Guest guest Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 I figured this would be a good place to ask this question. I'm trying to get a full-time professional job, in advertising or marketing. I have a second interview for an ad agency this week. It will be conducted over lunch. My mom, who is an executive, says I need to order chicken or fish, and anything else, including a meatless entree salad or vegetarian dish, looks unprofessional. I hate chicken, and I haven't eaten fish since I was *little*--it was repulsive to me to eat a beautiful, bright, shiny creature that swims and conducts a whole life under the ocean. I'd prefer not to have to eat any meat at all, or even order it, which I know can be a whole different concept. But someone else here had to have passed that hurdle and gotten a professional job, right? If so, how did you do it as a vegetarian? What do y'all suggest? Because at this point, all I can think of is to order a salad with some chicken pieces and talk so much I eat very little of it. Thanks in advance. B*B, Jayelle " I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself. " --Rita Mae Brown http://www.livejournal.com/~princesswitch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 Order something vegetarian. I'm in L.A. and our restaurants have plenty of things to order that woulnd't make anyone even notice and if they did I would have no porblem mentioning my lifestyle if asked about it. Be proud. I've never heard any of my vegetarian friends have a doubt when ordering food on an interview......Donna Jayelle Wiggins <jayelle3 wrote: I figured this would be a good place to ask this question. I'm trying to get a full-time professional job, in advertising or marketing. I have a second interview for an ad agency this week. It will be conducted over lunch. My mom, who is an executive, says I need to order chicken or fish, and anything else, including a meatless entree salad or vegetarian dish, looks unprofessional. I hate chicken, and I haven't eaten fish since I was *little*--it was repulsive to me to eat a beautiful, bright, shiny creature that swims and conducts a whole life under the ocean. I'd prefer not to have to eat any meat at all, or even order it, which I know can be a whole different concept. But someone else here had to have passed that hurdle and gotten a professional job, right? If so, how did you do it as a vegetarian? What do y'all suggest? Because at this point, all I can think of is to order a salad with some chicken pieces and talk so much I eat very little of it. Thanks in advance. B*B, Jayelle " I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself. " --Rita Mae Brown http://www.livejournal.com/~princesswitch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 I say order what you are comfortable with and don't make excuses for being veggie. Ones eating habits can't or shoudn't be considered as part of their work performance and abilites. Robin in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 > >But someone else here had to have passed that hurdle and gotten a >professional job, right? If so, how did you do it as a vegetarian? What >do y'all suggest? Because at this point, all I can think of is to order a >salad with some chicken pieces and talk so much I eat very little of it. My husband's been a programmer for ages (well, he's only 31, so that's relative) and no one's given him a bit of trouble for being a vegan at any of his jobs. And he's rarely the only vegan in the office, let alone vegetarian. You'll look fine ordering a vegan meal. What's wrong with soup and salad? V. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 - Jayelle Wiggins >>vegetarian dish, looks unprofessional<< ????!!! What kind of 'profession' is she talking about? I was in stockbroking in London for 9 years and met veggies/vegans in high finance who were professional enough not to feel the need to apologise for their healthy lifestyle. Confidence shines; it doesn't hide itself. I wouldn't go in there raving about vegetarianism, or even feel the need to mention it, as it's irrelevant to the position you're after. But I wouldn't pretend to be something I'm not either. People sense it. Good luck! Sylvie *~*~* Let me take you on a journey, the ancient eyes said. Come, take my hand. *~*~*~*~* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 Order a salad! If, while eating, you feel judged on your choice, mumble something about an " alergy. " ,,,Or You could make grotesque facial expressions, asking others how they can slice into, chew, and swallow those chunks of bloody dead flesh. :^) Personally, I'd do the first... but think the second! ===== I figured this would be a good place to ask this question. I'm trying to get a full-time professional job, in advertising or marketing. I have a second interview for an ad agency this week. It will be conducted over lunch. My mom, who is an executive, says I need to order chicken or fish, and anything else, including a meatless entree salad or vegetarian dish, looks unprofessional. I hate chicken, and I haven't eaten fish since I was *little*--it was repulsive to me to eat a beautiful, bright, shiny creature that swims and conducts a whole life under the ocean. I'd prefer not to have to eat any meat at all, or even order it, which I know can be a whole different concept. But someone else here had to have passed that hurdle and gotten a professional job, right? If so, how did you do