January 26th, 2013, 12:46 pm
Even in London, alcohol at lunch is these days not seen as a good move, though there is a possibility that for a sales role it might be OK, but the odds aren't in your favour.But ironically, this is part of the "pub test", you are going to spend more time with this person than the one you sleep with and "please" & "thankyou" matter more than many entry level (and fewer but too many experienced) people realise."thanks, a water would be great", being clear that politeness showed to the serving staff is good, not in some abstract moral sense, little nods, thankyou's etc show you someone who works well with someone "below" you as well as being good at sucking up to bosses.The interviewer presumably chose the restaurant, so interact with him as in "which things here ?", shows respect and most people like their opinion to be sought.I edited that phrase for the plural, to give you wiggle room in case they suggest something you really detest.A variant is to ask "what's the fish like here ?"A heavy meal, let alone with ethanol is a bad move because you're going to spend the several more hours in a warm room, in a situation where alertness is important, long chain carbohydrates are your friend, so although I see the point of those who suggest Coke, personally I'd go for water.The trickier situation is being offered a glass, my own response would be "thanks, but I'm being grilled this afternoon and want to be at my best".If, however, you're sure the lunch is the end of the process then accept.