Pace University Career ServicesRead on for tips to successful dining etiquette

INTRODUCTION:As part of the interview process, typically the second interview, you may be invited to lunch or dinner with the employer. Employers look for good communication and interpersonal skills and a meal is an excellent place to show off such qualities.

THE TABLE:BUTTER SPREADER

BREAD & BUTTERPLATE

SOUP BOWL

WATERWHITE WINE

RED WINE

DINNER PLATE

DINNER KNIFETEASPOON

SOUP SPOONSALAD FORKDINNER FORK

DESSERT FORK

SMALL TALK: Small talk is simply conversation about everyday happenings, which everyone can participate in. Be prepared to converse!

• Project a positive and friendly attitude – always smile, maintain eye contact and nod your head.

• Sustain the conversation by asking questions and listening carefully.

• Change subjects tactfully.• Topics to discuss: weather, sports, movies,

books, immediate environment.• Topics to avoid: politics, religion, sexuality.• Discussions usually do not revolve around

business talk.

BEFORE THE MEAL:• Shake hands with all present at the table. If

necessary, introduce yourself. Concentrate on remembering your host/hostess’ name.

• Remain standing until host/hostess takes seat.

• Place your napkin on your lap after everyone is seated. Keep your napkin on your lap until theentiremealisfinished.

• Let the host take the lead when ordering; this will give you an idea of what to eat. If they order an appetizer, order one. If they order a soft drink, you should too.

• Review the menu and decide what you want to order quickly.

• Order foods that are easy to eat such as chicken,fish,orsalads.Avoidsloppyhardto eat foods like spaghetti or ribs and do not order the most expensive item on the menu.

DURING THE MEAL:• If your place is set with more than one fork,

begin from the outside and work your way in.• When looking at the place setting in front of

you, remember: solids on your left (bread plate), liquids on your right (water, ice tea, coffee).

• Hold cutlery correctly.• Cut your meat or meal one piece at a time;

avoid dicing it into bite-sized pieces all at once.

• Cut your salad into bite-sized pieces.• Watch out for bones or pits to avoid an

awkward situation.• With dinner rolls, break off and butter one

small piece of bread at a time on the plate; avoid making a sandwich.

• When sharing a sauce with others, spoon some of it onto your plate; don’t dip your food into it.

• Pass food to the right.• Pass salt and pepper together, handling near

the base.• When you speak, put your silverware on your

plate, not on the table.• If you need to leave the table temporarily,

place your napkin on your seat.

AFTER THE MEAL:• Whenyouarefinishedeating,placetheknife

and fork prongs down side by side on the plate with the handles at 4

• o’clock; the waiter will understand this as the “Iamfinished”position.

• Whenyouarefinishedwiththemeal,placeyour napkin to the left of your plate.

• Make sure you thank the host for the meal.• Shake hands with the recruiter before you

leave and maintain good eye contact.

DOS• Dress professionally

• Sit up straight

• Keep your elbows off the table

• Say“please”and“thankyou”

• Maintain good eye contact

• Strive to come across as relaxed, friendly

and interested; stay upbeat and positive

• Take your time eating, talking and listening

• Drink a glass of juice before the meal to

stabilize your blood sugar and keep you from

starving

• Drink from your own water glass; it’s to your

right

• Use this opportunity to gather more

informationaboutthecareerfield,corporate

culture and duties

• Employers view the meal as a time to judge

how the candidate interacts with others.

DON’TS• Don’t ask the waiter to explain everything on

the menu

• Don’t order the most expensive item on the

menu

• Don’t order alcohol or smoke cigarettes

• Don’t use toothpicks in the presence of the

recruiter

• Don’tlickyourutensilsorfingers

• Don’t order unfamiliar food, sloppy or hard to

eatfoodsthatrequireusingyourfingers

• Don’t slurp your soup or beverages

• Don’t dip your food into a bowl others have

to use

• Don’t ask others for leftovers; “Are you

eatingthosefries?”

• Don’t speak with your mouth full

• Don’t argue over the check or offer to pay

the tip; the host who invited you must take

care of both

Remember you are making an impression at the meal as at the interview. Table manners count so be sure you take dining etiquette seriously.

Information Source: Barbara Pachter of Pachter & Associates; The Hope Heart Institute Newsletter, Seattle, WA, April 1998 NACE Job Choice 1997

*