it as a vegetarian? What do y'all suggest? Because at this point, all I can think of is to order a salad with some chicken pieces and talk so much I eat very little of it. Thanks in advance. B*B, Jayelle " I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself. " --Rita Mae Brown ===== " The cat did not respond. She did not believe in paraphrasing anybody. If people pursued this same feline wisdom, there'd be a lot fewer misunderstandings. " From Kinky Friedman's Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail./mail_250 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 This is really about more than just what to order for lunch, isn't it!? Its about being seen as different from the assumed mainstream popular-culture. I'm thinking about how frequently I " don't tell " about ways I am " different. " Its seeming like a meal has to be " don't ask; don't tell. " ===== " The cat did not respond. She did not believe in paraphrasing anybody. If people pursued this same feline wisdom, there'd be a lot fewer misunderstandings. " From Kinky Friedman's Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 sorry I don't quite understand why you feel the need to hide the fact that you don't eat meat, this is 2005, I don't understand why you would be afraid to sat, it sounds a bit bizarre to me. - " Jiraph Wirpel " <wirpel Sunday, January 23, 2005 11:37 AM Re: A vegetarian on business > > > Order a salad! If, while eating, you feel judged on > your choice, mumble something about an " alergy. " > > ,,,Or > You could make grotesque facial expressions, asking > others how they can slice into, chew, and swallow > those chunks of bloody dead flesh. :^) > > Personally, I'd do the first... but think the second! > ===== > > > > > I figured this would be a good place to ask this > question. > > I'm trying to get a full-time professional job, in > advertising or marketing. I have a second interview > for an ad agency this week. It will be conducted over > lunch. My mom, who is an executive, says I need to > order chicken or fish, and anything else, including a > meatless entree salad or vegetarian dish, looks > unprofessional. I hate chicken, and I haven't eaten > fish since I was *little*--it was repulsive to me to > eat a beautiful, bright, shiny creature that swims and > conducts a whole life under the ocean. I'd prefer not > to have to eat any meat at all, or even order it, > which I know can be a whole different concept. > > But someone else here had to have passed that hurdle > and gotten a professional job, right? If so, how did > you do it as a vegetarian? What do y'all suggest? > Because at this point, all I can think of is to order > a salad with some chicken pieces and talk so much I > eat very little of it. > > Thanks in advance. > > B*B, > Jayelle > > " I think the reward for conformity is that everyone > likes you except yourself. " --Rita Mae Brown > > > ===== > " The cat did not respond. She did not believe in paraphrasing anybody. If > people pursued this same feline wisdom, there'd be a lot fewer misunderstandings. " > From Kinky Friedman's > Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch > > > > > > Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. > http://info.mail./mail_250 > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 It may be 2005, but too many people still feel entitled to judge deviations from the " norm " as deviant. ===== sorry I don't quite understand why you feel the need to hide the fact that you don't eat meat, this is 2005, I don't understand why you would be afraid to sat, it sounds a bit bizarre to me. ===== " The cat did not respond. She did not believe in paraphrasing anybody. If people pursued this same feline wisdom, there'd be a lot fewer misunderstandings. " From Kinky Friedman's Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail./mail_250 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 I totally agree! I think maybe your mom is just over worrying like some moms do. You are ordering food for yourself, so it should be no big deal. I know of many meat eaters that sometimes will just order a salad when in a salad mood, so maybe your dreadful veggie secret won't get out even if you order a salad. I think a salad is more professional if ya ask me. One who is watching her health, ya know. By the way, I have the flu, and last night my fever was over 103. I am 39 years old and feel like I am going to die. Everything hurts and my eyes are going to pop out of my head. Any remedies appreciated. Blessings, Chanda - Diamond Dog Sunday, January 23, 2005 3:50 AM Re: A vegetarian on business > >But someone else here had to have passed that hurdle and gotten a >professional job, right? If so, how did you do it as a vegetarian? What >do y'all suggest? Because at this point, all I can think of is to order a >salad with some chicken pieces and talk so much I eat very little of it. My husband's been a programmer for ages (well, he's only 31, so that's relative) and no one's given him a bit of trouble for being a vegan at any of his jobs. And he's rarely the only vegan in the office, let alone vegetarian. You'll look fine ordering a vegan meal. What's wrong with soup and salad? V. