Do YOU agree? Maybe is a good answer; sometimes makes
sense; then most of us say, "it all depends" and I think
you are right.
It could be a NO answer for some folks because eating with
an interviewer is a challenge for us to show our best
manners and good eating habits. Watch your neighbors at
the local restaurant and you'll observe/recognize what NOT
to do!
You may think that's an indecisive response, but few things
are set in concrete, so only you can decide what's best for
you. Maybe we need to ask someone close to us what they
think of the idea. Eating and selling ourselves to a future
employer may not go together as well as we may think.
You may "assume" lunch or dinner is a great time to
interview for your career/future. Ask a close friend to
meet you for lunch and conduct a practice interview.
You will assume this is a great time to interview. It
begins by thinking about FOOD and knowing it's FREE to you.
But there might be a "dark" side too. Both the interviewer
and the interviewee have risks in this career game. Since
all of us are trying, wanting to win, it has some high
stakes for all who get involved in the process.
Interviewer says.....
"How about us having lunch to talk about your career
decision?" Smooth; completely innocent; what can go wrong
is the reply coming through from our subconscious mind.
Sure, we remind ourselves about the "not-to" list, but so
often we get comfortable and layed back when consuming
delectable morsals.
Be on YOUR guard every second --
Never relax your guard when you are seeking a new position
with any employer. Most interviewing PROS know that "over
lunch" is always a good time for candidates to relax and
drop their guard without even thinking about it... to their
ultimate regret.
Our true self - who you really are - requires your BEST
behavior interacting with the wait-staff; the cashier;
everyone you encounter in the restaurant or private club
[if you're so fortunate!]
The point is... even if the INTERVIEWER host lets his/her
guard down with small talk or orders a "drink" it's NOT a
good idea for YOU to follow suit. You're there to talk
about your qualifications and expertise, to get to know the
person, the company, to make a lasting impression. [at
least, that's my opinion!]
It's been long ago, but I remember vividly meeting two guys
from the NEW YORK office of a national firm. My Interview
was held in a motel room and their first question was...
"want a beer?" Actually, I didn't "drink" so it was an easy
NO thanks. I'm not sure if this was a test or not, they
enjoyed a couple themselves, but I was sure [driving home]
that the job was NOT going to be mine.
To make a long story, short... YES, I did get the job at
least for the next 5 years when this BIG firm decided to
"down-size" and get rid of the Regional Manager - ME!! Best
thing they could have done and as Paul Harvey says, I'll
tell you the "rest" of the story someday.
Be sure to order foods eaten with utensils, not your hands,
so you'll avoid embarassment or reveal poor eating habits.
It may sound trivial but it might just be a deciding factor
in the interviewing process.
Another irritation today is cell phones. If you have one,
leave it in YOUR car and let calls go to your answering
service or back home at your message center. This is just a
common courtesy when having lunch, dinner, etc. with anyone.
----------------------------------------------------
Don Monteith spent 32 years as co-owner of several
franchises and a personnel/staffing business. Every year,
his firm placed hundreds of job candidates in their dream
job. Today, Don shares his business and career expertise
through his newest websites on the Internet. Lots of FREE
ideas - suggestions - ready for your perusal and study.
http://www.Career-Coaching-Central.com
http://www.HowToGetYourDreamJob.com
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