Practise an informal round
A relaxed face-to-face conversation that is still an assessment.
A lunch or dinner interview feels informal — but you are still being evaluated. The interviewer is assessing your culture fit, social skills, and how you handle yourself outside of a conference room. For ESL speakers, this format adds an extra layer — navigating menu vocabulary, small talk, and cultural dining norms in English.
North American lunch interviews are common in sales, consulting, and executive roles. Here is what you need to know.
Choose a mid-price item that is easy to eat. Avoid messy foods like spaghetti, ribs, or oversized burgers. Salads, grilled chicken, or sandwiches are safe choices.
It is perfectly fine to decline politely: "I'll stick with water, thank you." If the interviewer orders a drink, you may have one — but never more than one.
In the US, tip 18–20% of the pre-tax total. In Canada, 15–18% is standard. The interviewer usually pays, but knowing tipping norms shows cultural awareness.
Don't order the most expensive item on the menu — it can seem presumptuous. Don't order the cheapest either — it may seem like you're not comfortable. Match the interviewer's price range.
Wait for everyone's food to arrive before you start eating. Follow the interviewer's pace — they set the rhythm of the meal.
European dining etiquette varies by country, but a few fundamentals will serve you well across the region.
UK lunch interviews tend to be more formally structured. Keep your elbows off the table, napkin on your lap, and use cutlery from the outside in if multiple sets are provided.
Continental style: fork stays in the left hand (tines down), knife in the right. American style: cut with knife in right hand, then switch fork to the right to eat. Either is acceptable — just be consistent.
Your bread plate is always on the left. Break bread with your hands — never cut it with a knife. Tear off one small piece at a time and butter it individually.
In France and Italy, a glass of wine at lunch is common and declining may seem unusual. In the UK and Northern Europe, it is more acceptable to decline. Follow your interviewer's lead.
The conversation at a lunch interview matters as much as the food. Prepare topics and questions so you can relax and be yourself.
Company culture, team dynamics, the local area, industry trends, and weekend hobbies. These show genuine interest without crossing personal boundaries.
Salary and compensation (save for formal discussions), personal problems, politics, religion, and gossip about previous employers.
"I'd love to hear more about the team culture here." — "What do you enjoy most about working here?" — "I read that your company recently [news item]. That sounds exciting."
Prepare 3–4 questions about the interviewer's background or career path. "How did you get started in this field?" buys you time and shows genuine curiosity.
Ordering food and making small talk in your second language takes practice. These phrases and vocabulary will help you feel prepared.
"I'll have the grilled salmon, please." — "Could I get the Caesar salad?" — "I'd like the pasta, thank you." Practice these before the interview so they feel natural.
"I don't eat pork for personal reasons — could you recommend something else?" — "I have a nut allergy, so I'll avoid that dish." Keep it brief and matter-of-fact.
US: appetizer, entrée (main course), check. UK: starter, main course, bill. Knowing both sets of vocabulary helps you feel confident in any English-speaking country.
If your culture values finishing everything on the plate, note that in the US leaving a small amount is acceptable. If your culture values offering to pay, know that the interviewer always covers the meal.
These are the kinds of casual questions that come up at lunch interviews. Practice keeping your answers warm, brief, and professional.
"So, tell me a bit about yourself — what do you do outside of work?"
Keep it to 2-3 sentences. Share a genuine hobby or interest that shows personality without oversharing. Aim for approachable and relatable.
"What drew you to this industry in the first place?"
Share a brief, authentic story. Connect your motivation to something the interviewer can relate to rather than giving a rehearsed answer.
"How are you finding the city? Have you settled in well?"
Be positive and brief. Mention one or two things you enjoy about the area. This is rapport-building, not a detailed life update.
"What's something you're working on right now that you're excited about?"
Pick one professional or personal project. Show enthusiasm without going into too much technical detail. Keep it conversational.
"Do you have any questions about the team or the company culture?"
Always have questions ready. Ask about team rituals, what people enjoy about working there, or how the team collaborates. Show genuine curiosity.
Use our AI Coach to practice the small talk and behavioural questions you'll face at a lunch interview — so the real thing feels natural.
Check your interview readiness for free
These pages describe what interviewers commonly look for. They cannot tell you what a specific interviewer decided, and nothing here guarantees an interview, an offer or a visa. Practising is preparation — it shows you what to fix next.