25 Tips for Acing the Lunch Interview

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It is amazing how intelligent people invent new ways every day to make life and working for a living become more torturous and difficult for the needy. To check the abilities of a future employee you do not require verification of his table manners. Rather you check his potential to save his employers money by performing well on the job. God knows how successful executives eat at home !!! What is also sad is that this screening is done under the banner of up-to-date civilization. Go ahead mask the sinking economy in ingenious ways... but beware of over-doing-it... because then you will employ only the slick table personalities qualified to do noyhing constructive.

Marcus of TN 11:08AM May 07, 2010

I would like to know how to handle the Golf Interview. I am pretty good and what if I beat the guy I have the Interview with?

Charlie of NE 9:59AM May 07, 2010

I welcome a lunch interview over the traditional fuzzy format, this way both parties meet in the middle point, while we ponder on ways to prevent "screw-ups", imagine what the other party is thinking?
This is more about common sense, both have lots to loose on this one, My Main Priority) enjoy your meal instead, we talk later.

Ed Tech of MA 3:29PM May 06, 2010

Issue # 11: "Don't make a big issue about your Food Allergies." This is actually a good tactic to cross interview your potential boss. Tell the server in advance that you want a favor. Tell them to make SURE they put mushrooms on your salad.
When ordering mention to your server that you're allergic to mushrooms. Order something which normally has mushrooms but ask they be left off due to your allergy.
When the server brings your mushroom-filled salad, see how your would-be employer responds. If this person comes to your defense, they're probably a good boss. If they seem upset that you sent the food back, then you might consider finding employment elsewhere.
The point is Don't be fussy and inappropriate. However, be serious about serious issues. Anaphylactic shock would count as serious.

Lord Anthony of GA 10:26AM May 06, 2010

I've found that you are doomed if you too concerned with the outcome. You have to be loose. I usually order salads at restaurants and possibly soup. So many jobs look awesome from the outside and once you get inside it looks as dreary as a FEMA camp. I totally disagree with the call back or the thank you note. A massively successful businessman told me they have to want you, otherwise you've got nothing going. He advised never to chase companies, just as it's a mistake to chase women.

Jack Sheepman of CA 9:51AM May 06, 2010

too many rules,i prefer to have a regular interview. i dont play politics with my meal. interviews are policical enough. if someone can do the job than let him/her have it. whenpoeple eat somewhere they do things subcounsiclsy, dont judge them on that.

u. smith of CO 8:47AM May 06, 2010

Good research.
Here we dont have lunch interviews but thanks
for this good information.
Flo

Florence 8:02AM May 06, 2010

I was on a lunch interview team. the gentleman being interviewed was well qualified, mannerisms were polite and his voice and conversation was not over-bearing. What turned me off was what was going on under the table. the guy was cool on the top but a nervous wreck under the table. foot tapping, always re-crossing or adjusting his legs. just be aware - what going on underneath may be just as telling as what is visible above the table.

G5L of MN 7:48AM April 29, 2010

People have food allergies, might be diabetic, or may be vegan. Even if you read a menu ahead of time, it may be unclear whether, say, the establishment uses eggs in making their pasta (for instance.)
There is a correct way and an incorrect way to address these issues, of course, but telling people not to even bring them up, I feel, is unfair and unreasonable.

J-Mo of MD 9:15AM April 23, 2010

To the author:
"especially if you are a woman"...uncertain as to why is gender is relevant in this scenario? Either say people should stay away from bottles or not but it's 2010 - if it's appropriate for a man to order a bottle/drink from a straw, the same goes for a woman. I suppose lipstick could be a consideration but I'm not sure if that's what you were alluding to.

Bec of NY 11:35PM April 22, 2010