Fine Dining Etiquette: Presented by Career Services

Fine Dining Etiquette
Presented by Career Services
160 Henry Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253 (678) 547-6584

What is the Purpose of
Etiquette?
Etiquette rules are actually supposed to
make you feel comfortable, not
uncomfortable.
The idea is that if there are standards that

people abide by, then you can have
confidence that you are behaving
"appropriately."
It takes the guesswork out of public

behavior.
Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

2
Why Learn Dining
Etiquette?
Many employers want to see how candidates
handle themselves in a public and/or formal
dining setting.
In todays world of work, not just in

Corporate America, business is often
conducted over a meal.
Professional networking also takes place over

appetizers or a meal.
Your behavior and presentation can make

you or break you.
3 Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

Job Interviews & Dining
The primary purpose is the interview, not

the meal.
Dining-Interviews follow the same principles

as regular interviews, so preparation is key.
Dining-Interviews require you to multi-task,

while minding your manners.
Topics to avoid: Health, Religion, Politics or

other controversial subjects.

4
Job Interviews & Dining
There is a chance that you will dine and

interview with more than one person
representing the employer.
Can be more stressful than a one-on-one

interview.
Initially address your answer to the person

who asked it, but move your eyes around
the table to others to make a personal
connection with them also.

Job Interviews & Dining:
DOs and DONTs
Dont go hungry.
Do be prepared to pay, just in case.
Dont order alcohol, even if the
host/hostess does.
Do prepare questions you will ask the
employer.
Dont order the most expensive item on
the menu.
Do be polite and know proper etiquette.
Do have cash in case you have to pay for
parking or to tip for valet service.

6
Job Interviews & Dining:
DOs and DONTs
Do bring your pad-folio, a nice pen and

extra resumes.
Do bring your list of prepared questions.
Dont order messy foods or finger foods.
Do eat. Just dont eat vigorously.
Dont order garlic.
Do be polite and diplomatic if a problem
with service should occur.
Dont order dessert unless the
host/hostess does.
Do slip in your well-thought-out answers
in between bites. This is what its all about.

7
Before the Meal
Locate the restaurant and plan your driving

path and parking.
Check to see if a menu is available online. If

so, familiarize with the food options.
Turn cell phone off. (Or, dont bring it in.)
Shake hands with each interviewer.

8
Being Seated at the Table
Both men and women should always enter

the chair from the RIGHT side of the chair.
Simply pull the chair out and take a seat.
First Thing Upon Being Seated:
Place your napkin in your lap.
(The only exception to this rule: If there is

an identifiable host or hostess, you will want
to wait and follow their lead.)

The Napkin
DINNER LUNCH
The napkin used for The napkin used for

dinner is large. lunch is smaller than
a dinner napkin.
Unfold the napkin Unfold the napkin

only way, with the entirely and place
fold facing toward horizontally across
you and place your lap.
horizontally across
your lap. The shape you will
see in your lap is
The shape you will SQUARE.
see in your lap is a
RECTANGLE.

10
The Place Setting Will Depend On The Courses and
Beverages Being Served. Here is a full-setting:
Bread Plate
Dinner Plate

Which Drink is Yours?
b d
MEMORY DEVICE TO HELP YOU
Hold both hands in front of you, palms

facing each other. Make a b with your left
hand. Make a d with your right hand.
Bread (b) is always on your left, and drink

(d) is always on your right.

12
Ordering
As the guest, your order will be taken first.
It is acceptable to ask the server questions.
Avoid asking for substitutions.
Order only two courses unless the
host/hostess makes a comment encouraging
you to order another.
Courses Include: Appetizer, Soup, Salad, Entre,
Dessert/Coffee
Avoid messy foods or finger foods.
Water and Tea are always acceptable.
Soda is sometimes acceptable.
Alcohol is never acceptable.
Cherry tomatoes can be a nightmare when
trying to cut them. Just dont eat them.

