The lunch interview is a job interview that as you might have already figured out involves being invited out to lunch by the person or people interviewing you for the job.
First off, let’s get the question of “who pays” out of the way. Since the hiring company undoubtedly asked you on the lunch interview, they’ll pay, so we’ve got that part figured out.
Earlier in my career, I was invited out on a lunch interview with two hiring managers who I was considering working for. I’d already met them at their office a few days earlier and they decided to follow up with a second interview in the form of a lunch interview at a local restaurant that they arranged.
Based on what I observed, if I was going on a lunch interview in the near future, there are a number of things I’d do in advance of the interview and during the interview itself:
1. Figure out where the restaurant is: I’d make sure I know exactly where the restaurant is located and how long it will take me to get there especially if I was driving and needed to park.
2. Figure out what the restaurant serves: I’d check out the restaurant’s website to see what they serve and make my choice ahead of time to avoid figuring this out on the day. I’d avoid ordering messy foods that involve me picking them up with my hands (like chicken wings) and I’d pick up a light food rather than a heavy meal. I’d avoid ordering alcohol even if the interviewers ordered it. Ultimately, I’d probably order something that was similar in price to what the person taking me out on the lunch ordered and if they insist I order first, I’d pick a mid-priced meal.
3. Be nice to the staff and mind your manners: I’d remember that the wait staff, etc are people too and I’d be nice them, which I’d do anyways but during an interview where we’re under stress, I’d remember that the interviewers are probably paying attention to how I’m treating the staff, if I complain about the food, have bad table manners, talk with my mouth full, make bad jokes, etc.
4. Focus on the interview not on the food: Remember the goal. You’re on an interview so I’d remember that the goal of the lunch interview is to get you closer to the job. I’d also remember to finish by letting the person interviewing me that I’m interested in the job and I’d leave with a smile and a hand shake, just like I’d do in a regular interview.
5. Figure out what happens next: Depending on how the interview ends – did you get a job offer during the interview? – I’d send a follow up note/email to the person I went to lunch with to thank them for their time and the fact that I appreciated their time and the lunch.
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