Coffee Shop Interview Etiquette
A coffee shop interview will be just like any other so be prepared for such.
Coffee shop interview etiquette. Get ready to ace every coffee encounter from now on with these tips for the most common situations. Another common distraction is one that you might bring upon yourself your cell phone. In that case normally i would go for the hotel lobby or will rent a small meeting room at the hotel if there are a number of interviews lined up. The logistics of a coffee interview can feel somewhat daunting.
From meeting friends to dates to interviews and meetings coffee shop etiquette is a skill that will not go unnoticed. Try to focus on the interviewer as best you can. Normally i would refrain from taking someone to a coffee shop for the interview unless i am travelling and cannot accommodate a person at the office. Hiring managers and potential employers often begin with this less formal approach in the early stages of the interviewing process.
Even if you order a light snack to go with your coffee or tea don t think about the food think about what you need to say to make a good impression. Coffee shops are glorious destinations for all freelance writers artists graphic designers and other creative types. The meeting is set up more like an informational conversation so that both the employer and applicant can get familiar without creating a more serious interview. Even though it s only a cup of coffee it could be a stepping stone to a new job so it s important to take the time to prepare.
Know everything you can about the company. This means a suit and tie for men and smart business attire for women. I know because i m one of them a writer who holes up in front of a. Coffee shops are a great place to meet up with someone without the time commitment of a full meal and in a setting that helps keep the.
An invitation to a coffee interview suggests an informal tone but you should still dress to impress. Make sure you know exactly where you re going especially if you re meeting in a chain cafe that has several different locations in. Be ready to answer the standard interview questions about why you left your last job what are your strengths and weaknesses where you see yourself in five years etc. Take long loud conversations outside.
Whether it s a date or meeting a friend of a friend for the first time this is a pretty casual meet up. Go early and book the table. It could lead to a job offer so you want to demonstrate to your interviewer that you are taking it seriously. It is preferably better to reach early before the interviewer and get the table it is starting point to leave a better impression on someone.
If circumstances necessitate you raise your voice such as. Arriving early is de rigueur for job interviews. The first time meeting. Coffee shop interview etiquette guide.