The Utensils
Always use the knives and forks FROM THE

OUTSIDE IN, no matter how many there
are.
The outside fork is for salad.
The fork closest to the plate is for the main
course.
The silverware will be removed as you finish
each course.
Used utensils are never placed on the
table.

14
When To Begin Drinking and
Eating?
If water is on the table as you are seated, it

is appropriate to sip your water after
everyone is seated (once your napkin is in
your lap).
Other beverages and food: WAIT UNTIL

EVERYONE HAS BEEN SERVED TO
BEGIN.
It is cordial to wait until the host/hostess

begins eating/drinking.

The Bread
Can be in a basket. Or, sometimes will be on

your bread plate upon your arrival.
Do not begin eating bread or other

communal food until the host indicates.
Always tear bread into bite-size pieces,

butter, and then eat. Never butter the entire
piece (or ) and eat the slice.
When you pick up the bread basket, offer it,

first, to the person to your left. Then serve
yourself and pass to the right.

16
Passing Items
1. First offer the item to the person on

your left, before serving yourself.
2. Serve yourself.
3. Then pass to your RIGHT.
Items To Pass Can Include:

Salad Dressing
Salt & Pepper (always passed together)
Cream and Sugar (can be passed separately)
Bread Basket
Sweetener

Salt & Pepper
The salt and pepper are MARRIED.
You must always pass them together, even if

someone only requests one of them.
Never salt or pepper your food before

tasting it. It is considered rude.

18
Cream and Sugar
The cream and sugar are DIVORCED.
They do not have to be passed together.
Pass only the requested item.

Soup & Salad
Dip your soup spoon away from yourself to

fill your spoon with soup.
Rest your spoon periodically. If a service
plate is behind the bowl, use it. If not, rest
your spoon in the bowl of soup.
To finish the last bite of soup, it is acceptable
to tip your bowl slightly to fill your spoon.
It is okay to cut your salad if the pieces are
too big. Cut only a few pieces at a time.
Cherry tomatoes are an accident-waiting-to-
happen. Just dont eat them.

20
Two Dining Styles
1. American Style
2. European Style
Both are acceptable in the United States.
Choose the one you are most comfortable

with.

Begin To Eat
Both American and European styles begin

the same way:
Start with the entre meat.
Begin with your fork in your left hand, tines

facing down, with the index finger along the
back of the fork.
At the same time, your knife should be in

your right hand, blade facing down, with the
index finger along the back of the knife.

22
American Style
After cutting your food, place the knife at

the upper edge of your plate.
TRANSFER THE FORK OVER TO YOUR

RIGHT HAND and place the food into your
mouth with the tines facing up.
Your left hand goes in your lap while you are

taking a bite.
While resting, your hands always stay below

the table. (unless you are taking a drink)

European Style
After you have cut your food, KEEP THE

FORK IN YOUR LEFT HAND, and place
the food into your mouth with the tines
facing down.
To put a soft food onto your fork, spear the

meat and use your knife to push the food up
and onto the back of the fork. This is
standard for European style.
While resting between bites, your hands and

wrists (not forearms or elbows) always stay
above the table.

24
What To Do If Your Napkin
Falls On The Floor?
If your napkin falls on the floor and it is
within easy reach, retrieve it.
If you are unable to retrieve the napkin

without drawing attention to yourself, ask
the server for another one.

Taking a break
There is a silent signal to the wait-staff that

you are not quite finished eating, but only
taking a break. This method is the same for
both styles:
Rest your fork, tines down, on the left side

of your plate, around 7 oclock.
Rest your knife, blade facing in, on the right
side of your plate, around 5 oclock.
Depending on how much room you have on
your plate, you may have to adjust the
utensils apart more or a little closer
together.
They can overlap in the center of the plate if
necessary.

