Lunch Interview Etiquette & Tips

Lunch Interview Etiquette: Navigating Casual Settings

Lunch interviews assess cultural fit and social skills in a relaxed environment. Do not be fooled — everything you say and do is being evaluated. According to CareerBuilder, 33% of hiring managers have rejected candidates based on dining etiquette alone.

The golden rule of lunch interviews: order something easy to eat, mid-priced, and non-messy. Avoid pasta, ribs, or anything requiring utensil gymnastics.

Practical Tips

• Let the interviewer choose the restaurant and suggest what to order
• Order a mid-range entree — not the cheapest or most expensive
• No alcohol unless the interviewer orders first and insists
• Put your phone face-down and on silent
• Treat restaurant staff with obvious respect — interviewers watch this closely
• Eat slowly and take small bites — you will need to talk

Combine lunch interview skills with rapport-building techniques and communication skills.