Mealtime interviews can be tricky situations because food and drink are involved. Strike a healthy balance of not being ravenous but not leaving your plate untouched either. Focus your full attention on the conversation and interview at hand. It is wise to stay away from messy marinara sauces and long strings of pasta because they can easily stain your clothing. Forgo alcohol at all costs and certainly if you are not of legal age to consume alcohol. If you are not comfortable with dining etiquette, familiarize yourself with it to increase your comfort level. Know which fork is correct to use for salad versus dinner. Research this so you are prepared in advance. Interviews that take place during a meal can heighten nerves and cause you to spill a glass of water, which doesn’t bode well for your confidence level. Practice can only help, so try to attend a dining etiquette class or study proper techniques to ensure a good impression.
No matter what the venue, dress well and take extra copies of your résumé, a portfolio with paper and a pen that works, a list of questions you will ask, and perhaps a bottle of water just in case you need it.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Knowing the different types of interviews is important to succeeding at each. Knowing the pros and cons to live and phone interviews can ensure you get a second interview or perhaps the job offer.
- Having a one-on-one interview is very different from having to interview before a panel of people. Researching the individuals who will interview you can decrease your stress and help you perform optimally.
- Some interviewers may merge aspects of behavioral and case interviewing into one interview session. Knowing how to succeed at each is a wise strategy.
- Your interview venue affects the interview dynamics, so preparing in advance can only help.
EXERCISES
- Participate in any mock interview sessions held by your school’s career services office.
- Find a peer at your school with whom to practice, if workshops aren’t available in career services.Interview your classmate and then critique their responses. Also have your peer interview you and critique your responses.
- Practice a phone interview with a friend and vice versa. It’s great practice before a live phone interview.
- Practice interviewing on campus in the career services office so you can be comfortable with the venue.
- Ask someone in career services to interview you in their office so you can be comfortable with that particular setting.
- Practice a mealtime interview with your interview buddy during breakfast or lunch.
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