Starting A New Business? 7 Key Points To Keep In Mind.
All your interview preparation can go waste if you are nervous about an interview outdoors. Interview tips from career coach Shweta L Khare.
All your interview preparation can go waste if you are nervous about an interview outdoors. Job interview tips for an out of office interview.
By Shweta L.Khare
Recently, one of my clients interviewed at a restaurant and was apprehensive about the setting mainly because she is an introvert person and did not like the idea of making interviewing a “casual process” and especially, she did not want to do it with food in her mouth! Obviously it was time for interview preparation in a public place with distractions, food and interview-table-manners.
Here are some interview tips you might find useful if you are in a similar situation:
Even though you are interviewing at an informal place, it is still an interview. You must dress up in business formals but make sure the dress is not too tight or uncomfortable keeping in consideration that you would be eating during the interview! No jeans for sure; if you feel that the interviewer is on the casual side or you already know this person then you can most certainly leave off the jacket at home but again the attire must be professional and apt for an interview.
Arrive a little before the scheduled time for the interview and greet your interviewers preferably before they are seated and in wait for you. You get an opportunity to scan the restaurant / public area and choose a location which seems most comfortable – preferably away from the main door or the kitchen area or the restrooms (these are the areas of most traffic and we want to have the least distraction possible during an interview). This way you get a say in which place to choose – in most circumstances they would offer to ask. Keep your purse handbag away from the table but do have your portfolio/folder/papers with a pen on the table in front of you.
It is a good idea to look up the restaurant menu beforehand to know what you would order. You can be better prepared and also not take too much time in deciding what to order. Usually food would be ordered before the interview begins; ‘we do not want much interruptions in-between other than eating’ is the idea. What should you do?
Order something light – something that you are comfortable eating and also that does not involve messing up hands or dress. Bite sizes entrees are much better than a burrito or large sandwiches. Do not order or drink alcohol during the interview – even if it is on the house!
Never speak with your mouth full and all the other table manners apply stringently in this situation. Focus more on the interview than on food. It does not matter if you finish the serving on your plate – what matters is how well you perform at the interview. It is suggested to take only small servings that you can finish even when eating at a slow pace.
There might be times when you don’t get the question from the interviewer, either because of the chewing noise in your head or distractions around; ask politely to rephrase the question or elaborate.
Your interviewer most likely will pay for the meal so better not insist for paying the bill or going dutch. Place your napkin slightly folding it on your plate’s side (a folded one looks better than a crumpled one!) And also, wipe your hands well before that thank you hand shake!
Follow up as usual as you would do for any interview. Good Luck!
Women's Web is a vibrant community for Indian women, an authentic space for us to be ourselves and talk about all things that matter to us. Follow us via the read more...
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Actor Sonali Kulkarni apologized after facing the ire of netizens for her insensitive remark; stating that a lot of women in India are ‘lazy’.
Actor Sonali Kulkarni recently faced the ire of netizens for her insensitive remark during an interview, stating that a lot of women in India are ‘lazy’. They just want a husband who has a good job, a house, and who gets regular increments. She went on to further say that women don’t have the courage to say what they will do once they get married to their respective spouses.
Image Source: Sonali Kulakarni’s Twitter
Not all business ventures require a hefty amount to be set up. Here are 9 best business to start with little money, yes, as little as ₹10000!
Not all business ventures require a hefty amount to be set up. Here are the 9 best business to start with little money, yes, as little as ₹10000!
Every one has entrepreneurial ideas, don’t we? Mine was to open an organization that hosted events wherein kids from orphanages and elderlies from old-age homes were brought together.
It was unique, at least that is what my professor told me. But the amount of money as capital made it a distant dream. Sigh! But are there any ventures which need little money? Can we start our entrepreneurial journey with just ₹10000?
Please enter your email address