sources advise against asking for a doggie bag. However, keep in mind the impression wasting food makes as well and make that decision based on that.
And, just like any interview, remember that they are not only looking to see if you are a good choice for them, but it’s a chance for you to find if they are a good fit for you. Good luck!