Interviewing in a public space

[alibhai]

Before the interview:
1. Prepare yourself exactly as in the case of a normal job interview: do some research about the company, have your answers prepared for the typical interview questions and of course, do your list of questions.
2. Ask for a confirmation of the time and location of the appointment and at the same time inquire on how you will recognize the interviewer.
3. The dressing code should not be omitted. Even if the interview takes place in a more casual place, dress in a professional manner.
4. Do not forget to bring with you some resumes, your portfolio, pad and pen in order for you to be able to take notes.

During the interview:
1. First and foremost you should watch your manners. Do not order everything you wish from the menu. Decide on something simple and easy to eat. You should never order the most expensive item, considering that in most of the cases it is the interviewer who pays.
2. Stay up straight, do not talk with your mouth full, keep your elbows off the table and avoid drinking alcohol; the interview is probably frustrating enough for you, you don't need to 'spice it up' even more;
3. Considering that the interview takes place in a public environment, there will probably be a lot of noise: customers coming in and out, the staff coming and going. Even though it might seem hard, try focusing on the interviewer as much as you can. In the case of public space interviewing you have a double role: firstly you have to keep the interviewer focused and entertained by not going off-topic and secondly you need to ponder much more on your own concentration.

After the interview:
Even though a public space might seem much more unorganized than an office, one thing that you must not forget after the interview is sending a thank you note; this is a method by which you can also find out what is the status of your candidacy.