Recruiter Wisdom: Should I drink during a dinner meeting if my interviewers are drinking?

Wisdom shared from the recruiter expertise of David Martin, CEO and Managing Partner of Sterling Martin Associates

This one is a little tricky.

If the server asks you first (before the other guests) if you would like something to drink, tell them you haven’t decided yet and see what the others order. If no one orders alcohol, I definitely would not either. If everyone orders something to drink it is probably fine to have one drink.

But I would limit it to one so you don’t get tipsy and act inappropriately. As a candidate, it does give you some sense of how the board members socialize with one another so it is something to consider during your interview process.

I worked with one organization where everyone met at the bar after the meetings to drink and socialize into the wee hours. In fact, they joked that if candidates couldn’t “hang” with them they might not fit it.

So possibly that type of organization might not be for you. On the other hand I have worked with clients where everyone ordered ice tea with dinner. It’s a good idea to take the cue from your hosts and go with that.