Interview Advice

[jeff061]

After taking notes from the threads of others under this topic it's time to start my own .

I applied for a job opening that's basically a senior team leadership role at a large consulting company, which would be a decent sized step up in my career(chances are stacked against me though). Their recruiter called me back and after a brief Q&A had me contact the hiring manager to schedule a time to meet in person, which I did. I'll be interviewing with him and another manager.

What makes this different for me is that it will be happening at a restaurant over dinner. So what's the etiquette? Beer or soda, how to handle the bill, ect. In general I'm not exactly the center of any social gathering, so I'll be trying to step the charm up(from nothing). As far as the rest, what's the best way to handle this?

[TheOhioStateUniversity]

Good luck man. Dont have much to offer because I havent experienced many interviews, especially over dinner. I dont like the idea of that.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've conducted multiple dinner interviews with candidates looking to get into medical school. The criteria might be different in the business world, but here are a few things me and my fellow interviewers have talked about:


The person being interviewed should not order alcohol unless the interviewer does so, or explicitly states that alcohol is okay. Even then, it can be a bit of a trap. Don't overdo the alcohol, stick to one drink at most.

The bill is generally picked up by the interviewer (or more accurately their company.)

Dress for success. Even though it is dinner, wearing a suit probably isn't a bad idea. At the very least, wear a tie and a sharp jacket.

Have a few questions that are pertinent to the job prepared. I always like candidates who ask informed questions as opposed to those who had no questions to ask.

Good luck. :)

[Logan]

Yeah, definitely order a water, soda, etc unless your interviewer first orders a beer/glass of wine first. I would probably still stick to a non-alcoholic drink unless you're eating at a brewery/pub type place, in which case I would ask the waiter to recommend a house or local beer (I think that would make you look like you're one who enjoys beer for the taste, not the alcohol), as opposed to asking for a Natty Ice.

When the bill comes, if the interviewer doesn't want to make you uncomfortable, he should ask for the bill directly (to the waiter: "I'll take the check when you have a chance" as opposed to "check please"). If he doesn't, when the check is placed on the table, make a move for your wallet so he can say "this meal is on the company" (which is what I do when I go out to dinner with my girlfriend and her parents...I know the old man is picking it up, but I'll make the effort).

Oh, almost forgot...and this is probably the most important thing. No matter what your tastes are and what your stomach craves, stick to a simple dinner that you can eat neatly. A chicken dish, pasta, salad, maybe a steak if you're at a good place...something that you can use a knife and fork on and not get your hands/face all dirty. No ribs, big guy! I would also try and eat on the healthy side.

Just remember that it's an interview like any other, so everything will be noticed. Good luck.

[jeff061]

Thanks for the advice guys, exactly what I was looking for. Helps put the nerves at ease. I'm fully expecting to come away with just more interviewing experience, but I'm still gunning for the job.

[terpkristin]

jeff,
I have no real advice for you (if you were a freshout I'd have some tips, but for a senior level position, I'm clueless....), but did want to wish you good luck!!!

/tk

[jeff061]

Thanks.

My current company, who is unaware I'm looking elsewhere, is offering to move me to a new project in a similar role as this job(bit easier though). So even if this falls through I'm still looking good. Hopefully that bit of knowledge helps me come across a bit better tonight :).

[jeff061]

So the time and destination were changed to lunch time at a place within walking distance from where I work. So things worked out well. The two guys I interviewed with were good guys, we'll see what happens.

Thanks again for the advice and well wishes.

[Ksyrup]

You left out the part where you got sloppy drunk. :)

[albionmoonlight]

So the time and destination were changed to lunch time at a place within walking distance from where I work. So things worked out well. The two guys I interviewed with were good guys, we'll see what happens.

Thanks again for the advice and well wishes.

Oh. That changed everything. You totally should have gotten wasted. Getting drunk at lunch is what separates the men from the boys.

[Bee]

I hope you did the spoon on the nose trick. Interviewers love that.

[jeff061]

One of the guys told the waitress he needed something for his back, I was half expecting him to order a bourbon.

[Desnudo]

Oh. That changed everything. You totally should have gotten wasted. Getting drunk at lunch is what separates the men from the boys.

I'm on a personal mission to re-popularize the two martini lunch.

[jeff061]

So, for all none of you wondering ;), I've been offered the job. All that's left is for me to accept it. The pay isn't as much as I wanted and they won't budge, but it's a better job with a small pay increase and more room for growth. So I'll most likey be accepting it tomorrow. Thanks again FOFC!!

[ice4277]

So, far all none of you wondering ;), I've been offered the job. All that's left is for me to accept it. The pay isn't as much as I wanted and they won't budge, but it's a better job with a small pay increase and more room for growth. So I'll most likey be accepting it tomorrow. Thanks again FOFC!!

Congrats man :)

[Logan]

Well done. You clearly have good eating skills. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Congratulations! :)