WHOSE GLASS IS IT ANYWAY?

Career Planning and Development

Meal Interviews

Why a meal interview? Be prepared and ready BEFORE entering

the situation. Remember proper dress and

interviewing skills.

Formal Dining…..

The Table Setting

Let’s Eat!!!

Dining Etiquette

Being Seated—Ladies first Napkin Etiquette Gristle "Reading" the table setting Utensils (American Standard) Cutting your food Let the host take the lead Seasoning Salt and Pepper=A pair Ketchup is not “fancy”

Dining Etiquette, continued Basic Table Manners & Table Linens Proper passing. Pass from left to right. Your bread is not a sponge…normally. What happens to the last piece of bread? Soup Avoid cooling your food Finger Foods Avoid ordering foods that are messy or are

hard to eat Be polite and courteous to servers When you are finished: Fork, knife, napkin.

American Style-Resting vs. Finished

THE MEAL IS NOT ABOUT ENJOYING YOUR FOOD, so… “To go” or “Not to go?” Refrain from special requests. Example:

“lemons,” “items on the side,” “leave off the…….”

Cocktails, Mocktails, and Skinny Straws Say no to alcohol

Cell phones, lipstick and toothpicks Pace yourself: When to slow down, when

to speed up.

Signs of good etiquette and good manners: Effective handshakes Good eye contact Proper introductions Always pay careful attention to what others are

saying Smile, be at ease, self-confident, composed Speak well of others (regardless of your true

feelings) Look directly at a person when speaking and

always use respectful words

When in doubt, follow the leader (the recruiter or host/hostess).

Excusing yourself. Don’t call attention to yourself. Be pleasant to all and thank the servers.  Don’t get so stressed about doing every

little thing right that you sacrifice having a GOOD conversation.

The Bottom Line…..

1. Remember the purpose of the meal. 2. Follow the lead of your host or hostess. 3. Be discreet.

Questions, Comments?

Tackling Table Manners Handout

Additional Resources

Tip Sheet