By Deborah OConnor April 7, 2014

This is the time of year when many interviews take place. Often, a first interview will go well and the interviewee has been asked to have lunch with a group from the company. They usually mistakenly think they have the job and do not adequately prepare for the second interview lunch. Here is a good example from a reader:

Dear Deborah:

Anxious in Columbia

Dear Anxious:

Your friend is absolutely correct; you need to take this much more seriously. A second interview lunch usually means that the company wants to see how you comport yourself over a meal. I would bet that quite a bit of business is done over meals and that good dining skills are imperative. Here is a list of important points that can help you:

• Dress conservatively and businesslike. This is not the time to look sexy or trendy.
• Always arrive on time and call if you know you will be late.
• If you arrive before your host and are seated at the table, you must not touch, eat or drink anything until your host arrives.
• Remember, if it isn’t part of the meal, it does not belong on the table. Purses, briefcases, cellphones, iPads, keys, etc., should be under your chair. Be sure to turn your phone off. Nothing says, You’re not very important like a ringing cell phone.
• Your host sets the pace for the meal. Do not begin until he or she does.
• If you are not sure which utensil to use, work from the outside in. Once a piece of silverware has been picked from the table, it never touches the table again. Put it on the appropriate plate. Do not gesture with your silverware, and never, ever speak with food in your mouth.
• Always pass the salt and pepper together.
• Never blow on food if it is too hot, just let it cool off.
• Pause between bites and do not gulp your food. If you do not like something that has been served, don’t comment on it; simply don’t eat it.
• If you must leave the table, simply say excuse me, place your napkin on your chair, and leave. There is no need to announce where you are going.
• If you accidentally spill on someone, apologize and offer your napkin and insist on paying for dry cleaning. Remember, if you stay calm so will everyone else.
• Be sure you are up on current events. If the conversation turns to pressing issues of the day, be aware of what is going on. Do not bring up controversial subjects. If you are asked a question along these lines, answer it to the best of your ability.
• Absolutely, positively be cognizant of the company’s history and policies. Do your research.
• Be prepared for questions you may be asked about your work history, previous jobs, positions you have held, and the value you bring to a new job.

Making a good impression at a lunch interview is not difficult and by following these suggestions you will stand out as smart, savvy, and a great addition to the company.

Please feel free to send questions to [email protected]. I will answer them in my weekly column.

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at: [email protected]  www.successfulimage.biz

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz