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A friend wrote to me the other day saying he witnessed a most unfortunate incident during a business lunch recently. At the table next to him were seated an older gentleman with a younger chap. By the nuggets of overheard conversation, the two were obviously engaged in an employment interview situation and it was Chappy the Younger who was auditioning for the job. My friend says that Chappy was well-dressed, articulate, seemed to have a grasp of the occupation’s vernacular and was well on his way to gainful employment. Then the food was delivered. Now Chappy did not fall victim to the usual booby traps. He’d placed his napkin in his lap. His utensils were all properly aligned. No, his was a trickier culprit. Chicken Salad. It seems Chappy ordered the chicken salad sandwich and forgot that he wasn’t at home or at his mom’s house where it can be forgiven to have your food spill all about and then pick it up with your fingers. It’s a sandwich, after all. Hello. It’s called finger food. But. Here’s the tricky part. Chappy’s chicken salad debacle was a distraction to the interviewer and in the end a distraction to his otherwise on-point performance.
I cannot tell you how many times I land at some schmancy restaurant and do little interior cartwheels when I see some juicy dish on the menu. Do you even know how difficult it is for SP to pass over a heaping helping of barbecue baby back ribs? But alas, I take a look at the person across from me and think, do they really want to see me sitting here with bbq sauce smeared all over my face and hands? The same goes for the seemingly everyday burger. It can be a messy undertaking. Think about what you eat people. When on a business lunch or first date, keep it simple and under the fork. That is, order something that you can cut into small bites and place easily into your mouth and chew without distraction. So no fried chicken, no unpeeled shrimp or lobster, no spaghetti or any long pasta you have to twirl and definitely no tacos or burritos. What, you ask, is the most business-appropriate lunch order? Well steak and a scotch of course. But if you don’t plan to take a nap afterward, I would stick to a Caesar salad, even a Cobb salad. Remember, you’re not there to eat. You are there to impress. Don’t blow it by eating like a ten year old. I cannot report, sadly, if Chappy landed the job. I hope so.
SP Recommends looking over the rules here for a review and then taking a look at these two very popular business lunch places’ menus. Michael’s in New York and the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills. Or, once your interviewer has selected the restaurant, find the menu online and pre-select what you will order. You will look decisive and serious when you don’t have to hem and haw over your lunch choice. Hey, in this economy we need ever upper hand we can muster.
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this post has 7 comments
I began previewing the menu online a few years ago when I had a lunch date with a man I very much wanted to impress. In a stressful situation such as a business lunch or date, it’s always nice to have something taken care of. As for hamburgers, the attorneys I’ve worked with in ultra laid-back Austin always attacked them with a fork and knife, citing their suits as the main concern.
posted on November 8, 2009
Andrea
912
Well, I’m really glad I read this, because I’m quite sure I wouldn’t think of it in such situation..now I have at least a chance I’ll remember. Anyway, do you have any tips on eating messy dishes such as hamburger (especially large ones) and keeping at least a bit of appearance?
Dear Vladimir,
In a business situation — or any situation where you are trying to impress — stay clear of messy foods. There is a reason you never see these foods served at weddings or charity events. Stick to the fork and the knife and leave the messy burgers for your casual gatherings with friends and family.
Cordially.
SP
posted on November 6, 2009
Vladimir Cupal
904
I agree with the advice, except about ordering salads. Under the best of circumstances they can be a bit awkward to eat gracefully, and much depends on the mercy of the sous chef in how the salad is prepared.
Many years ago at an interview lunch at very fancy restaurant I saw a job candidate at a nearby table attempt to eat a Caesar salad. Unlike every other salad, this one consisted of a large head of Romaine lettuce that had not been cut up, merely drizzled with dressing.
The interview candidate gamely tried to eat the salad without cutting into the head of lettuce, but to no avail. She then gave up and attempted to cut the head of lettuce into pieces. At that point the knife slipped, and the head of lettuce rolled off of the plate, off of the table, and across the floor. The waiter quietly brought her another salad.
All parties at the table carried on as if nothing had happened. I found out later through a mutual friend that she got the job.
posted on October 7, 2009
David
782
What a valuable topic! It doesn’t just apply to an interview, either. I
love spaghetti but I wouldn’t be caught dead eating it in public; for the
simple reason and despite much time spent in Italy, I’ve never been able
to avoid that final “slurp”. I can’t handle it elegantly. Best not to order
foods over which one hasn’t got complete mastery.
On a related note: If one is hosting a cocktail party, it’s best not to
have passed around treats which can’t be eaten in one bite. Chicken wings, though delicious, are much too messy and hard to handle. Chicken wings???!!!!??? You say? I have seen them served at some
of the fanciest cocktail parties.
posted on October 3, 2009
Cat
771
Thank you very much for providing a concise summary of proper practices for people during lunch interviews. As an HR practitioner, I always recommend that hiring managers interview candidates at a meal, preferably lunch. In that way, they can observe the true character of a person, from his/her manners to how they treat the wait staff!
posted on October 2, 2009
Kim Scholes
754
Hello all,
Great advice and I am surprised it didn’t occur to me sooner!
No wonder I am fat and unemployed, heh heh,
Just kidding.
By the way, a little off-topic but John D Rockefeller once said that he always leaves the table a little hungry.
so, I will make sure to remember this particular installment at my next lunch interview.
posted on October 2, 2009
Ralph M Bohm
753
The very best thing to order for lunch are scallops. They are bite sized or sliced easily with the side of your fork. No excessive chewing is required if you have to quickly field an answer to a question. As long as they are not enmeshed in pasta or the most expensive thing on the menu, scallops are great. Same for filetted fish. Salads always seemed a dangerous risk of splashed dressing leaving a sad oil stain as your last impression.
posted on October 1, 2009
Lorraine
748