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Not all interviews are created equal
Two types of interviews require some specialized preparation if you want to ace ‘em – the phone interview and the often dreaded lunch interview. A few career experts in the industry have recently offered up some good advice on phone interview tips. Jeff Bosco’s post discusses 8 useful tips , and you can also check out the blog post Creative Work at Home for more on phone interview etiquette.
But how do you handle being pelted with questions while trying to avoid getting lettuce stuck in your teeth? Lunch interviews can be nerve-racking. On the flip side, if you’re asked to do one, chances are you’re being seriously considered for the position. Now it’s your job to pass (and I don’t mean pass the bread).
Generally speaking, you should follow the rules of traditional interviews, such as be on time, dress appropriately, etc. But add table manners – put your napkin in your lap, don’t put your elbows on the table, and for goodness sake, it’s important to talk about your experience and skills but just don’t do with your mouth full of bruchetta.
Make it easier on yourself and don’t order messy food.
And just because they’re likely to pick up the tab, it doesn’t give you the green light to order filet mignon. If you’re ordering first, choose something of moderate price range. If others are ordering before you, follow their lead.
Speaking of following their lead, this is a good rule of thumb in general. Whether it is ordering alcohol or determining the tone of the interview, take cues from them.
Follow these rules and you just might get your cake and eat it too.
Posted by Angela Swarts on September 22, 2006 at 4:49 PM
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Comments
In my experience of running a small business, I have been involved throughout the entire process, for both management positions and front line positions. I would do phone interviews for front line positions and then conduct the face-to-face interviews and other employee testing. When it comes to doing the face-to-face interviews, I prefer the open-ended questions.
I treat the interview as an oral examination, much like a doctoral student having to defend his or her dissertation. They are in front of a panel who asks questions to "test" their knowledge. This knowledge could be knowledge of the company, or knowledge of the industry. Does the candidate have the requisite job knowledge to succeed in the job?
Posted by Nick Roy on September 26, 2006 7:46 PM
Nick - Thanks for your insightful comment. Your mention of the panel-style interview similar to doctoral students defending their dissertation - have you used this panel-interview approach frequently and if so, in your opinion, how effective are they in making a successful hire?
Posted by Don Boone on October 9, 2006 3:42 PM