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lunch with associates at a call back

Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2010 9:18 am
by anonymous1234
can anyone talk about this?

Re: lunch with associates at a call back

Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2010 9:35 am
by LurkerNoMore
Follow common sense rules. Don't order alcohol. Take your cue from what the associates order -- asking what they recommend is a good way to find out if appetizers are expected or not. Order things that can be eaten easily (watch out for pasta).

Recognize that your are definitely being interviewed still. You need to be personable, but still watch what you say.

Re: lunch with associates at a call back

Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2010 9:55 am
by Rand M.
I can't really speak to CBs specifically, but I have had lunch with lots of associates. For the most part it's almost best to think of them as peers. Do so with common sense, but don't be afraid to be a bit friendly. What I mean that is, you know how to have lunch with people. If no partners will be there, it really shouldn't be all that different from any other lunch. They aren't paying for it, so they likely won't care how much your entree costs, but be mindful of the items you order and the time. Like the other poster said, follow their cue on appetizers, and the same goes for dessert. If you are worried about price, then just let them order something first, and order something comparable, but again, for the most part, they are not going to care how much your entree costs. Be affable and normal and the whole thing should go fine. Ten minutes in you will feel like its just another lunch.

Try to watch SportsCenter, or at least know what's going on in that world; especially if there is something major happening in that market. For instance, if you're interviewing at DC firms, it would be helpful to know that Jesus Strasburg is about to have surgery.

Don't be too quick to want to discuss the work. They are people too, and most of the 'interview' part is just about seeing if you are someone they would want to work with. They know the place they work and if you're comfortable, then they will be too. If you were 28-30 and you were the junior associate, what kinds of things would you want to see in someone who might be coming to work with you? Do those things. Be normal.

Re: lunch with associates at a call back

Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2010 10:02 am
by ViIIager
Protips: Don't ask how much they make, and don't tell a story that includes the f-bomb.

Yes, two people did this during a post-callback lunch a few years back. Both got hired, and both were out of the firm within two years. One of them (nicknamed "F-Bomb") even skipped meeting his mentor because his live-in girlfriend had cooked dinner and he didn't want to miss it. "Salarycap" googled the entire earth and never was asked to do a damn thing, and got canned fast.

The advice from Rand and Lurker is good. You don't have to be the most memorable person there; just the one who doesn't totally f-- things up while making at least a "nice" impression.