Handle social interviews

At an office interview, you should maintain eye contact, listen carefully to questions, and back up your answers with evidence; the social interview is no different, but you will have to juggle all these priorities with ordering food, holding a glass, and even joining in chit-chat on non-company issues, such as people in the news, sport, or music.

Even if everyone is relaxed it's absolutely imperative to behave as you would in a more formal interview. Never forget, however convivial the atmosphere, you are still being watched and judged. How you act today will give you prospective boss an idea of how you are likely to act in a similar situation with, say, colleagues from another department, or even clients or suppliers.

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If you are at lunch or dinner, it's even more crucial to treat waiters or bar staff with courtesy. Be on time, preferably early, and on no account begin ordering before your hosts have arrived. Perfect your table etiquette beforehand ( and ask a trusted relative or friend if you are unsure about what goes there).

When ordering food, go for something that wont be too messy to eat - but avoid ordering the most expensive dish on the menu, a move that will be regarded as unprofessional. And if no-one else is having a starter, nor should you.

You will be asked lots of questions, don wolf down food that will require a pause before you are able to answer. Join in the conversation as much as possible, even if younger or less experienced potential colleagues begin talking shop. Ask questions, and be interested in them as people so that you are remembered for all the right reasons.

Finally, after the long lunch/dinner, you may find that people start to drift off one by one. Depending on the time of the day, try to stay until your main contact is ready to leave. Under no account, offer to foot the bill, thinking it will make a good impression, because it won't. Express your continued interest in the position, it will help.