Career Corner: A lesson in table manners
Allison Weston
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: Forum
There is one awkward scene in the Julia Roberts film "Pretty Woman". It's the scene where Roberts' character, Vivian, and Edward, played by Richard Gere, go to a business meeting at a fancy restaurant. Vivian has never been to such a nice restaurant. She is confused by the plethora of silverware, unaware of proper table manners, and even manages to fling a snail at a waiter.
Now, imagine that you are Vivian, minus the part about being…well, you know. You, however, aren't at the dinner to be a pretty face; you're there to interview for a job, a highly possible situation for those in the job hunt. Scary, isn't it?
Most of us have at least some experience with fancy dinners and proper table manners, but might not want that limited knowledge tested in front of potential employers. That is why the Career Center is offering juniors and seniors a practice-run with its Etiquette Dinner, today at 6 p.m. in the Horning Hospitality Suite over at the ARCC. Registration for the event is closed.
For those of you who are going to the dinner tonight, this is just a reminder to actually show up for the event. Not showing up would most certainly be an example of poor manners, plus you will have to pay a $10 hospitality fee For those of you not attending, here are a few tips and guidelines about proper dining etiquette that will surely come in handy if you ever have an interview over a meal.
First, always keep in mind that the purpose of the meal is your interview and not the food. You don't want to get caught trying to answer a question with a mouth full of chicken. Interviewers and employers want to see your manners, your professionalism, and how you conduct yourself in a social setting in order to see how you would act with their clients. Remember, this is part of the interview process; you are there to interact with the person or persons interviewing you, not eat as much as you possibly can.
To that end, if you are a picky eater, try not to show it. Be discreet if there is something on your plate that you don't like. There is no need to make a fuss about it, and the interviewer may perceive your pickiness as a sign that this behavior may transfer into the work environment.
Now, imagine that you are Vivian, minus the part about being…well, you know. You, however, aren't at the dinner to be a pretty face; you're there to interview for a job, a highly possible situation for those in the job hunt. Scary, isn't it?
Most of us have at least some experience with fancy dinners and proper table manners, but might not want that limited knowledge tested in front of potential employers. That is why the Career Center is offering juniors and seniors a practice-run with its Etiquette Dinner, today at 6 p.m. in the Horning Hospitality Suite over at the ARCC. Registration for the event is closed.
For those of you who are going to the dinner tonight, this is just a reminder to actually show up for the event. Not showing up would most certainly be an example of poor manners, plus you will have to pay a $10 hospitality fee For those of you not attending, here are a few tips and guidelines about proper dining etiquette that will surely come in handy if you ever have an interview over a meal.
First, always keep in mind that the purpose of the meal is your interview and not the food. You don't want to get caught trying to answer a question with a mouth full of chicken. Interviewers and employers want to see your manners, your professionalism, and how you conduct yourself in a social setting in order to see how you would act with their clients. Remember, this is part of the interview process; you are there to interact with the person or persons interviewing you, not eat as much as you possibly can.
To that end, if you are a picky eater, try not to show it. Be discreet if there is something on your plate that you don't like. There is no need to make a fuss about it, and the interviewer may perceive your pickiness as a sign that this behavior may transfer into the work environment.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Chef Riley
posted 11/17/07 @ 1:43 PM EST
I think the Etiquette Dinner is a great way to learn and practice at the same time.
Another great resource is educational CDs. They are convenient and you can even listen to tips on the way to an important dinner. (Continued…)
Audrey Bloom
posted 11/25/08 @ 3:05 PM EST
im wondering what do you do if you cant remember the name of the person to whom you are intorduced ???
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