Reddit Discussion · Mar 2026

Third interview… but the lunch spot is extremely casual. Am I overthinking this?

4 upvotes 39 replies

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Hey everyone, looking for a bit of advice. I’ve got a lunch interview for a recruiter role in the Phoenix market at around $55-$60K, and I was ready to show up in a suit expecting something a bit more

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Hey everyone, looking for a bit of advice. I’ve got a lunch interview for a recruiter role in the Phoenix market at around $55-$60K, and I was ready to show up in a suit expecting something a bit more upscale. But it turns out we’re meeting at a pretty casual spot, think a place where you order at the counter and carry your tray to the table. I’m used to more formal settings from my Fortune 500 background, and here it just feels a bit low-budget in my opinion. That said, I’ve been on the job hunt for a while and I know I can’t be too picky. Any tips on how to handle this and still keep things polished? Also, I do have other offers on the table, so I’m not putting all my eggs in this basket. Also, just a quick note, this is gonna be our third chat. I’ve already spoken with the execs, and this is really just that last little vibe check. It's pretty much down to whether he feels comfortable working with me—just a heads-up, I'm a woman and he's a guy, if that adds any context. Anyway, this should be the final step in the process. Appreciate all your tips! TL;DR: Lunch interview for a \~$55–60K recruiter role, but it’s at a very casual counter‑service place, which threw me off since I was prepared for a more polished setting. I’m used to more formal, Fortune 500‑style interactions, so I’m not sure how to keep things feeling professional. This is our third conversation — I’ve already met with the execs — and this lunch is basically the final vibe/fit check with the hiring manager. He’s male, I’m female, not sure if that dynamic matters, but adding it for context. I have other opportunities in play, so I’m trying to approach this thoughtfully. Looking for tips on how to navigate the casual setting while still presenting myself at an executive level.

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