Interview at a coffee shop? (employees, highest, applying, job)

[CoolSocks]

Has anyone had an out of office interview? I have one tomorrow at a Starbucks. I've never heard of that type of interview before but one of my friends who works in HR told me that out of office interviews are becoming more popular.

So if you had one, how did it go? My biggest concern is not knowing exactly who I'm meeting.

[plmokn]

I've had a few. No big deal. In fact it is sort of relaxing.

[lifeexplorer]

I interviewed and hired quite a few candidates as it's the only place that I won't be interrupted or it's easier for them.

I have done coffee shops and restaurants.

[johnp292]

I had one once many, many years ago before I got into IT. Nothing ever came of it.

[Ankhharu]

Had one with an IT Staffing firm in 2005 at a Starbucks. I got the job and then secured a permanent position with the company. It is to date, the highest paying job I've ever had. I stayed with them for 3 years.

It's common.

[Teckeeee]

I had one a few years back with a large tech company where both the interviewers happened to be in town and had no other place to meet.

Personally I don't care for them. It's too easy to forget " this is an interview" and not grab some more chips and salsa they bought for us.

[D. Scott]

It is common. I see these interview in Starbucks and other cafe type places. It can be more relaxing then some stuffy offices. As long as the place is not packed and loud where it makes a conversation difficult it's fine.

[starfish27]

I had one a few months ago. The job was for an admin position for a home-based business. I felt better meeting at Starbuck's than meeting at a strange man's house. I researched the interviewer beforehand and it wasn't hard to find photos online through LinkedIn and Facebook, so I knew exactly who I was looking for. I rather enjoy these types of interviews. They do feel more relaxed. I'm able to get there early and grab a latte.

[STT Resident]

I had a couple like that - one at a coffee shop and one at a restaurant for lunch. The reason was that the office space was confining/open and the positions for which I was applying (actually I was being head-hunted and the positions hadn't been yet advertised) were already staffed by employees who were being let go once a suitable replacement was found. I've never been scared by interviews but it's nonetheless rather nice and relaxing to be on neutral ground! On both occasions I was offered the job but subsequently declined for different reasons which really aren't relevant. Yes, it's not uncommon and for many can work out really well.

What do you mean when you say that, "My biggest concern is not knowing exactly who I'm meeting"? Now that sounds rather odd! Good luck!

[ccm123]

Here in Silicon Valley, it is common. We interview over coffee, lunch, breakfast, etc