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Group interview over lunch

by Bob
(Michigan)

Mike-
The engineering director of a prestigious company has invited me back for a second job interview over lunch. He told me 2 or 3 of his colleagues will be joining us. I'm applying for 1 of 2 open Engineering Manager positions.

I desperately need this job and don't want to do anything to screw this up. My first interview with the engineering director couldn't have gone better, but now I'm getting nervous about this group interview over lunch.

How can I find out the names and titles of the other 2-3 people who will be joining us?

Should I do anything differently at a lunch interview?

It sounds pretty positive if we're all meeting together over lunch. But I don't want to jinx myself by being over confident. Knowing my luck I'll probably have a coughing fit on a dinner roll.

I've been out of work for 10 months and this is the closest I've come to an offer. Things are really getting rough for us financially. I don't know how much longer we can hang on. So, I'm praying I get this job.

My interview is tomorrow, so your quick reply would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

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May 07, 2010
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by: Michael Petras

Hope this advice isn't too late. If you've already met with the hiring manager, he obviously is very impressed with you to be inviting you to lunch with his boss and other hiring authorities.

No one person makes a hiring decision since you will be interfacing with others in their organization. So, they want to make sure you are a fit for their corporate culture.

See if you can get the names and titles of the other people who will be joining you by simply emailing the engineering director for this information. Don't make a big deal out of it. Just write, "Looking forward to our luncheon interview tomorrow. Would you be so kind as to email me back with the names and titles of your associates who will be joining us?"

Since your boss is at a director level, you likely will meet with other Directors or a VP.

People at these levels often have bios out on the web (including the company website), have published an article, or have been interviewed by the press. Research each person to get as much insight as possible as to what are their hot buttons, burning issues, or business successes.

Your second round of interviews could actually be more demanding and stressful as sometimes higher ups can play "bad cop" to see if your future boss screened you enough during the first interview. So prepare well just like you did the first time around.

A lot of candidates go into a second job interview unprepared emotionally after a great first interview, thinking since they've been invited back a 2nd time, it will be easier and more relaxed.

Lastly, even though they are taking you to lunch, this is still a job interview setting. You might want to order a light lunch because you will be doing most of the talking while everyone else is eating.

For more detailed insights, check out:


Hope this helps. I'm optimistic for you and the odds are even more in your favor with 2 openings.

Good luck!

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