26
Finished Eating
There is a silent signal to the wait-staff that you
are completely finished eating. This method is
the same for both styles:
Place your fork and your knife side-by-side at

the 10:20 position on a clock, with the fork on
the inside. (some say 9:15 position)
Fork tines can face up or down.
The knife blade always faces inward on the plate.
When you are finished, place your napkin on the

table on the left side of your plate. This is the
only time the napkin goes back on the table.

Excusing Yourself From The
Table During The Meal
Loosely place your napkin on the back of

your chair, never in the seat.
While making the motion to get up, simply

inform the person to the left and right
Please excuse me. Ill be right back.
Get out of your chair on the RIGHT side.

28
Important Points
Limit sweetener to two packets. Tear one (or
both at the same time) of the way at the top of
the packet. Leave the paper waste neatly on the
coffee service plate or on an empty bread plate.
When in doubt, use your utensils rather than

your fingers (even French fries).
If there is a problem with your food, handle it
discreetly. Dont cause a scene.
Your napkin is used to blot or dap your mouth.
Bring food to your mouth, not mouth to the
food.

Important Points
Men should rise when a woman leaves the
table. It is not necessary to completely stand
for a temporary departure. Simply rise off
the seat to acknowledge her leaving.
Never groom at the table. (e.g. lipstick, face
powder, eye-contacts, etc.)
Some restaurants require you to keep your
jacket on during the meal.
If your utensil falls on the floor, discreetly
ask the server for another one.
If food falls off of your plate onto the floor,
leave it and dont step in it. If it falls onto the
table, use your fork and move it up onto the
corner of your plate. Or, let it be.
It is polite to leave some food on your plate.

30
How Do I Eat and Interview
at the Same Time?
Remember, the point of the occasion is NOT

the meal.You actually may not have much
time to eat.
You can initiate asking questions so that the

conversation is more balanced and you have
more time to eat.
Dont try to eat too fast. A large, hurriedly-

eaten meal can make you drowsy and
uncomfortable; a disadvantage if you still
have to perform after the meal.

If You Dont Like An Item
Be polite. Never criticize or state your

dislike. Eat the foods you do like and try
unfamiliar foods.
If you are asked if you like something, and it

would be an obvious untruth if you dont,
say something gracious like Im not
accustomed to this flavor, but Im glad to
have the opportunity to try it.
The job that you are being interviewed for

may involve dining. Thus you could be
evaluated for your grace in such situations.

32
Points To Remember
The purpose of the meal is the

interview.
Follow the lead of your host/hostess.
Be discreet and polite.

Taxonomy of an Interview
A first interview typically has 6 identifiable
phases:
1. Breaking the ice with small talk

2. Recruiter asking questions of the
candidate
3. Recruiter asking more probing questions
for in-depth information
4. Candidate asking questions of the
recruiter
5. Following up and going over next steps in
recruitment process
6. The close

34
Interview Attire
Before you are able to speak or shake hands, the
interviewer, as well as everyone else you meet, is going
to notice your appearance. An unfavorable first
impression with any of these employees could easily ruin
your chances of getting the job, especially if the other
candidates are all impeccably dressed.
First impressions are critical! Remember, you are

marketing a product yourself to a potential employer.
Would you select a product off of the grocery shelf that
did not look appealing? Probably not. You must make
every effort to be professionally dressed for an
interview, as well as throughout your career in order to
be seen as promotable.
The general rule regarding appearance is to dress

conservatively. Its how you are dressed that sets the tone
of the interview. If possible, prior to the actual interview
investigate your prospective employer so that what you
wear to the interview makes you look as though you fit
in with the organization. If you overdress (floral dress
you might wear to church) or under-dress (khakis and
golf shirt), the potential employer may feel that you
dont care enough about the job. Your goal should be to
look successful and professional.

