Having just discovered The Essentials Of Business Etiquette by Barbara Pachter, my own memories of dining out interviews came flooding back. Although, for the record I did get the job both times, so I can’t have done that badly. Read on to find out the top five tips.
1. Food Options and Ordering
Try and find out the food preferences of the people you are sitting with – ordering a rib eye steak while you are sitting next to a devoted vegan could be uncomfortable. Also, have the same number of food courses as everyone else. If they have a desert, follow suit, or at least order a hot drink to keep yourself busy.
Avoid saying, “I’m on a diet“ or making a big deal about how little you eat, no one likes a food martyr and your dining guests are there to enjoy your company, not suffer a monologue about your emotional hang ups.
2. Chair Pulling and Taking a Stand
When it comes to chair pulling Ms Pachter, says “don’t do it, you can hold a door open for a guest; however, in a business setting, chair pulling is not appropriate.” She also recommends standing when you’re being introduced to someone. It is a mark of respect and literally puts you on equal footing with your dinner guest. For women, this also means you can prevent the peering down your cleavage introduction.
3. Avoid Body Barriers and Pointed Pointing
All great body language experts (think Allan Pease) comment on the need to keep your arms and legs uncrossed to avoid putting subconscious barriers between you and your dinner guests. If you really need to do something with your hands, try placing them palms down on the edge of the table. Also, most people don’t want to talk to someone who acts like a Mafia boss. If you feel the need to point something out, keep your palm open and fingers together.
4. Who Pays?
Generally, the host does the paying regardless of gender. In the past, if I called the meeting, I have either paid the bill after quietly slipping away for a bathroom break or used ‘Oh, it’s not me; it’s going on my account.’ However, as Pachter suggests when a male guest insists on paying despite your best efforts, just let him pay, it is not worth turning it into a Venus vs. Mars thing.
5. Exiting Gracefully
Have your exit plan prepared if you know that you have to get home early for whatever reason, is important. Manage everyone’s expectations by mentioning it at the beginning of the night and no matter how hungry you are forget the ‘To Go’ box. It is hard to shake hands and say thank you while you are shuffling food boxes. Also, if you have to share a taxi the smell of food slowly going stale is just not professional.
As always, if you have any additional tips to add to the list on how to survive dining out interviews please email sarah@employmenow.co.nz.