Lunch interview

28 Comments

1. Megan LeasherMay 13,2024 at 4:06PM UTC

   I would recommend ordering something that is not complicated to eat; I generally stick to fork and knife meals and avoid any foods I have to pick up with my hands.

   Regarding questions, here's a few to consider: 1) What's the #1 thing I could take off of your plate to make your work life easier? 2) How can I best help you be successful? 3) What do I need to know about the work environment in order for me to be successful? Best of luck to you!

2. AnonymousMay 13,2024 at 4:07PM UTC

   Raviolis !

   repeat the same questions.

3. AnonymousMay 13,2024 at 4:18PM UTC

   Order something small, or lite because you'll probably do most of the talking.

   I would have some input and advice but I work in video games and I'm afraid my input may not translate well to a financial firm.

4. Elaine ChenMay 13,2024 at 4:35PM UTC

   Lunch interviews are rare these days and a company that is doing this is undoubtedly really concerned about fit. Don't feel you need to talk about the role only the whole time, and think about things you might want to talk about to help them get to know you better as a person - e.g., charity work, personal interests like cooking or gardening. Another avenue could be asking their opinions generally about things happening in the market - that will be work-focused and keep the conversation moving. As others noted, avoid sandwiches or other messy foods - salads can also be tricky.

5. Lori Laurito BetzMay 13,2024 at 5:42PM UTC

   “This is our fourth interview, are you hiring me or not??”

   JUST KIDDING!! I’ve never been on a lunch interview so I have no input on that. I think the advice about not having to talk about just the role the whole time is good though. Good luck!

6. AnonymousMay 13,2024 at 6:14PM UTC

   Agree with all the previous responses! Will add that it doesn't hurt to repeat questions because different people will give you different answers as they have different perspectives. You may have gotten the POV of your peers or immediate supervisors, but the folks a few levels up may have something different to say as well.

7. Dr. Erica WallsMay 14,2024 at 12:44AM UTC

   Congrats!
   First, order nothing messy, or garlicky. I once heard never to salt your food without tasting it first... could be a "test" of whether you make evidence-based decisions.

   As far as questions, if you feel comfortable moving to higher-level questions, go for it! You can also ask an A.I. program for sample questions, given what you've already discussed. I like (no, LOVE!) Claude A.I. And it's free.

8. Alexis GladstoneMay 14,2024 at 12:31PM UTC

   As others have said, asking some of the same questions isn't all bad. You can also use the lunch to get to know more about as people, not bosses/colleagues. Things like what they like to do, favorite sport team, etc. Don't get too personal, but it can be a chance to just let the conversation flow like meeting someone at a party.

9. LaurieMay 14,2024 at 2:12PM UTC

   You want to come across as someone with the right skills and experience for the job. That's obvious. But it's just as important for them to get a feel for your personality and whether you'd gel with the company vibe. Use this lunch to let them see the human behind the qualifications. Ask them questions, and find some common ground to connect over. Be yourself - just a professional version of yourself if that makes sense! The key is striking that balance between showing your expertise while also giving them a glimpse of how you'd fit into the culture. Listen closely (this is super important) when they're speaking and be authentic in how you engage. That's what will help you stand out.

10. Dr. Erica WallsMay 15,2024 at 12:18AM UTC

    Awesome advice!

11. AnonymousMay 14,2024 at 3:31PM UTC

    I have worked as an EA/OM for 3 start-up tech firms.

    I first would ask what the business plan is and how they are going to roll that out. Ask about their roles before they started the firm and do your research on them possibly even reaching out to people associated with them. I found in all three of my positions the founders of the start-up did not know how to run a company on a full spectrum and I had to wear many hats to keep things running without any recognition of the fact. A start-up opportunity can be exciting but as an EA/OM it is A LOT of work more so than any other challenge I had in the C-Class corp world. 4 interviews is A LOT IMO, hopefully this will be the last one for you.

12. AnonymousMay 14,2024 at 7:35PM UTC

    Thank you- I'm actually looking forward to the challenge. I have another one scheduled after this with their ops person. It's definitely a learning curve jumping from well established firms.

13. AnonymousMay 14,2024 at 4:52PM UTC

    They're probably gauging how you'd fit into their culture -- use it as an opportunity to ask questions about their vision, find common ground and connect. You also get to decide if you feel like this role/team is a good fit for you, so use the time to do that and align on expectations for the role if there are any grey areas, which there usually are in a startup.

