Sorry if this may be obvious to others but when meeting an interviewer at a coffee shop, do I pay for drinks? Do I let them if they offer? Do we do it separately? Do we even order drinks or just sit in the corner?
If you’re meeting in a place of business it is good courtesy to the business to buy something, so that rules out “just sit in the corner”. Do buy something.
Ideally, arrive early and buy your own drink before the interviewer arrives. This gives you time to settle and avoids any “Who pays?” confusion.
If the interviewer is already there and offers to buy you a drink, it is polite to accept. Keep your order simple and easy to remember. “A soy latte,” for example, versus “An extra tall mocha chip no whip hazelnut macchiato with a gluten free biscotti on the side”.
If the interviewer doesn’t immediately offer to buy your drink, don’t hang about expectantly waiting for it. Either politely excuse yourself to place your order if the line is short enough that you won’t keep them waiting for long, or simply take a seat and get on with the interview. You can always make a purchase to go after the interview is complete.
You should always offer to buy a drink for the interviewer- usually, they will decline, but it is a sign of good manners to offer to pay.
If they offer to buy you a drink, you should accept (but keep the order cheap and simple- usually water or a simple coffee- no food- don’t want to be eating during an interview).
I’m sorry but I hold the opposite view: You should never offer to buy a drink for the interviewer – even though it seems to be the polite thing to do. Here’s my college interview in a coffee shop advice:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/13490490/#Comment_13490490
Of course I’m much older than students I interview – but even when I was a new college grad, I knew that it was my role to offer a drink for the HS student.
@India1234 I agree with T26E4 – you do not need to offer to buy a drink for your interviewer, although if he/she offers to buy you one, it’s polite to accept and thank him/her.
Even if that doesn’t happen, it’s also often considered good etiquette to the business to order “something” (regardless of who’s paying for it, or whether it is an interview or not). Every time I go to a meeting or other event at a restaurant or coffee shop, I will almost always order something (usually lunch or dinner if at a restaurant).
I also agree that one should not offer to buy a drink for the interviewer. As suggested above, it is best to get there early and purchase your own drink in advance of the interview.
I hope this isn’t considered hijacking OP’s thread, but what if you don’t drink coffee/tea/juice and the interviewer offers to buy a drink for you? Is it polite to say “No, thank you”? Other drink options seem limited at a coffee shop.
@photogeek8 They have water everywhere. Just ask for that.
@photogeek8 It is also perfectly fine to say “No, thank you” or just ask for some water.