Professional Attire means:
A suit or coat and matching pants or skirt in
a dark color, such as black, grey, or navy.
Make sure all of your clothes are clean and
pressed and your shoes are polished.
Your hair should be nicely trimmed or
styled, making sure that no hair falls into
your face during the interview.
Tattoos are hidden under clothes or makeup.
An overall look that conveys competency,
maturity, and reliability.
Attention to detail is crucial, and it will be
important in your job responsibilities as well
as in the interview process.

36
Womens Attire
Business suit in a conservative dark matt color (nothing shiny);
skirt hemline (if wearing a skirt) should come to knees or right
below not too short or too long.
Matching white or off-white blouse; avoid anything with lace or
low cut.
Dark closed toe shoes with a conservative heel stick with the
basic pump and avoid anything with straps or decorative fixtures;
make sure you polish your shoes before the interview
(interviewers will often at candidates shoes).
Wear flesh color hose when wearing a skirt.
Light to moderate makeup; no heavy eye shadow, blush, or very
bright lipstick.
No perfume or perfumed body lotion (you never know if the
interviewer will be extra sensitive to scents; too much perfume
or cologne is a commonly cited reason for failed interviews).
Conservative jewelry; wear only one set of small earrings, no
charm bracelets, and no necklaces with names on them (an
interesting pin worn on the lapel will sometimes give the
interviewer something to compliment). No visible piercings in
nose, eyebrows, tongue, navel, or excessively on the ears.
Conservatively manicured hands with short nails and no colored
nail polish.
Hair should be short or pulled back from your face; style should
not make the interviewer wonder how you got it to stay in
place.

Mens Attire
Business suit in a conservative dark color;

wool or wool blend preferably no
summer seersucker or linen and nothing
shiny.
White or off-white button down shirt.
Dark matching dress shoes; make sure
they are polished.
Conservative tie.
Basic leather belt.
Clean shave and clean, trimmed nails.
No cologne or after shave lotion.
No earring(s) or visible piercings in nose,
eyebrows, tongue, or naval.

38
Behavioral Interview Questions
Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone
to see things your way.
Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping
skills.
Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a
problem.
Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.
Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's
opinion.
Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did
not agree.
Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.
Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job
done.
Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize
your tasks.
Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.
What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that
individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).
Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.
Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.
Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-
worker.
Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.
Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.
Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.
Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem.
Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.
Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.
Please tell me about a time you had to fire a friend.
Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low).

Before, During & After
The Interview
BEFORE
Thoroughly research the company or organization and be familiar with their services, mission and vision,
and clientele/patients/customers. Be thoroughly familiar with the job vacancy notice, if appropriate.
Plan your physical presentation ahead of time.
Prepare answers to typical interview questions and practice your answers in front of a mirror or with an
honest friend or member of the Career Services staff. You want to make sure that you project confidence
and composure in your answers.
Make extra copies of your resume, your references, and portfolio materials, if appropriate, and take to the
interview in a nice pad-folio, portfolio or briefcase.
Find out the exact location of the interview, how long it will take to get there, alternate route, and plan
to arrive 15-30 minutes early. Always have single bills and change for a parking meter or lot.
If you have the option of scheduling an interview, take into account your cycle of energy. If you
are not a morning person, schedule an afternoon interview. If you drag in the afternoons,
schedule a morning appointment. However, if your interview is scheduled without your input,
then make the most of the time you are in front of the employer.
If you are one of the first, make a positive lasting impression through your knowledge of the
employer, knowledge of yourself, and how you can add value to the hospital/company. If you are
in the middle, do something that will energize the recruiter such as asking the recruiter about
themselves and what their typical day is like and then relate what you have in common and how
you would be challenged in that kind of environment. If you are one of the last to be
interviewed, make sure you have something fresh to say in order to differentiate you from all who
went before you, such as personal knowledge of the companys services/departments and how
you were impressed or have suggestions on how to improve it. Keep in mind that even a weary
recruiter has an interest in what you say and how you present yourself.
DURING
A first interview typically has 6 identifiable phases:
(1) Breaking the ice with small talk
(2) Recruiter asking questions of the candidate
(3) Recruiter asking more probing questions for in-depth information
(4) Candidate asking questions of the recruiter
(5) Following up and going over next steps in recruitment process
(6) The close

