Job Interviews Over Dinner
Going out to dinner for a teaching job interview is a great idea. It is also something that you need to plan for differently than just a regular interview. Here are some great tips to help you make it a success.
If you aren’t familiar with the restaurant, find out about it before the job interview. You want to make sure you dress accordingly for the location. You also want to make sure you arrive on time for the dinner so that you aren’t keeping anyone waiting. While you do want to relax and to enjoy your dinner, keep in mind that it isn’t a social gathering.
The way you interact with the staff at the restaurant will be watched as well as your responses in the job interview. Make sure you are very polite to them if you want to make a great impression during the overall interview. Order what you would like to eat, but make a decision and stick with it. Chances are the interviewer wants to see how well you can make a decision. If you struggle with ordering dinner, they may wonder how you can do it on the job.
What are your habits when it comes to eating? You want to make sure you aren’t talking with your mouth full or other mistakes that can be a turn off during a dinner job interview. Avoid ordering foods that can cause you to develop bad breath or that could result in food between your teeth during the interview process.
Outside Communications
It may be a common practice for you to glance at your watch or answer your cell phone when you dine out. However, these habits shouldn’t be part of dining out for a job interview. You need to remain focused on who you are with and what they are talking to you about. If you are nervous about looking at your watch often, leave it at home. Make sure you turn off your cell phone before you enter the restaurant. If you will be tempted to look at it, leave it in your car.
Avoid Alcohol
Even though alcohol will be served at many restaurants, you want to avoid ordering it. Remember, you are on a job interview so you need to make a very good impression from start to finish. If the person conducting the interview is having a drink and encourages you to do so, decline. State that you have to drive home after the dinner. Don’t state anything negative about the fact that they are drinking during the interview.
You need to be on top of your game to respond in accordance with the STAR method of answering questions.. Alcohol won’t help you with those. It’ll just slow you down.
Interviewing for a teaching position over dinner can be a lot less intimidating than in an office complex. Still, there is no substitute for preparation. Perfect practice makes for perfect execution. For help with answering the STAR interview questions, refer to: https://coverletterinterview.com/the-star-interview