For the Love of *!@%!, Don’t Eat During an Interview

This might not be a popular opinion. But I cannot be the only one who is appalled by the workplace behavior of some individuals. I know, I know, workplace etiquette has changed considerably over the years. And some behaviors are not that big a deal, such as wearing jeans to the office. Personally, I am not against relaxed dress codes, depending on the organization and the industry. I am, however, against, bad manners.

Take, for example, eating during an interview.

Look, I understand if someone has blood sugar issues or if it is just a meeting with employees who already know each other well. But during a job interview?

It is definitely a sign of dominance to eat while someone is interviewing for a job. However, if you already have a high-level job title (and already work for the company), wouldn’t it scream insecurity to feel that it was necessary to show how important you think you are? Wouldn’t it demonstrate more power by not having the need to draw attention to your position?

If you do have blood sugar or similar issues, there is a polite way to say, “just give me a second and I’ll be right with you.” A job applicant does not need to see your tongue and crushed up food-bits every few seconds as you talk with your mouth full.

Maybe this person thought they would stress-test the candidate by setting up a situation where the applicant was put in an uncomfortable position to see what they would do and how they would handle it. But come on, interviews are stressful enough, no need to make it worse.

Maybe this person has no idea that other people have no interest in seeing crushed up food particles bouncing around in their mouth. But perhaps some self-awareness (and manners) would do some good.