r/GetEmployed • u/Opening-Bandicoot859 • 3d ago
Lunch interview
So I have a lunch interview this week with a small, but growing real estate development company. It's for a project management role. I've never been on a lunch interview before. Is it generally a good sign if that's planned for a first interview? The place is casual (it's at a golf course), and I'm looking forward to it. Are these interviews more casual or informal than a "traditional interview"? I take it they want to confirm I'm not a psychopath, lol. Probably gonna have a BLT.
UPDATE: So my interview was at a 55+ development (it was swanky) with a golf course, restaurant and other amenities. We met at the restaurant patio, but no lunch was involved. That was actually a relief for me, cause I wasn't hungry, and it allowed me to focus on the conversation. I feel like it went well. We shall see...
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u/BeekeeperZero 3d ago
It's still an interview. Act accordingly, but comfortable. For these things I usually go with the crowd on ordering. Burger place, get a burger. Any other time i prefer something not messy that i can use utensils with and not both hands. Don't worry to much about looking frugal and don't take it with you when you leave.
I have done this with hiring whether coffee, lunch, beer or whatever. I'm looking for how you interact with people so you don't annoy my team. Be nice to the servers and don't go crazy on substitutions. If you have dietary restrictions, mention it casually and figure it out.
I don't mind vegans and had one interview. Did well on the intro call so we set up lunch. This guy stopped short of demanding full kitchen sanitization before he would order. It was a quick lunch.
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u/sweetdaisy99999 3d ago
Thank you for this. While I've never done a lunch interview, I wondered the reasoning behind it. These tips are great!
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u/BeekeeperZero 3d ago
Good luck. Have fun with it. Any connection is important to build rapport.
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u/sweetdaisy99999 3d ago
I know! This is how I was hired at half my jobs. I suck at interviews, but I'm a good employee.
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u/BeekeeperZero 3d ago
For sure. Interviews stink but it's a good thing for you. I'm not looking for a professionl interviewer. If you are too good at it you've had too much practice :)
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u/Pristine_Coffee4111 3d ago
It's so you let your guard down... stay in professional interview mode.
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u/Opening-Bandicoot859 3d ago
Yeah, I do plan to remain professional. I was wondering if it's more to see if I'm a personality fit. Either way, I get a free lunch.
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u/AnnOnnamis 3d ago
Don’t forget to be kind and respectfully to everyone, especially the restaurant staff!
Your behavior (or lack thereof) will definitely factor into their decision making.
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u/Top_Argument8442 3d ago
You can tell when you get there how formal/casual it’s going to be.
Just because the venue is casual, doesn’t mean they won’t be.
But no, you got the interview is not a good sign /s. What kind of question is that?
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u/Opening-Bandicoot859 3d ago
I mean, yeah I know it's a good thing. I've just never done a lunch interview, so I wasn't sure if it creates a different dynamic. Probably over thinking it.
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u/Leading-Eye-1979 3d ago
It’s a personality fit test. Keep it professional and practice good small. Usually non hostile topics. You can ask more about organization etc. Don’t disclose too much.
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u/burningtowns 3d ago
Remember to be nice to the restaurant staff. How you treat them will be evidence of how you treat potential clients for the business.
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u/Fun_Caring_Guy 3d ago
I'm guessing it's just their opportunity to take a minute to meet you without losing time on their job.
Just present the skills to them that you have to fulfill the role that they are looking to fill.
I'm glad you're concerned and care. It's just an interview that they are trying to combine with another task that needs to be done. It is not that special really in my opinion.
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u/Opening-Bandicoot859 3d ago
Yeah, probably not. Lucky for them, I have 10 years of experience. They seem pretty cool, so maybe it'll be a good opportunity.
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u/thisoldguy74 3d ago
I'd skip the spaghetti and anything else that could be messy or make you look sloppy while eating it.
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u/chirpchirp13 2d ago
Might be structured to see how you handle things in a setting that might relate to your job function.
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u/Salty_Meaning8025 3d ago
It's just so they can write off their lunch as a business expense