14. AnonymousMay 14,2024 at 4:56PM UTC

    I've heard of an old school tactic to take candidates out to lunch and intentionally have the server make a mistake on their order to see how the candidate reacts/treats others and problem solves in the real world. Hope this isn't a "test" but of course, if there is something off with your order be mindful of how you treat the server and speak to your partners about it after the fact.

15. Hold on Lee LouMay 15,2024 at 12:42PM UTC

    If this happens, politely ask the server to correct the mistake but be easygoing and pleasant about it.

16. AnonymousMay 14,2024 at 5:17PM UTC

    Yes, you should ask each Exec, what keeps them up at night? Do they want you to read their email? Do they expect you to juggle personal items too and if so when a list of their top interrupters is offered up (kids, wife, etc.) do you stop them mid work to connect them to that person? Also, let them know your don'ts. Let them know what boundaries you may have for getting the work done. For example if you refuse to take calls after a certain time because you have a life- let them know now. If you don't want to work on the weekends let them know. Interviews are 2 ways streets, think of some things that you need and ask for them in the interviews. Another one is - if you need to correct me or give me another item on the todo list I would prefer you time box it or give it a P-level (priority) can we put together a P-list when I come on board so that I can be a success in the first 30-60-90 days to get on track. Be presumptive, be confident, I assume they are still weighing you against others so if you fall flat in this last one you may not be the choice. Tell them why you want to work with them, show a bit of your sense of humor. And YES! get into the nitty gritty details or you may be very disappointed once you get there if there is not alignment with your work style and their expectations. It's all about setting expectations. Good luck!

17. Susan Heidi WolmanMay 15,2024 at 12:05PM UTC

    This is to see if you will fit with the team. Don’t order anything messy. No alcohol even if they do.

    ask how they bare the company growing. Direction goals achievements. Then tell them how you can help.

18. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 12:29PM UTC

    They are also checking how you treat others (aka treat everyone kindly and with respect no matter what their position is)

19. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 1:21PM UTC

    1000% - this is my litmus test. I also ask the security team etc. Make sure to ask questions that show you’ve done your research on the company and the position and are concerned about adding value and growing. As far as ordering, I always do salmon or chicken salads or rice veggie bowls at lunch. Easy things to cut with a fork and knife and that don’t create a mess! Even as a seasoned SVP, I still do this at every client meeting just to stay confident that I won’t spill! Good luck, you’ve got this!

20. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 3:20PM UTC

    This is to evaluate a culture fit, so be yourself! I second no to the alcohol, even if they do. And do not do what I did and order a salad, because it turns out it's a lot harder to eat politely than you imagine.

21. Tami L CannizzaroMay 15,2024 at 3:56PM UTC

    Agree with others re: what/what not to order. At one company I worked for, we used to look not only at what candidates ordered, but also how they kept the conversation going. Did they speak at all? Too much? Not enough? Did they talk about inappropriate subjects? How were their table manners? Were they polite to wait staff? Etc.

22. misskelleypMay 15,2024 at 5:53PM UTC

    What to order: I suggest steak frites (steak with fries), generally not too expensive, tasty, neat to eat, easy to talk between bites. Others have offered plenty of interview advice, so good luck!

23. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 6:16PM UTC

    Thank you! There were many helpful responses. I ordered a salad, but I didn't eat much of it. I kindly asked the waitress to wrap it so it would not go to waste. Conversation flowed, but I was a bit thrown off by the food element. Fingers crossed they enjoyed my company and saw the value in hiring me.

24. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 6:38PM UTC

    I would also brush up on dining etiquette for business lunches, I worked for a company that trained our employees on the do's and don'ts of business lunch/dinner. If you know where you are going ahead of time check out the menu and have a game plan. I agree with others no handheld foods and cut your food into small pieces, easy to manage and you don't look messy.

25. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 6:40PM UTC

    Taste your your food before you add salt and pepper! Many people look at this part too, you don't know if it needs more or not until you taste it.

26. Dr. Erica WallsMay 15,2024 at 11:41PM UTC

    I thought that too! : )

27. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 7:43PM UTC

    I agree. Except the wrap to take home—only if you live close by and if there is really enough to make it worth it. Better yet, order a smaller dish.

28. TiffenyMay 20,2024 at 12:59PM UTC

    No spaghetti