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 LMAO!!!! - Jiraph Wirpel Sunday, January 23, 2005 6:37 AM Re: A vegetarian on business Order a salad! If, while eating, you feel judged on your choice, mumble something about an " alergy. " ,,,Or You could make grotesque facial expressions, asking others how they can slice into, chew, and swallow those chunks of bloody dead flesh. :^) Personally, I'd do the first... but think the second! ===== I figured this would be a good place to ask this question. I'm trying to get a full-time professional job, in advertising or marketing. I have a second interview for an ad agency this week. It will be conducted over lunch. My mom, who is an executive, says I need to order chicken or fish, and anything else, including a meatless entree salad or vegetarian dish, looks unprofessional. I hate chicken, and I haven't eaten fish since I was *little*--it was repulsive to me to eat a beautiful, bright, shiny creature that swims and conducts a whole life under the ocean. I'd prefer not to have to eat any meat at all, or even order it, which I know can be a whole different concept. But someone else here had to have passed that hurdle and gotten a professional job, right? If so, how did you do it as a vegetarian? What do y'all suggest? Because at this point, all I can think of is to order a salad with some chicken pieces and talk so much I eat very little of it. Thanks in advance. B*B, Jayelle " I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself. " --Rita Mae Brown ===== " The cat did not respond. She did not believe in paraphrasing anybody. If people pursued this same feline wisdom, there'd be a lot fewer misunderstandings. " From Kinky Friedman's Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail./mail_250 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 because her mom said it would be unprofessional, that's why ) - elaine.saunders1 Sunday, January 23, 2005 7:10 AM Re: A vegetarian on business sorry I don't quite understand why you feel the need to hide the fact that you don't eat meat, this is 2005, I don't understand why you would be afraid to sat, it sounds a bit bizarre to me. - " Jiraph Wirpel " <wirpel Sunday, January 23, 2005 11:37 AM Re: A vegetarian on business > > > Order a salad! If, while eating, you feel judged on > your choice, mumble something about an " alergy. " > > ,,,Or > You could make grotesque facial expressions, asking > others how they can slice into, chew, and swallow > those chunks of bloody dead flesh. :^) > > Personally, I'd do the first... but think the second! > ===== > > > > > I figured this would be a good place to ask this > question. > > I'm trying to get a full-time professional job, in > advertising or marketing. I have a second interview > for an ad agency this week. It will be conducted over > lunch. My mom, who is an executive, says I need to > order chicken or fish, and anything else, including a > meatless entree salad or vegetarian dish, looks > unprofessional. I hate chicken, and I haven't eaten > fish since I was *little*--it was repulsive to me to > eat a beautiful, bright, shiny creature that swims and > conducts a whole life under the ocean. I'd prefer not > to have to eat any meat at all, or even order it, > which I know can be a whole different concept. > > But someone else here had to have passed that hurdle > and gotten a professional job, right? If so, how did > you do it as a vegetarian? What do y'all suggest? > Because at this point, all I can think of is to order > a salad with some chicken pieces and talk so much I > eat very little of it. > > Thanks in advance. > > B*B, > Jayelle > > " I think the reward for conformity is that everyone > likes you except yourself. " --Rita Mae Brown > > > ===== > " The cat did not respond. She did not believe in paraphrasing anybody. If > people pursued this same feline wisdom, there'd be a lot fewer misunderstandings. " > From Kinky Friedman's > Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch > > > > > > Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. > http://info.mail./mail_250 > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 One problem is that the average restaurant tends to have as its vegetarian option something like pasta primevera, and eating something hard to eat and potentially messy like noodle/spaghetti things isn't a good idea for an interview. I think the salad would be a good option. , Jayelle Wiggins <jayelle3> wrote: > > I figured this would be a good place to ask this question. > > I'm trying to get a full-time professional job, in advertising or marketing. I have a second interview for an ad agency this week. It will be conducted over lunch. My mom, who is an executive, says I need to order chicken or fish, and anything else, including a meatless entree salad or vegetarian dish, looks unprofessional. I hate chicken, and I haven't eaten fish since I was *little*--it was repulsive to me to eat a beautiful, bright, shiny creature that swims and conducts a whole life under the ocean. I'd prefer not to have to eat any meat at all, or even order it, which I know can be a whole different concept. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 jayelle, i would order what i wanted to and not make any comment or excuse about it. i highly doubt the decision to hire you will rest on what you order at lunch. do you know what restaurant you will be going to? perhaps you could check out the menu (and ask questions) beforehand so that your meal choice will be one less thing to stress out about. i would think that people in the business world these days (esp. advertising and marketing) are younger and hopefully more open-minded to things like vegetarianism. besides, you never know......the president and vice-president of the last company i worked for were both vegetarian. good luck and let us know how it goes, susie --- Jayelle Wiggins <jayelle3 wrote: > > I figured this would be a good place to ask this > question. > > I'm trying to get a full-time professional job, in > advertising or marketing. I have a second interview > for an ad agency this week. It will be conducted > over lunch. My mom, who is an executive, says I > need to order chicken or fish, and anything else, > including a meatless entree salad or vegetarian > dish, looks unprofessional. I hate chicken, and I > haven't eaten fish since I was *little*--it was > repulsive to me to eat a beautiful, bright, shiny > creature that swims and conducts a whole life under > the ocean. I'd prefer not to have to eat any meat > at all, or even order it, which I know can be a > whole different concept. > > But someone else here had to have passed that hurdle > and gotten a professional job, right? If so, how > did you do it as a vegetarian? What do y'all > suggest? Because at this point, all I can think of > is to order a salad with some chicken pieces and > talk so much I eat very little of it. > > Thanks in advance. > > B*B, > Jayelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 Hi Jayelle and all, There are some great replies from the folks here ! Probably what potential bosses are looking for when they take you to lunch is how you handle yourself in public, would you eat like a pig when you take a client of theirs to lunch or drink too much, would you be polite to the waitresses, dominate the conversation ot tell inappropriate jokes, that sort of thing. People normally behave well in interviews, and in taking them to lunch, they would relax a little and you would see a more natural side of them. I also don't think it would matter what you ate, unless you eat something you can't stand. Then you would naturally appear uncomfortable. They might not know your discomfort was with the food, and may think that your are just unsure of yourself. So I would say order what you want and be familiar with the menu ahead of time so you don't take forever choosing what you want. And please, let us know how it goes ! Tina , " artichoke72x " <artichoke72x> wrote: > jayelle, > > i would order what i wanted to and not make any > comment or excuse about it. i highly doubt the > decision to hire you will rest on what you order at > lunch. > > do you know what restaurant you will be going to? > perhaps you could check out the menu (and ask > questions) beforehand so that your meal choice will be > one less thing to stress out about. > > i would think that people in the business world these > days (esp. advertising and marketing) are younger and > hopefully more open-minded to things like > vegetarianism. > > besides, you never know......the president and > vice-president of the last company i worked for were > both vegetarian. > > good luck and let us know how it goes, > susie > > --- Jayelle Wiggins <jayelle3> wrote: > > > > > I figured this would be a good place to ask this > > question. > > > > I'm trying to get a full-time professional job, in > > advertising or marketing. I have a second interview > > for an ad agency this week. It will be conducted > > over lunch. My mom, who is an executive, says I > > need to order chicken or fish, and anything else, > > including a meatless entree salad or vegetarian > > dish, looks unprofessional. I hate chicken, and I > > haven't eaten fish since I was *little*--it was > > repulsive to me to eat a beautiful, bright, shiny > > creature that swims and conducts a whole life under > > the ocean. I'd prefer not to have to eat any meat > > at all, or even order it, which I know can be a > > whole different concept. > > > > But someone else here had to have passed that hurdle > > and gotten a professional job, right? If so, how > > did you do it as a vegetarian? What do y'all > > suggest? Because at this point, all I can think of > > is to order a salad with some chicken pieces and > > talk so much I eat very little of it. > > > > Thanks in advance. > > > > B*B, > > Jayelle > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 I totally agree, I personally wouldn't want to work for a company that had a problem w/ my personal beliefs. Order vegetarian and Good Luck to you! On Sat, 22 Jan 2005 23:23:55 -0500 " Whittington5 " <critters writes: I say order what you are comfortable with and don't make excuses for being veggie. Ones eating habits can't or shoudn't be considered as part of their work performance and abilites. Robin in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 Hey - I work as a teacher..never had lunch type interviews or business. However, asked my business/veggie husband. He says..first, he thinks it will do nothing but benefit you & strengthen their opinion of you, if you are honest and up front. What do you do at business functions later if they think you eat fish/chicken...plus people are usually looking for employees who are honest. He had one interview for a job one time that was scheduled at a steak house, he said he couldn't do it cuz he was veggie and they were fine about finding another location. Finally, he frequently has business lunches now...he orders pasta or baked potato or salad...never worries about it and no one else seems to mind. Good grief, in this world of diabetics/low carb diets/religious