Attending a business dinner or lunch is more than just sharing a meal; it’s an opportunity to showcase your professionalism, social skills, and personality. These meals can also be valuable networking events, allowing you to build relationships with professionals and learn more about a company. Being prepared demonstrates your motivation and respect for the opportunity.
Here are some essential tips to help you shine at your next business meal which features tips from Training Connection’s “Business Dining Etiquette” and the Career Centers.
Before Arriving:
- Do your research: take time to research the people you’ll be dining with and on the company. This will help you prepare thoughtful questions and engage in meaningful conversations.
- Be prepared to share a bit about yourself. Having an elevator pitch prepared will help you feel confident when it’s your turn to speak.
- Look at the menu in advance to make it easy to decide what you’ll order. A good rule of thumb is to avoid ordering the most expensive or messy items on the menu.
- Plan to depart for the meeting with enough time to travel and account for possible delays. If you are too early, go to a coffee shop or window shop in a store.
- Greet your host and wait for further instruction to be seated.
Understanding Your Place Setting
Don’t let a fancy table intimidate you! Most business meals will have a standard place setting. Here’s a simple way to remember it:
- Solids on the left, liquids on the right – plates are always placed on the left, while glasses are on the right.
- Forks are on the left, knives and spoons on the right.
- The rule for utensils is to work inward toward your plate as the meal progresses. Place settings are organized so that with each new meal course presented, the guest can use the outermost utensil(s).
Using Your Napkin:
- Once everyone is seated, gently unfold your napkin and place it on your lap. If it’s a large napkin, you can fold it in half first.
- Keep your napkin on your lap throughout the entire meal.
- If you need to step away, place your napkin on your chair to signal to the server that you will be returning.
During the Meal:
- Follow the host’s lead. Wait for your host or the most senior person at the table to sit down and to signal when it’s appropriate to begin eating.
- Mind your manners:
- Keep your elbows off the table while eating.
- Avoid talking with your mouth full.
- Chew quietly and don’t slurp your drinks.
- Ask questions and listen intently.
- If you need something that is not within your reach, politely ask the person next to you to pass it to you.
- Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages; stick with non-alcoholic options.
After Dining:
- Your host will pay the bill, thank them for doing so and for having you.
- Exchange contact information: before leaving, politely ask attendees for their email or connect with them on LinkedIn to stay in touch.
- Email the host to thank them for the invitation to the meal and any other professionals you met.
- If applicable, send your resume to any professionals who asked for it.
- Stay engaged: research upcoming events with the company to attend and show your continued interest.
Possible Situations and Solutions:
- If you have dietary limitations: If you cannot eat a certain type of food or have some special needs, tell your host several days before the meeting.
- You accidentally spilled food or drinks on a guest: Don’t panic. First, sincerely apologize; then, see how you can help, such as by cleaning up.