By Peter Kamuri

You have just gone through a stressful and brain-draining interview for your dream job. You are relieved it is finally over. But then one of the interviewers looks at you and says: “Why don’t you join us for lunch.”

This throws you off balance and you begin to wonder what you will order, if you have any intelligent conversations in your repertoire, if it would look bad if you politely declined.

Past employers

It is not uncommon for potential employers to invite an interviewee for lunch or dinner, which they consider an extension of an interview. In some cases, the whole interview is done over a meal

Follow-up lunches or dinners are used to further discuss the job, past employers or even hobbies. This kind of social setting helps recruiters learn more about a potential employee as some characteristics can easily be hidden during an interview.

When combined with eating, an interview can be nerve-racking and an interviewee needs to be prepared. Are you sociable and well mannered? Are you courteous and well cultured? Do you remember to thank the waiters?

There are a few things to keep in mind when being interviewed over lunch or dinner.

First, allow the interviewer guide you. Let them make their order first, and then take a cue from what they ask for. Consider the price of their dish and ask for the same thing or something within that price range.

If they defer to you as their guest, don’t go for something too expensive or that requires a lot of chewing like a steak. Also, avoid anything that will require you to eat with your hands.  The odds are that you will not have time to order dessert, or it may constitute overeating, a trait you do not want on your CV.

Secondly, observe table manners. Some positions may involve you going out with clients for meals, so it is critical that an employer sees you can handle yourself well and represent the company adequately. The most important ones to remember are not to chew with your mouth open or talk with your mouth full. Also, do not season your food before you taste it.

At the end of the interview, remember to shake the recruiter’s hand as you thank them for the meal. Do not be tempted to try to look good by offering for pay the bill.