Watch your table manners!

While most job interviews take place in an office, not all do. There are interviews that take place in clubs, restaurants and various other places that are tucked well away from the office. If you find part or all of an interview being conducted while you are expected to have a drink or eat, be careful.

The first tip we can give is for you to be just as alert in these surroundings as you would be in the office. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security by thinking there is no interview or the interview is over and you can now relax. You are still being observed just as carefully as ever - maybe, even more so.

A typical example of what not to do: Andy has nervously gone through a series of morning interviews with different people in the organisation. As lunchtime approached, he was invited to go to lunch with two of the people with whom he had already interviewed. As the three crossed the street to the restaurant, Andy breathed a sigh of relief and indicated he was glad the interviews were over. He proceeded to act as if they were. He no longer gave thoughtful responses to questions and he seemed very opinionated. Indeed, the company associates got to see Andy as he really was and decided they didn’t like what they saw. You are on stage until you take your exit. Don’t forget your part.

The second advice is to follow the leader as far as possible. If the interviewer orders only a soft drink, do not up the ante by ordering liquor. The worst is if you decide to order food while others do not. At lunch, the best advice is to decide on a fruit juice or something equally neutral even if others have ordered a beer. They may be testing you, and going back to work or more interviews after even one drink is not advisable no matter how well you think you can handle it.

Finally, if food is offered, order something that’s easy to eat and in small portions. Try to avoid spaghetti, fried chicken, and bony fish. You’re probably not hungry anyway, and you won’t be eating much because you will be talking most of the time. But be sure you direct your attention to your audience, not your food! Your social graces - and especially your table manners -- are particularly on display in such settings.