I had my first interview at on accounting firm the other day. They called me about two days later and told me that next weekend they want to take me out to dinner with one of the partners and then spend the next day touring the company and interviewing with various people.

This is my first real job out of school as most of my other jobs have been jobs that will pretty much hire anyone with a pulse such as retail sales jobs and jobs in the food industry. The first interview was at my school campus (I will be graduating in May) in a one-on-one environment with one of the managers.

I was wondering if anyone could give any tips or has any advice on what to expect at dinner or at the day long trip to the company?

I've been in Human Resources for a few years and here is my opinion.

At the dinner "interview" stay loose and allow your personality to shine through however, do not drink its still an interview and it will help you keep yourself in check. I went on an interview once that was very long and was done in by a "surprise" dinner interview. I was so caught off guard that I acted like a total spaz at the dinner interview. So try not to be nervous and all the interviewer to lead the conversation but don't be afraid to ask questions and talk to him in a more personal environment about the company (ie why he likes it there, where else he has worked, how does this company compare, what made him choose accounting, etc).

As for the day long interview. Just be prepared. Its going to be a looooong day. Be ready to answer the same questions over and over again. Be prepared for a great interview followed by one that makes you feel as if you will NEVER get hired. Keep your spirits up and remember that no one person has total pull so if everyone else loves you and one person seems to hate you they may not have that much weight or they may actually like you and they just come across as harsh.

Try to relax and try not to be nervous. Nerves come across really strongly from across the table. A good interviewer will try to make you feel comfortable and put your nerves to rest however most people aren't good interviewers.

Not only don't drink alcohol at the dinner inteview, but don't order hard-to-eat food like spaghetti or a sloppy joe or food that will stick in between your teeth. Also, don't order something more expensive than anyone else. And don't floss your teeth at the table.

Do you know table and eating etiquette? Don't talk with your mouth full and lay your napkin folded in half on your lap and cut meat with fork in left hand and knife in right, then transfer fork to right. Stuff like that.

Thanks for the advice. I have the etiquette and manners down. I just didn't know what type of environment to expect as far as if the dinner would be a relaxing event to loosen people up before the day long ordeal or if the dinner would be a grueling introduction to the day long series of interviews. Is it still expected for people to wear a suit and tie to the dinner even though it is not in an office setting?

I would wear a suit and tie. You can always take off the jacket to relax. Overdress or dress better than expected.

Typically a meal interview - whether it be lunch or dinner - is an opportunity to see how you"fit in". Its an important step in the interviewing process. Typically those doing the hiring want to see more then your "interview persona" they want to see who you really are. Of course not always at full throttle most people do have a toned down version of self for the office. Its another way to shine. Be yourself while still being a little bit in that interview persona. Naturally no crazy college stories and no foul language act as if you were going out to dinner with your grandparents. Be polite and engaging.