Dining Etiquette
If you are lucky, one round of the interview process will take place over some sort of a meal setting. This could be the most daunting meal of your career. Mental preparation is key! You should know how to conduct yourself when you bite into an olive and discover a pit. When discovering some undesirable item in your mouth, the key to success is to attract the least amount of attention to yourself. Believe it or not, this is accomplished by removing it from your mouth in the same way that you put it there in the first place. Whether the extraction takes place by chopsticks, fork, spoon or fingers, you will attract less attention by continuing your normal eating motion than by trying to "discreetly" spit the offending piece into your napkin.
As a rule of thumb, when you face a full battalion of knives, forks, and spoons, work from the outside in. In other words, use the flatware the farthest from the plate first. If you are unsure which fork to use for your salad course, choose the one with the slightly smaller prongs.
Used utensils should never touch the surface of the table or the tablecloth because they might make the cloth dirty. Even the clean handles of your fork and knife should not touch the table.
At the end of a course, place your used utensil on a flat dish. Do not leave a fork or spoon in a bowl or cup. That is why there is usually a flat dish under the soup bowl.
Between bites, your utensils should rest on the edge of your plate. Your knife rests on the back of your plate; your fork sits on the side of your plate. When you are finished, place your knife and fork so they lie horizontally across the center of the plate. The blade of your knife should face toward you.
As soon as you are seated, put your napkin in your lap. Sometimes, at very formal restaurants, the waiter may do this for you. Treat your napkin very gently during the meal. Do not crumple it or wad it into a knot. When you use your napkin, gently dab at your lips. Your napkin should NOT get dirty in the dining process. It is meant to catch food from falling into your lap (which, of course, it won't) and is should gently dust the crumbs from your lips.
When you are finished, place your napkin next to your plate. Do not refold it. Do not leave it on the chair when you get up to exit the restaurant.
If you are not sure what to order, follow your host's lead.
If the recruiter is not first in line to order, ask him/her, "What do you recommend?"
A chicken breast or vegetable plate is always safe.
Stick to soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water. Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks.
Cut one bite (meat, fruit, or vegetables) at a time. Keep your fork prongs pointed down, not up.
With dinner rolls, break off and butter one small piece of bread at a time; avoid making a sandwich.
Never make slurping or yummy sounds (even if the food is wonderful and you're very, very hungry).
When sharing a sauce with others, spoon some of it on to your plate; don't dip your food into it.
If you need to leave the table temporarily, place your napkin on your seat.
Keep your elbows off the table.
Drink from YOUR water glass; it is to your right.
Eat at the same pace as your host or hostess.
Always taste food before you add salt.
If your host insists that the waiter bring the dessert menu, he/she wants you to have one.
If you are a non-smoker and your host asks for a table in the smoking section, grin and bear it.
Go prepared to be conversational.
Read national and local newspapers ahead of time so that you can discuss news and events.
Skim the menu quickly.
Order a medium-priced entree.
Sit up straight.
Relax and keep the conversation focused on business-related or casual topics.
Say please and thank you to the waiter.
Don’t talk about personal relationships, recent parties, politics, sports, or religion.
Don't eat the garnish.
Don't use toothpicks in the presence of the recruiter.
Don't discuss dietary restrictions; downplay your food preferences.
Don't order foods that require twirling or licking, are apt to splatter or spray, or require you to wear a bib.
Don’t drink alcohol if you are under age 21; don't have more than one drink if you are 21 or over and the recruiter insists.
Don't argue over the check or offer to pay the tip; the host who invited you must take care of both.
Don't blow your nose in your napkin.
Don't eat as if this is your last meal. On the other hand, don't dine on half a lettuce leaf. You'll make the best impression by eating like a human – not like a wolf or a bird.
Don't get too comfortable. Even if the meal isn't technically an interview situation, you need to be on your toes.
Last updated on Tuesday, September 16, 08 at 05:12:39 PM EDT.