beliefs/veggie...I don't think an employer should expect everyone to eat chicken! Just my opinion... m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2005 Report Share Posted January 24, 2005 I know you got a lot of great replies supporting your choice to order a vegetarian entree (and I do, too). I'd like to just add my own opinion and a thought that maybe hasn't been thought about. First of all, I agree that you should be able to order what ever it is that you feel comfortable eating. I don't know where you live, but most likely the restaurant chosen will be a nice place with many options. The first thing that popped into my mind when I read your post about your mom's opinion(and it is just her opinion) is this: let's say that you do order chicken and then move it around your plate and get through the interview. Then let's say you get the job. On your first day, your work mates want to take you to lunch. What do you order? Do you order chicken again and move it around? Do you then order something vegetarian? Eventually the topic may even come up, weeks or months after working there. What should they think of you now? Perhaps they feel you lied to them during the interview. What other things might you be hiding from them? What you order could say a lot about you.....ordering meat when you're a vegetarian.... And speaking of healthy. Many meat eaters are choosing meat free meals on a regular basis now because it is considered healthy. And one last thought. I've been involved off and on in advertising/marketing for 12 years and I have found that many of them tend to be a lot more open minded than other professions. And if it does come up in the interview and it's not a good experience, than that's good for you, because perhaps you wouldn't want to work in a hostile/unexcepting environment. I hope you received all the confirmation you were looking for. Denise , Jayelle Wiggins <jayelle3> wrote: > > I figured this would be a good place to ask this question. > > I'm trying to get a full-time professional job, in advertising or marketing. I have a second interview for an ad agency this week. It will be conducted over lunch. My mom, who is an executive, says I need to order chicken or fish, and anything else, including a meatless entree salad or vegetarian dish, looks unprofessional. I hate chicken, and I haven't eaten fish since I was *little*--it was repulsive to me to eat a beautiful, bright, shiny creature that swims and conducts a whole life under the ocean. I'd prefer not to have to eat any meat at all, or even order it, which I know can be a whole different concept. > > But someone else here had to have passed that hurdle and gotten a professional job, right? If so, how did you do it as a vegetarian? What do y'all suggest? Because at this point, all I can think of is to order a salad with some chicken pieces and talk so much I eat very little of it. > > Thanks in advance. > > B*B, > Jayelle > > > " I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself. " --Rita Mae Brown > > > http://www.livejournal.com/~princesswitch > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2005 Report Share Posted January 24, 2005 > Its about being seen as different from the assumed > mainstream popular-culture. For many jobs (advertising/marketing) being seen as different from the mainstream is actually a good thing. Being able to think " outside the box " and not just going with the norm is what is sought out in creative professions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2005 Report Share Posted January 25, 2005 This is lunch, right? People " eat light " , especially women! Tell them that while you order your (oh gosh I hope they have some vegetarian soup) and a garden-type salad. Or don't be shy about ordering a chef's salad without the ham and turkey lunchmeat. (or eggs and cheese if you don't eat them) Go for it girl! An interview should be about more than lunch. Dress professnionally (nice navy blue suit perhaps?) no bare midreiffs showing, conservative/mid conservative, prepare your interview questions and answers ahead of time and I'd say you've got the job. Good Luck!! cheryll , Jayelle Wiggins <jayelle3> wrote: > > I figured this would be a good place to ask this question. > > I'm trying to get a full-time professional job, in advertising or marketing. I have a second interview for an ad agency this week. It will be conducted over lunch. My mom, who is an executive, says I need to order chicken or fish, and anything else, including a meatless entree salad or vegetarian dish, looks unprofessional. I hate chicken, and I haven't eaten fish since I was *little*--it was repulsive to me to eat a beautiful, bright, shiny creature that swims and conducts a whole life under the ocean. I'd prefer not to have to eat any meat at all, or even order it, which I know can be a whole different concept. > > But someone else here had to have passed that hurdle and gotten a professional job, right? If so, how did you do it as a vegetarian? What do y'all suggest? Because at this point, all I can think of is to order a salad with some chicken pieces and talk so much I eat very little of it. > > Thanks in advance. > > B*B, > Jayelle > > > " I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself. " --Rita Mae Brown > > > http://www.livejournal.com/~princesswitch > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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