You may find yourself attending a breakfast, lunch, or dinner interview (or an “eating meeting”) during your company-site visit. This is usually a good sign that you are under strong consideration. Following are some of the basic do’s and don’ts:
Do:
Wait for your host to gesture the seating arrangement
Place your napkin in your lap as soon as you are seated
Remember everything your Mom taught you about table manners, then put them to good use
Order light; you are there to interview—eating is only the sideline distraction
Know what you are ordering; avoid exotic items
Chew and swallow before you speak; no airborne food particles, please
Be polite to waiters and waitresses, but not chatty
Keep your elbows off the table (your mother was right!)
Thank your host for the meal
Don’t:
Bring your briefcase; your writing portfolio is plenty
Open your menu until your host has done so first
Become lax in your presentation style; it is still an interview
Drink alcohol, even if your host offers
Be indecisive in ordering—make a decision and stick with it
Begin eating until everyone is served
Attempt to pay the bill or split the cost; it will be covered by your host
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