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Looking for a job? Ready for your next promotion? Holding your fork in the right hand might actually make a big difference! Read this post to avoid major “faux pas” during a business meal.
Interviews are always nerve-racking - even for experienced applicants who have interviewed many times in the past. And regardless of how skilled or poised you are -- interviewing can be even more challenging when you are expected to eat and talk at the same time. Nothing is more revealing about a person’s background and values than his or her dining manners!
Your potential employer might choose to take you to lunch to see how you handle pressure – graceful dining and simultaneous business chat are for the pros!
To be successful in the business, your business dining skills during a business meal must be on par with your professional skills.
I once got a phone call from the president of a major company because she wanted to fire her CFO but not for the lack of skills. The problem was his repulsive table manners. She could no longer include him in any business meetings with clients because ”her major account” made comments about the CFO’s disgusting table manners. For one thing, he had a habit of chewing food with his mouth open…
Table manners do matter a great deal! Good manners show not only respect and consideration for fellow diners, but also one’s level of refinement. They may even give you the edge over another candidate, so take a few moments to review our tips on business dining etiquette and table manners.
Do's and Dont's of Dining:
Do not order difficult-to-eat foods (pasta, ribs, etc.)
· Follow the lead of your interviewer and mirror his/her actions.
· Do not order alcohol to calm your nerves – control your emotions without it.
· Order the same number of dishes as your interviewer.
· Use proper “Continental Dining Style” – no switching fork back and forth.
· Always work from the outside-in when choosing your utensils.
· Keep your liquids on the right-hand side.
· Don’t move your bread-and-butter plate closer to you.
· Use napkin every 2-3 bites to blot your mouth.
· Learn the difference between a soup bowl and a finger bowl.
· Pass salt and pepper shakers together
· If you bite into something that you don’t want to swallow – remove it from your mouth with your fork – never use your fingers -- and place it on the edge of your plate.
· When leaving the table during a meal, place your napkin on the back of your chair not on your seat.
· Place your napkin on the left when your meal is finished. Do not refold it.
· Don’t ever tuck your dining napkin into your collar – even if lobster is being served. Always keep it on your lap.
· Keep your personal items off the dining table (keys, phone, etc.)
· Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone.
· Ask for the interviewer’s business card only after your meal is finished.
· Give a firm handshake at the end of your business meal and ask for the job.
· Offer one closing statement about why you are the best candidate for this position.
· Write a thank-you note immediately after your lunch/dinner.
· Thank your interviewer for his/her time and consideration.
· Send your note by mail and follow up via e-mail
· Be creative and do something special in order to be “memorable” when sending your final note.
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