I received a lot of feedback on last month’s column about telephone interviews, and several people asked about two other popular interview locations, so here they are:

The Meal Interview

Occasionally, you will be asked to meet the hiring manager or recruiter at a restaurant or coffee shop for an interview. For example, the executive director for a health charity might be setting up a new regional office, and fly in to interview candidates. Many recruiters work from their home offices and would rather have a neutral location, like a mutually convenient coffee shop, to conduct interviews. In these types of situations, remember one key thing: you are not there to eat or have a good time! Consider it to be just another interview, but with more distractions that you need to take into account. It can be very difficult to explain to an interviewer “What Your Most Stressful Situation With a Colleague” was, while someone close by is bellowing out their order for a double-double and a carrot muffin.

Call your mom for a meal etiquette refresher course

You have to conduct yourself with the same professionalism that you would use in a regular interview – all the while using your best table manners. This is the time to remember all those rules of table etiquette that your mom always nagged you about – always use cutlery from the outside in, don’t put your elbows on the table (or in your soup), don’t chew with your mouth open, don’t talk with your mouth full, don’t lick your plate, etc. If in doubt, call your mom and have her remind you. In the meal interview itself, try not to be too formal, however, and as always in any interview situation, aim to adapt to the style and mannerisms of your interviewer.

A menu of choices, but be careful

Don’t order something that will be messy to eat, such as spaghetti, or something that you must use your hands to eat, such as ribs. Try not to order the most expensive meal on the menu. In general, take your cue from your interviewer on most things, without appearing to be a copycat. Avoid alcoholic beverages, even if your interviewer orders one. You want to keep as clear a head as you can. When the bill arrives, simply ignore it and wait for the interviewer to pick it up. They are the host, you are the guest, and they will be expensing it to their organization – but have enough cash for the very rare situation when you are asked to contribute. Always remember to thank your host for the meal.

The Hotel/Airport Interview

Sometimes interviewers will be flying in to your city for a short time, and want to hold the interview meetings at their hotel, or even at the airport. There is really no difference with these alternate location meetings, other than the fact that you may face more distractions from the environment. For women, in particular, you should feel uncomfortable if the interviewer asks you to a hotel room for an interview, as this should generally be conducted in a safe and publicly accessible location.

As in any interview, you should always prepare fully, and be fully prepared for anything!

Michael Mayne, M.B.A., CMA, is Managing Partner and a Certified Professional Career Counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a Career Transition, Counselling, and Outplacement firm. Michael has been involved in the not-for-profit sector for many years, and is Past President and Treasurer of ALS Canada. To contact Michael, visit: www.catalystcareers.com.

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Disclaimer: Advice and recommendations are based on limited information provided and should be used as a guideline only. Neither the author nor CharityVillage.com make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in whole or in part within this article.