Do you have a lunch interview coming up in a few days? Right now, you are likely experiencing several different emotions. You are probably happy and relieved that you have an interview, excited about the possibility of getting a job, and nervous about the interview and the exact type of interview that you are about to have.

Prepare for a lunch interview the way you would prepare for any other type of interview. Research the company. Think of intelligent questions to ask your prospective employer. Pick an outfit that is appropriate to wear to an interview, such as a suit. Then, relax! Exercise, listen to music, read, watch sitcoms, or do something else to take your mind off your worry so that you are not exhausted from worry on the day of your interview. You want to look fresh and rested so that you have the best chance to be offered the job.

The day of the interview, arrive at the restaurant early. You never want to be late for an interview, and a lunch interview is no different. Explain to the staff at the restaurant entrance that you are meeting someone for a lunch intervew. Ask if you can wait at a booth or table near the front, so that your interviewer will see you when he comes in. Then, sit quietly and wait. At this point, you might notice your nervousness increasing. Take a few deep breaths to keep you calm.

When your interviewer arrives, stand up, smile, and shake his hand. Let him sit down first. Then you sit down across the table from him.

When the server comes to take your drink orders, order water. Ordering another beverage, such as coffee or a soft drink, could make you need to take a trip to the restroom, which would spoil the interview. Play it safe, and order water.

When considering what to order for your meal, do not order the most expensive item on the menu. Look for a low-priced but substantial item. Also, be very careful about exactly what you order. If your interview is being held at an Italian restaurant, steer clear of spaghetti on this occasion. This Italian dish would be very awkward to eat during an interview, and potentially very messy. You would not want to splatter your (or your interviewer's) clothing with pasta sauce while you eat. Go with something that is easier to eat, such as spinach lasagna. A dish like this will serve two purposes: it will be safe and easy to eat, and it will also show your interviewer that you care about your health. At a Chinese restaurant, consider sushi and a salad. At a Mexican restaurant, consider a sour cream enchilada and a salad. Since you care about your health, you will obviously care about other areas of your life, like work.

During the interview, relax, but do not let the interviewer do all of the talking. It should be a conversation between the two of you. Ask many questions, so that you can learn about your employer, the company, and the position. You might ask what a typical day with the company is like, what qualities the interviewer looks for in prospective employees, and what advancement opportunities are available within the company. By having questions for your employer, you will show that you are interested in the job.

If the interview is a success, you should be offered the job. If you are not offered the job, however, do not despair. Simply stand up when your interviewer stands up, smile, shake his hand, thank him for meeting with you, and leave the restaurant with your head held high. Then continue your job search.