So quick background, I'm a comp sci major with Japanese && International Studies minors and through a series of a couple of phone interviews, ended up being requested last week to meet (no 'interview' language was used) for 45 minutes at BCF and was also invited to a dinner this Friday. From my understanding companies typically don't invite *that* far out in advance with regards to dinner (usually after an on-site interview) and being this is the #1 company I want to work for, I want to nail the dinner 'interview'.

Any advice people can offer such as things to do, things not to do?

The only things I can think of are
1) Really know the company and the industry and maybe a little bit on how to make cocktail conversation
2) Don't place elbows on the table, and have good posture
3) Be yourself

I don't know anything particular to this industry, but probably coming prepared with some smart questions about their company and industry would be a good idea. Also, being prepared to decisively say that you don't know the answer to a question would impress the types of people you probably want to be working for. And knowing a little about the actual people you will be having dinner with would make a good impression, especially if you have anything in common like you're both into sailing or went to the same school...

What's the company?

If they are inviting you to dinner, you are basically locked in and they already have plans to offer you the job. The idea of dinner is to build a stronger relationship with you so that you join them instead of another company.

Just play things safe. Don't say anything controversial. Show your willingness to learn and grow and be flexible for the company. Brush up on the company history and corporate philosophies. Make sure you don't tell any stories contradicting anything you see there.

Be yourself but be strategic about it. If the company has a reputation for long hours and that doesn't mesh with your personality, don't talk about it at dinner. Keep that info to yourself until you make it through your company's probation period. Then bring your foot down regarding overtime.

That's my advice as an HR person who is currently organizing the MBA recruiting for my company at BCF.

Out of curiosity, is this for a programming position?

Anyway, I assume one of the purposes of a dinner interview is to see what your personality/manners are like. The former is rather difficult to change on the fly, so I wouldn't bother too much (but if you have any abrasive tendencies, like a fondness for sarcasm, definitely keep them in check). However, the latter is easy to learn and modify, so make sure to look up table manners and business dinner etiquette.

On the other side of the coin, depending on the industry, you wouldn't want to be too stiff. At least in my field, if anyone showed up in a suit and tie with perfect bearing and manners probably wouldn't get the job. Most people want to work with people just like them, so I'd follow the queues from them regarding how much to drink, and what types of jokes are appropriate, etc.

Don't eat with your mouth full, don't use the "f" word, don't argue about religion or politics, don't wear a hat during dinner, and you'll be fine.

john555 Wrote:Don't eat with your mouth full, don't use the "f" word, don't argue about religion or politics, don't wear a hat during dinner, and you'll be fine.

Don't argue about romaji or benny lewis either

Don't argue about what not to argue about, either.

Womacks23 Wrote:What's the company?

If they are inviting you to dinner, you are basically locked in and they already have plans to offer you the job. The idea of dinner is to build a stronger relationship with you so that you join them instead of another company.

Out of fear that somehow it might backfire if I say before BCF is over, I'll just say it's a major financial firm with a global presence. Kind of concerned because after the executives had left, we talked about what was to likely happen next and I was pretty upbeat because it was a really great experience, but someone mentioned seeing on reddit that companies actually only take half of the folk at dinner (and something to the effect of a second dinner?) which seems a bit strange to me given the expenses + 4 hours of time chatting, but then again they invited us to dinner based on phone interviews, and it would seem strange to say you're locked in before a face to face appearance...

So... I searched for this mysterious post on reddit he referenced, but couldn't find anything on reddit or elsewhere regarding ~half of people who go to dinner not getting an offer. Somewhat paranoid though (maybe I used the wrong eng/jp search terms?), so if anyone could offer a second opinion regarding the implication of dinners and chances I would be grateful.

Really don't want to have to walk in tomorrow in the next 8 hours expecting that I'll have to look elsewhere and go through the stress of 11+ interviews looking for a job that IMO won't be as great :X

Also, thanks for the advice everyone else! (^^)

Congratulations on your dinner.

With respect to next steps I think every financial institution has its own processes. As a general matter, unless you offer something exceptional (eg a strong client list, superb family contacts, your family is an important client or politician, truly unique skills, etc), I don't know why you would not go through a typical interview process. Depending on the bank, country and group that would typically mean three or more rounds of interviews with a half dozen or more different people before an offer would be extended.

Goldman investment banking or trading jobs may require the most interviews, niche back office or IT jobs with smaller institutions may require fewer interviews. So, I suspect after you passed the screening phone interview you were offered a second dinner interview. Now the real interviews begin.

My view on the interviews is to be positive, energetic, enthusiastic, and honest. Practice interviewing with a friend or the mirror. The Vault has a good series of books to prepare for interviews at financial institutions. Make this a fun adventure and do your best to show what your are capable of.

My father said that one gets punished for underdressing, not for overdressing. I think in most large corporations that is good advice. Also never, ever drink alcohol at an interview dinner. You need to be 100% in control regardless of what is happening around you. Good luck.