What's the appropriate attire for a lunch interview?

Question

I've recently been invited to lunch by a well known financial firm to discuss a possible career opportunity. I've been in several interviews but this is the first time I've been invited to lunch (casual dining). What's the appropriate attire for something like this? Although I've met with the interviewer before, it's our first formal meeting so I think I should be in a suit. At the same time, this is the first time I will be at an interview outisde the office environment.

Answer 1

Since its casual dining, just dress smart casual. You can't go wrong with that!

Answer 2

I think the suit advice is the best advice, since it is a financial company. The interviewer will likely be just coming from the office and in a suit, and you don't want to be underdressed.

There are more things to consider over a lunch interview than just what you wear. It sounds like they may be testing you to see how you interact with people, so ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS be courteous and grateful with the wait staff. Look them in the eye and smile and say thank you. The salt suggestion was also a good one. It's possible they aren't going to pay attention to that sort of thing, but you should be aware that some interviewers are looking for stuff like that.

Answer 3

I'm thinking the suit would be the best thing to wear. You could always take the suit jacket off if need be. You don't want to overdress nor underdress and you were smart ;) for seeking advice on this one.

One other thing.....be sure to taste whatever it is that you order BEFORE using any salt or pepper or whatever seasonings are on the table. In college, one of my professors told us about how he blew his very first interview, that was also a lunch interview....simply by adding salt to his food without first tasting it. He was told he didn't get the job because he just assumed that what he'd ordered needed some extra flavor.....I've often wondered if that were really true.....but why take the chance??

Good luck :)!

Answer 4

Lunch interview is the same thing as an office interview.

Some people behave less formally during lunch and this could be the reason for this interview, to observe you and talk in an apparent "casual" environment. Don't be fooled.

Depending on the position you are applying for: same thing applies, clean crisp dress, suit if you own one, conservative sweater/blouse and skirt/pants no bangling bracelets, modest earings, little if no perfume, cleaned and buffed shoes.

Good luck.

P.S. You are also interviewing them.

Answer 5

I think you should wear a suit but don't wear a tie and you shouldn't button up the shirt all the way try to be casual but at the same time professional.

Answer 6

Wear the suit. You can always take the jacket off to be more casual.

Answer 7

Definitely a suit -- and a darker, conservative suit.

Answer 8

Sounds conservative - go with the suit...