The New Year always brings many things; resolutions to lose weight, quit a bad habit, rekindle past relationships, and so much more. One goal for 2016 that many may have is to obtain their first, or perhaps, a new job in their chosen career field. Getting a new job brings about the interview process, which can vary from employer to employer. Whether it be for an interview or simply a networking event, it is important to maintain a professional image at all times – including meal time.
In a previous blog titled, “How to Impress Your Loved Ones This Holiday Season”, I discussed general dining etiquette. Now let’s take a look at a more specific setting – dining with prospective employers.
It is important to understand that like basic dining etiquette, it is not about the food. When going through the interview process or attending networking events, don’t eat as if it is your last meal. On the other hand, don’t dine on a mere lettuce leaf. As one of my faculty mentors in college once said, “You’ll make the best impression by eating like a human – not like a wolf or a bird.” In addition to focusing on the real reason you are out, here are some additional tips to maintain your professionalism in either a casual or formal dining setting.
DON’T:
• Talk about personal relationships, recent parties, politics, sports, or religion.
• Try something new – an interview or networking event with prospective employers isn’t the best place to be adventurous with food.
• Drink alcohol if you are under the age of 21. If you are over 21, try to avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks all together, but if the host or hostess insists, limit yourself to one drink.
• Drink soup from the bowl.
• Make slurping or yummy sounds.
• Order foods that are difficult to eat or are likely to splatter or spray. Something like a chicken breast and vegetables is usually a safe bet.
DO:
• Arrive promptly and wait in the lobby when meeting at a restaurant unless otherwise requested.
• Follow your host or hostess’ lead if you aren’t sure what to order.
• Downplay your food preferences.
• Say “Please” and “Thank You” to the wait staff.
• Strike a comfortable balance between eating and conversing – keep the conversation focused on business-related or casual topics.
• Go prepared – read national and local newspapers and/or websites ahead of time to be knowledgeable about current news and events.
• Listen very carefully.
• Wear a watch – using your cell phone as a timepiece is distracting and could easily be misinterpreted as reading texts or browsing social media, making others at the table feel unimportant. Also, be sure to have your cell phone turned off or silenced.
Taking these brief “DO” and “DON’T” lists into consideration at your next networking event or interview luncheon is sure to help you maintain a professional image in either a casual or formal dining setting. Additionally, it will leave those whom you’ve just met with a positive first impression. Keep these lists handy to refresh your memory if you have an event with prospective employers at some point in the future. I wish you the best of luck in achieving your career-related goals in 2016!
Joleen Rupe joined Aureus Medical Group in May 2015 as a Recruiter in the Nursing division. She is now a Student Outreach Coordinator for the Rehab Therapy division. In her free time, Joleen enjoys spending time with family, running, cooking, and baking.