Career Tip: Dining FAQ's
My office seems to be flooded lately with students who are preparing for interviews. Many questions I get asked are not about what to say or how to answer difficult questions, but how to behave…especially if a meal is involved. More and more companies are taking candidates out to dinner as a part of the interview process…in hopes that the interview takes on a more informal feeling. While the interviewer may assure that the meal is casual, you should be on your toes. In response to student inquires and a previous edition of the newsletter on business etiquette, we have compiled the top 6 commonly asked questions for business dinners:
1. WHAT SHOULD I ORDER? – Most obvious, order something that you know you will like. A business dinner isn’t the time to try sushi for the 1st time. My suggestions are something moderately priced and easy to eat. Stay away from pastas with red sauce (think of how much you paid for that new tie!) or anything messy like baby back ribs. Do you really want your potential boss watching you rip flesh from bones while covered in a “blood – colored” sauce? I think not!
2. WHAT SHOULD I HAVE TO DRINK? – This question always seems to come up when discussing this topic. My advice…NEVER EVER NEVER order alcohol at lunch. Most companies that I know of frown on drinking at lunch and then returning to work. Try a soda, tea, coffee, or water instead. For dinner, use your judgment…if others at the table are having a cocktail, you may partake as well…but limit it to ONE and know how that ONE will affect you! One glass of wine with your meal or one beer is plenty. It is in extremely poor form to loose control while at dinner. Don’t chance it!!! If you aren’t sure, the teetotaler route is best.
3. HOW FAST SHOULD I EAT? – Having sent 5 children off to college, my Mom should write a book on student development. Oddly, one of the biggest changes she noticed was the speed of our eating habits when we returned. “What…are you afraid I am going to take your plate away? Slow down!” Timing is everything…even at dinner. Try to keep pace with everyone else. You may be doing a lot of talking. Be sure that you pause enough to be able to enjoy your meal. Conversely, your interviewer may dominate the conversation. Just pace yourself not to finish too early…or too late!
4. WHAT IF I HAVE AN ACCIDENT? – Recently I went to my 10 year high school class reunion. It was great to see everyone. One of my good friends, Emily, was there. In high school, Emily was known as the “class klutz!” This girl fell so many times in the cafeteria that we nicknamed her Mop – because she mopped the floor with her behind so many times! Anyway, the reunion was at a very nice restaurant and, true to form, Mop spilled her drink! Instead of the flailing arms and high pitched squeals we were all expecting, Mop simply took her napkin, dried the spill, and quickly changed the subject. PERFECTION! Accidents happen. If it happens to you, handle it like Mop…take care of it and then forget about it!!
5. WHO PICKS UP THE CHECK? – The person who asked you to dinner should pick up the check…but…be prepared just in case. It is always a good idea to keep some cash or a credit/debit card on you when you go out. You never know when you may get yourself into a situation. Be aware that some companies will reimburse you for your expenses, so keep your receipts.
6. ARE THEY REALLY WATCHING THAT CLOSE? – I have found that business etiquette and table manners are one of those things that are more noticeable when they are NOT there! Brushing up on these skills before you go into the situation will make you more comfortable. Will you not get hired just because you use the wrong fork or dribble soup on your blouse??? Maybe…maybe not…but don’t chance it!
Etiquette is from the French word meaning “ticket.” Brushing up on these skills will help you write your own ticket and ensure that you are concentrating less on what fork to use and more on convincing them that you are the best person for the job. For more information, feel free to stop by the Career Center. Best wishes to you for a successful job search. Let us know how we can help.
Source: Jason Umfress, 2006
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