How to Shine in a Restaurant Interview

Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 9/8/2025

If you’ve been invited to an interview over lunch or dinner, take it as a compliment—it means the company views you as a strong contender. Employers use this type of setting for several reasons:

1. Evaluating social skills: It allows them to observe your conversation style, manners, and how you interact with others.
   
   
2. Checking cultural fit: They get a sense of how you’d represent the company with colleagues and clients.
   
   
3. Observing grace under pressure: Even in a casual environment, they’re watching how you manage yourself in a situation that feels slightly outside the standard interview room.

Tips to Master the Restaurant Interview

1. Do Your Homework
   • Look up the restaurant in advance so you know the location, parking, and menu.
   • Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early.
   • Stay current—review company updates and skim the latest headlines.
     
     
2. Mind Your Manners
   • Tap into your dining etiquette training.
   • Follow your interviewer’s lead
     • let them choose the table and take their seat first.
     • Be mindful of price; order something modest and easy to eat.
     • Assume the host will pay—offering to split the bill can feel awkward.
     • If alcohol is mentioned, only accept if they order first, and even then, keep it minimal.
       
       
3. Remember: It’s Not About the Food
   • The meal is secondary to how you present yourself.
   • Show attentiveness, respect, and polished communication.
   • Keep the conversation engaging, but don’t veer into topics like salary or perks unless the interviewer initiates it.
   • The right role will feel like a natural fit for both you and the employer.
     
     
4. Follow Up Promptly
   • Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
   • Keep it short, personal, and professional.
   • Mention a highlight from your discussion to reinforce your interest.
   • Express gratitude for their time and reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position.

At the end of the day, a restaurant interview is less about the entrée and more about showing professionalism, adaptability, and character. Make the most of the opportunity, and you’ll leave a lasting impression.

For more insights, you might also check out:

1. Lunch and Dinner Interview Tips – The Balance
   
   
2. 6 Steps to Making the Perfect First Impression | Resume Target Blog
   
   
3. Salary Expectations

LifeSkills Academy educators are professionals, some with academic backgrounds, and all have proven success in the world of commerce. We feature online learning in:

• Etiquette/Social Intelligence
• Financial Skills
• Adulting Practices

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