40
Before, During & After
The Interview
DURING (contd)
Enter the interview room with a smile, a positive attitude, and a firm handshake.
Maintain good eye contact throughout the interview and always look genuinely interested in the
company or organization and the job.
Speak clearly and avoid slang words.
Have confident answers for typical interview questions (see list of sample interview questions).
Be prepared to provide examples and stories of how you have used your knowledge, skills, and
abilities, relevant to the position.
Review key qualifications for the position and know how you can use your assets for the
companys benefit.
View each question as an opportunity to sell yourself.
Identify strengths and specific examples or stories. Examples are absolutely critical.
Keep your responses concise and focused, but not abrupt.
Never say anything negative about a former company, employer or staff member.
Have two or three questions prepared to ask the interviewer which highlight your research and
interest.
Ask for the interviewers business card, or clarify the interviewers name and correct spelling,
before leaving the interview.
Before leaving, emphasize your interest in the position and briefly summarize your skills that
make you a good fit for the position.
AFTER
Immediately send a thank you note to the interviewer(s). If a panel interviewed
you, send a thank-you to each person.
Keep a record of the date of the interview, with whom you spoke, impressions of the employer,
and any questions that arise after the interview for future reference.
Work on answers to interview questions that you were not confident about and set up a mock
interview with the Career Services Office if you need additional interview practice.
Continue to apply for positions and interview with other employers until you have accepted an
offer.

The Employers Perspective
Interviews involve give-and-take from interviewers and

candidates.
Different perspectives are obtained when a candidate

is interviewed by multiple people.
Employer questions will revolve around how well a
candidate can work with and through people.
An interview is a means of sorting through doers
and posers.
Employers seek examples of how candidates build
and maintain personal relationships and mutual
trust.
Whatever is on a resume is fair game to be discussed
in an interview.
Interviewers look and listen for values alignment to
the mission of the employers.
Questions can be designed to explore the
resourcefulness of a candidate.

42
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Fine Dining Etiquette

Presented by Career Services

160 Henry Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253 (678) 547-6584

The idea is that if there are standards that

It takes the guesswork out of public

Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

In todays world of work, not just in

Professional networking also takes place over

Your behavior and presentation can make

3 Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

The primary purpose is the interview, not

Dining-Interviews follow the same principles

Dining-Interviews require you to multi-task,

Topics to avoid: Health, Religion, Politics or

Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

There is a chance that you will dine and

Can be more stressful than a one-on-one

Initially address your answer to the person

5 Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

Do bring your pad-folio, a nice pen and

Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

Locate the restaurant and plan your driving

Check to see if a menu is available online. If

Turn cell phone off. (Or, dont bring it in.)

Shake hands with each interviewer.

Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

Both men and women should always enter

First Thing Upon Being Seated:

Place your napkin in your lap.

(The only exception to this rule: If there is

9 Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

The napkin used for The napkin used for

Unfold the napkin Unfold the napkin

Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

11 Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

Hold both hands in front of you, palms

Bread (b) is always on your left, and drink

Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

13 Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

Always use the knives and forks FROM THE

Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

If water is on the table as you are seated, it

Other beverages and food: WAIT UNTIL

It is cordial to wait until the host/hostess

15 Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

Can be in a basket. Or, sometimes will be on

Do not begin eating bread or other

Always tear bread into bite-size pieces,

When you pick up the bread basket, offer it,

Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

1. First offer the item to the person on

3. Then pass to your RIGHT.

Items To Pass Can Include:

17 Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

The salt and pepper are MARRIED.

You must always pass them together, even if

Never salt or pepper your food before

Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith

The cream and sugar are DIVORCED.

They do not have to be passed together.

Pass only the requested item.

19 Dining Etiquette by Kim Meredith