How to Make a Lunch Interview Successful

Interviews are time machines that take you from your current job to your dream job in a matter of days. The speed of this warp also depends on your performance at the interview. A good performer is instantly and directly teleported to his cubicle, whereas an average performer has to wait for long. Lunch interviews are one of the most powerful types of interviews that consider the social personality of the candidate.

A lunch interview needs ample preparation as your every move will be recorded and reflected in the results. To make sure that those moves during the interview turn out fruitful, a few aspects have to be taken into account.

Wait for all the interviewers to arrive. Wait outside the restaurant; enter along with the rest. This is a pure example of your professionalism. Interviewers do not like candidates who enter early. That reflects impatience.
Introduce yourself to all the interviewers. The introduction will include your name and little information about yourself. A little praise about the restaurant selection would be a great start.
Handshake is the most powerful weapon in the world of business and management. A nice firm handshake shows your confidence and gives a message of being a successful person. A handshake should be firm and not bone breaking. Lifeless handshakes show that you are a weak person and will mostly disappoint the interviewers.
Order food similar to the interviewer's. Ordering the same kind of food will reflect negative traits. Leave the interviewer to lead in terms of food ordering. Make sure you order quickly. Do not browse the menu for a long time. Order such that you have enough space left for the resume and notebook. Order such that you do not have to sit watching the interviewer enjoying his soup or starter.
Order food within a reasonable price range. Ordering food, which is too costly, will show your affinity towards food and inexpensive food will reflect your poor selection. Remember that it is not a place to enjoy tasty food but to get a job.
Order food that is easy to eat. Avoid foods that are saucy or crunchy. Pizzas can make mess of the situation. Do not experiment.
Maintain table manners. If not used to, learn in advance. Take care of your breath during the talk.
Do not be harsh to the waiter. Keep in mind that the interviewer is watching your behavior. Eat your order even if you do not like the taste.
Do not keep talking or eating continuously. Try to maintain a balance between food and talk.
Do not eat fast. Maintain your speed with respect to the interviewer's. Make sure you finish almost at the same time.
Never talk with food in the mouth. It looks unprincipled. If you are posed with a question when you are chewing, answer only after you have finished.
Never drink during a lunch interview. Alcohol equals negative marks in a lunch interview. It instantly creates a bad impression.
Talk to the interviewer after you have finished. Tell them more about your experience and affirm that you will be the best candidate for the job. Show your interest in joining the company.
Thank the interviewers for the lunch and interview. Leave along with everyone.
Send a thank you note by email at the earliest.
Follow up by email and phone.