I concur never offer anything “gift-wise” for any sort of an interview. DO and remember this, thank him via email or small card for the dinner and the “opportunity to discuss” the advancement, as soon as possible.
As for ordering booze, one thing I learned is that it is off putting to some people NOT to have wine. I don’t drink period. And I had evening dinner interviews where I declined wine and such.
But I have come to find out many people will not drink if you don’t. OR worse they think if you say, “I don’t drink,” that the reason is you’re an ex-alcoholic.
The “informal interview”, which was supposed to be a simple Q&A session, turned into a full-on interview early on. At the end of lunch, they flat-out told me they were recommending me for the position. This would be a serious promotion for me.
Not counting on anything until the salary is negotiated and the offer letter signed, but everything’s looking very, very good.
Oh, and I didn’t reach for my wallet. They didn’t give me a chance to.
Classic case of passive agressive one upmanship that will lose you the job. Beside, how much do you need it if you can afford to pay for everyone’s lunch? :dubious:
Most companies have policies where the senior person at the table picks up the check. It’s not passive aggressiveness but a decent policy that avoids the senior person knowingly or unknowingly pressuring a more junior person over the bill.
No. Don’t even offer to pay. This may be informal but it’s still an interview. If you are being interviewED, they pay. If you are conducting the interview, you pay.
This would be a serious promotion for me.