On Monday, I told you about the awkward bar interview I had when I was job searching last year. During that same time, I had other non-office-setting interview and it was the complete opposite of the awkward bar experience.

Just like the bar interview, prior to this one I had had two phone interviews. One with the COO of this tech news start-up and one with the Events Director. Both went really well. Which is saying a lot, y’all know how I feel about using the phone, right?

Unlike the bar interview, I was invited for a lunch interview at a restaurant near the company’s office. I was prepared to eat with my interviewers, the COO and the Managing Editor, and thankfully it was much quieter setting with much better lighting.

I was the first to arrive so I sat down at the table and organized myself. I’m not sure what the proper etiquette is for the lunch interview situation but I highly recommend arriving early in an effort to be the first one at the restaurant. It gave me a moment to take off my coat, take out my portfolio and deal with my hat hair. It was December so that last one was extremely necessary.

When my interviewers arrived I felt prepared and confident. It helped that they were very nice and were they type of people that make you feel at ease. We ordered food and began a conversation about the company, position and my experience. The restaurant setting helped create more of a conversation rather than a question and answer type interview.

I made an effort to show them as much of my portfolio before the food arrived. I didn’t want it to be difficult for them to page through and some of the other pieces I wanted to share were my only copies and I didn’t want them to get ruined.

The position at this company was one I was very interested and it felt like a great fit. Which is one of the main reasons my interview performance was better than the bar interview. By the end of the interview, I felt excited and hopeful. I wanted this job!

After our meal and conversation, we all got up to leave and I will admit I did have one awkward moment but I don’t think my interviewers caught it. As we shook hands and said goodbye, I awkwardly held back to be sure I didn’t have to walk in the same direction as them.

A few days after the interview, they asked for references (usually a good sign!). A few days after that, I was offered a position at the company. I was beyond thrilled. But…I ended up not taking it. A tough decision that I’ll share with you soon.