Topic discussions during lunch on an interview?

[vital]

A company is flying me in for an interview and looks like I have to be there from 10am to 2pm so most likely they'll take me out to lunch. Anyone with direct experience know what to talk about? Should I keep it work related and just talk about the position? Keep off topic small talk to a minimum?

 

[SunnyD]

Usually it's a mix of background/experience along with "getting to know the personal side of you", meaning hobbies, interested, what you do in your spare time, etc.

 

[Drako]

Politics and religion.

 

[Texashiker]

Be sure to order a crown and coke with your lunch.

 

[kranky]

"I know a little about (that city), for example (supply a couple details)... how would you describe (city)?"
You could riff off of that for a while. I think it would be good to give the impression you are evaluating the area as much as the position, but you don't want to talk about negative factors.

Like the time my wife met one of my co-workers at an after-work event, and she asked what part of town he was from. When he answered (name of a not very nice neighborhood) she blurted out "Whoa...really?" She's still embarrassed about it years later.

 

[Fear No Evil]

Politics and religion.

This.

 

[blackdogdeek]

if i were paying to fly someone out to my company for an interview i would not spend any time during the 4 hours on lunch. those 4 hours would be packed with as many interviews with as many interviewers as possible.

 

[AreaCode707]

"So why did you choose to work here? What do you like about it? What do you find most challenging?"

Asking about the area is good too.

 

[Kirby]

"Have you ever seen a grown man naked?"

 

[sandorski]

Your sexual conquests, especially at your last workplace. Subject++ if that includes previous Boss's Wife.

 

[HybridSquirrel]

just talk to them, have a conversation with them as you would with a friend (minus the naughty bits).

 

[KaOTiK]

Whip it out and slam it on the table, establish dominance.

 

[chusteczka]

Wipe it out and slam it on the table, establish dominance.

It can be difficult to establish dominance after having slammed a chalkboard eraser on the table.

 

[KaOTiK]

It can be difficult to establish dominance after having slammed a chalkboard eraser on the table.

ops

 

[zerocool84]

Perfect question to ask:

Okay, here's the shot out of the cannon: Oprah, Barbara Walters, your wife. You gotta fuck one, marry one, kill one, go!

 

[IronWing]

Just stare intently at your food while carefully cutting it up into ever smaller pieces. Act like you're about to shovel it into your mouth, stop, and cut it up some more. Then finally, shovel it in as fast as you can and slam a glass of water to chase it down. Then place the silverware and glass on top of the plate and carefully cover the entire stack with the napkin, being meticulous about it completely covering the plate. Reach over to next table and grab more napkins to ensure that plate is covered.

 

[BoomerD]

So...how about those <insert local sports team>?

 

[chusteczka]

A lot can be determined about a person during a lunch interview. There is much to observe. Quantity of food when someone else is paying. Food preferences. Eating and speaking manners. Sitting with a straight back or slouching. Many people lower their guard when eating lunch and focus on conversational topics while forgetting the basics.

For instance, how will the person behave when someone else reaches for the ketchup bottle or the salt at the same time?

 

[Kadarin]

When we interview people, at lunch we tend to want to see some personality so that we can see if they're a good fit for the group.

 

[Wanescotting]

What line of work are you in?

 

[coldmeat]

Make sure your pants don't swoosh.

 

[Texashiker]

OP, bring a picture of your naked wife, show it to the other guys and ask if any of them are into swinging or gangbangs.

Everyone likes sex, so start the topic on something everyone can relate to.

 

[lokiju]

Lunch interviews are to see how you'd interact with the group.

They want to see if you're a social retard or can get along in a group setting.

 

[her209]

Pose a scruples question.
http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/151771/scruples

 

[Jeeebus]

They want to see if you're a social retard or can get along in a group setting.

Exactly. Carry on a conversation, don't order a bottle of wine for the table, and for god's sake don't order spaghetti or anything else that you're going to be slurping/throwing around your face/the table.

I should write a book about all the idiotic things I've seen during interviews (a few of them my own).