Meal Interviews

The is really just a long list of small tips - there is very little overarching strategy to share.

The STRATEGY is clear, though, right? It's an INTERVIEW!

In this episode of The Interviewing Series, the focus shifts to meal interviews, a growing trend in the hiring process. Despite the casual setting of a meal, the interview remains a formal assessment, and interviewees must be prepared to respond to standard questions like "Tell me about yourself" and "What are your accomplishments." Mark highlights how meal interviews can lead candidates to mistakenly treat them as informal, but the reality is they are just as important as any other interview, requiring careful preparation and attention to the same core interview rules.

The episode dives into the details of what can go wrong in a meal interview, with the biggest mistake being leaving food unfinished. Not completing your meal can signal a lack of confidence or an inability to multitask, which may be perceived negatively. While it’s okay to refuse dessert or make specific food requests (like asking for fries to be held), the main takeaway is to stay composed, finish your meal, and manage any potential distractions in the environment effectively.

The episode also provides practical tips for what to eat, from avoiding messy foods like burgers or salads with excessive dressing, to selecting foods that won’t require constant chewing. Foods like broiled fish are ideal choices, as they’re easy to eat without causing self-consciousness. Finally, basic dining etiquette reminders such as not starting to eat before your host, chewing with your mouth closed, and avoiding drinking alcohol are shared, rounding out the comprehensive advice that ensures you’ll handle your meal interview with professionalism and poise.

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