The best Guide to Acing a Supper Interview Effectively

Job Research

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Have you ever found yourself in a dinner interview scenario? This is an often-overlooked reason why some candidates fail to secure their desired jobs. Dining interviews, with the relaxed atmosphere and the offer of food and wine, can lead many candidates astray. To excel and succeed in dinner interviews, it’s crucial to keep in mind the purpose of such an interview and the proper etiquette to follow in this setting.

16 Essential Tips for Mastering a Dinner Interview

Before the Dinner Interview

How can you prepare for a pre-interview dinner?

Choose appropriate attire.
Arrive punctually.
Silence your cell phone.
Practice dining etiquette.

If you haven’t paid attention to how you eat, now is the perfect time to do so. Take a look at yourself in the mirror, and you might be surprised or even shocked by what you see. Chewing with your mouth open or eating loudly can be a major turn-off. Therefore, it’s essential for you to practice proper dinner etiquette.

Choose the right attire

What should you wear to a dinner interview? Just because it’s an “out-of-office” interview doesn’t mean you can dress casually. No, you still need to consider your appearance and how you present yourself during the interview. Remember that your attire and how you carry yourself are used by hiring managers to assess your level of maturity and professionalism.

Be punctual

As with any interview, it’s important to arrive on time. If you’re unfamiliar with the location, consider visiting the venue a day before the actual interview to familiarize yourself with it.

Turn off your cell phone

If you believe that your cell phone might be a distraction, it’s better to leave it in your car or turn it off. Taking calls during interviews is generally considered unacceptable.

Familiarize yourself with dining etiquette

Make sure you’re well-versed in proper table manners. However, ensure that your focus remains on the interview itself.

During the Dinner Interview Meal

What should you do during a dinner interview?

Exhibit polite behavior.
Opt for simpler dishes.
Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Select an entree within the average price range.
Take small, manageable bites.
Use utensils discreetly.

It’s crucial to conduct yourself appropriately during a dinner interview. According to statistics, many candidates have lost job opportunities due to their casual behavior during dinner interviews.

Be courteous with the waitstaff

Just like in any regular interview setting, you’ll be observed by the interviewer. Therefore, it’s essential to mind your table manners. Be polite with the waitstaff, and don’t forget to use “thank you” and “please.”

Avoid difficult-to-eat dishes and foods

You might be a spaghetti enthusiast, but for now, try ordering something else. Spaghetti, along with sandwiches, pizza, and anything with red sauce and grease, can be challenging to eat. Typically, such foods can result in spills and stains on your clothes. Opt for lighter dishes that can be easily eaten with a fork and knife, such as salads and meat.

Don’t consume too much alcohol

It’s advisable to avoid any form of alcohol during a dinner or lunch interview. Opt for juice, water, or iced tea instead. If your interviewer insists, a glass of wine is acceptable. Sip your drink and avoid consuming it quickly. Remember, you need to stay sharp for the interview.

Don’t order the most expensive entree

Let your host guide the way. Ordering the most expensive items can make you appear opportunistic. Instead, pay attention to what your host is ordering. In most cases, they will recommend some excellent items from the menu. Additionally, avoid appearing indecisive when selecting an entree. It may give the impression that you can’t make decisions on your own.

Avoid taking large bites of food

Dinner interviews are still interviews, and you’re there to secure the job. Take small bites so you can easily chew and swallow if the interviewer asks a question. Never attempt to speak with food in your mouth. Consider asking the interviewer some questions to give yourself time to eat your food.

Discreetly clean your utensils

You can clean your utensils if there’s still food on them, but never lick them clean. Doing so can create a negative impression and make you appear overly eager or lacking in table manners.

After the Interview Meal

What should you do after finishing your meal in an interview?

Select an appropriate place to use a toothpick.
Leave your leftovers untouched.
Decline smoking.
Avoid grooming at the table.
Let the interviewer handle the bill.
Send a thank-you email afterward.

Table manners and etiquette don’t end after the meal. You still need to observe some basic etiquette such as:

Don’t pick on your teeth at the table

If you have something stuck between your teeth, excuse yourself and visit the restroom. Use toothpicks discreetly. Picking at your teeth at the table is impolite and, not to mention, unsightly.

No doggie bags, please

Leaving food on your plate can leave a negative impression. However, asking for a doggie bag is inappropriate since this is still an interview, not a casual meal with friends.

Decline to smoke

After dining, avoid excusing yourself to smoke. Even if your host offers a cigarette or cigar, politely decline. Remember that many employers have a bias against smoking.

Never groom your hair, apply makeup, or use eye drops at the table

It’s better to excuse yourself and visit the restroom to freshen up. Don’t groom yourself at the table.

Don’t offer to pay the bill

The interviewer invited you, so they will cover the meal’s cost. You’re the guest, so paying for the bill or offering to split it is inappropriate.

Send a thank-you email afterward

As with any interview, it’s advisable to send a thank-you email to your interviewer. In addition to expressing your interest in the position, it will also portray you as professional and confident.

If you’re unsure about how to handle a dinner interview, this write-up by Jeff Morrison can provide you with valuable guidance. While there are various types of job interviews, knowing the basics is essential. Follow these dinner interview tips and secure the job you desire. To land an interview opportunity, you need an impressive resume. Are you struggling to write an effective resume? Looking for the best resume writing companies to help you enhance your job search? Let our career experts assist you in finding the top resume writers!

Shaun Morrison will be involved in numerous organizational richness conventions plus forums coping with employee wellbeing and advancement programs.

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