Meal Interviews (Part 1 of 2)
April 27th, 2008This podcast details all the subtleties associated with being interviewed during a meal.
We have NO EXCUSE for why we didn’t do this podcast 2 years ago. We get this question all the time, so much so that we’re making it part of the standard weekly show rather than restricting it to the interview tool. Meal interviews are becoming more and more common, even as they become ever less intelligent as a tool.
The cast 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!
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April 28th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Hey guys,
Long time listener; first time poster.
First of all, I love the show! Thanks so much for all the work you put into it.
Just like you at the start of the cast, I felt like I had heard you had cover this material before. I think these were the podcasts:
http://www.manager-tools.com/2006/09/meal-etiquette-part-1-of-2/
http://www.manager-tools.com/2006/09/meal-etiquette-part-2-of-2/
-Will
April 28th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Will-
Honest, I reviewed those casts in detail before deciding to do these two shows. I think if you’ll compare shownotes, you’ll see that there’s no way - for an interview - you’d want to be satisfied with just the etiquette shows.
Mark
April 29th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Mark & Mike,
What a timely cast!
I had a luncheon interview yesterday afternoon and, thanks to the two of you, was better prepared than before listening to the cast. (Of course, my mother and grandmother would like to take all the credit, but we won’t tell them about the cast!)
The luncheon took place at a Country Club. Beautiful locale, but terrible choices on the menu. A menu which definitely caters to male golfers. I panicked initially when I realized there was nothing but big fat greasey burgers, fries along with anything else fried that you can possibly imagine, and a salad. Yes…A salad…singular…ONE…to choose from.
Of course, I chose the salad…and was certain you would have recommended the same. (It was a total WWMD moment!)
Thanks again for all you do! We couldn’t do this (well) without you!
Allie
April 29th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Allie-
Well done! Sometimes, all the guidance in the world isn’t a substitute for self-confidence and knowing the intent of the guidance.
Hope you get great news on the success of the interview!
It’s a privilege to serve you,
Mark
April 30th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Guys. You CAN eat fries with a knife - you don’t have to pick them up with your paws. In fact in the UK eating fish and chips with a knife and fork is normal.
Loved the fact that this is reminding everyone that this is an interview first and foremost - umm that was the message, wasn’t it?
April 30th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
You should note that this podcast goes beyond just employment interviews.
The same rules apply when to almost any meeting with food. This would
include sales calls, vendor meetings and — for you tech guys — dates.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:17 am
I’m also a long time listener and first time poster, great show. It’s a must listen for managers and individual contributors like me.
You did miss a few obvious items:
1) Respect the wait staff and treat them like a customer.
2) Keep eyes from wandering, you know what I’m talking about guys,,,
Last year I was asked by the sales manager to meet with a potential candidate over dinner and it was a great learning experience. It was a textbook case of what ‘not’ to do. He started the interview very strong and after about 20 minutes (and 2 vodka and tonics) his eyes started wandering. This restaurant likes to hire young attractive ladies and he looked like a kid in a candy store, his subconscious took over.
The manager still hired the guy and he lasted about 3 ½ months.
I think meal interviews can be valuable because you can really see the person as they are, not how they want you to see them.
May 7th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
M&M,
Some casts are at a first glance something like “Are you seriuos?!”. Then you listen to them and - what do you know - they all provide excellent learning!
Looking forward to the reverse casts when you train us how conduct interviews…
kinkevi:
Listen to the casts wgoo mentions above. They cover both your 1) & 2) and so much more.
delta1:
)) Hilarious. Another reason why to stay on this site. A bunch of smiles a day…
“…for you tech guys — dates”
My very best,
Bjorn
May 9th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
M&M,
I love your podcasts and look forward to them each week. I am a better manager because of you! One other point of etiquette that is worth mentioning: when buttering a piece of bread, break off a bite-sized piece, then butter it. Don’t butter the whole piece and then try to break off a bite or bite into it.
Thanks again,
Sara
May 9th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Sara-
Indeed! Well said, and thanks for sharing it with the community.
Mark
May 13th, 2008 at 10:58 am
This was really useful. I know this was meant for interviews but it doubles up REALLY well for client lunches. I found myself remembering the useful tips during the mail. Very handy.
Thanks Guys!