Let's do lunch...

September 4, 2008 3:02 PM

Another JobFilter question. I have had a couple emails worth of contact with a person who is looking for a bookstore manager position

I have run a bookstore for three years, so I've got that part covered.

My question is, he said he wants to grab lunch and talk about the job. I've yet to have a formal interview, just a few emails and him looking at my resume.

What should I expect/plan for? If it was an interview I'd obviously show up in a suit, should I just treat this as an interview and dress appropriately?

I've never had my first contact with a potential employer begin in this manner, so any advice at all would be very helpful.

posted by highfidelity to Work & Money (4 answers total)

Where is lunch going to be? If you are going to a Chili's or something like that I'd go with a navy blazer sans tie. If it's a more upscale restaurant suit up. When in doubt, you can't go wrong by wearing the suit though.
posted by COD at 3:26 PM on September 4, 2008

With a suit you can always take it down to casual by taking of your jacket but you can't formalize a polo.
posted by piedmont at 3:27 PM on September 4, 2008

Best answer: This is an informal/informational interview situation, so you can't go wrong just slightly up-garbed from "biz casual" but prepared for full on formality, if necessary.

Wear the suit sans tie BUT have the tie (gently rolled) in your pocket, just in case.

Until you put the tie on, I think it goes without saying that your first (and possibly second) button(s) on your shirt should be left open...but I'm saying it just in case.

As someone who has done lunch interviews from both perspectives in the past, don't order alcohol or anything that will keep you incapable of speaking for long periods.
posted by batmonkey at 3:37 PM on September 4, 2008

Wouldn't worry too much, sounds like you already have the job. Good luck!
posted by docmccoy at 8:23 PM on September 4, 2008