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Job Interview Bringing In Lunch For Me

*lee-lee*

By *lee-lee*
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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*lee-lee* Enthusiast
*lee-lee*
Posted

i have a job interview next week. it's a full day of interviews and i was told they would bring lunch in for me. as soon as she said that, my stomach did a couple of flips and i started envisioning big trays of gluten!

what's the best way to address lunch and being gluten free? I have to say something so i don't end up with a plate of lasagna or something but i don't know how to phrase it. i don't necessarily want to say i have a disease but i need to stress the importance of my restrictive diet.

i'm thinking i can say i have an intolerance to gluten and can't eat certain things. then i would offer to bring my own lunch to make it easier for them. is this acceptable? anyone have a better suggestion? i don't want to blow this job opportunity. it's exactly what i'm looking for and the company sounds great.

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Darn210 Enthusiast
Darn210
Posted

I would say something along the lines . . .

While I appreciate your offer to provide my lunch, due to my dietary restrictions, it would be best if I brought my own.

. . . and good luck with your interview.

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lovegrov Collaborator
lovegrov
Posted

Your approach sounds pretty good. "Disease" is a bad word to be using now. Stress that this is something that's completely controllable by diet -- not medication or surgery. I think your idea to offer to bring your own is good, but if they offer to accommodate you, I think you should accept and keep your fingers crossed.

The tough part here is that there's also some merit to saying nothing because even if it's not discussed out loud, if you're pretty much even with another candidate, somebody could well use the gluten thing against you. Also, will this job require dining with people? If so, somebody will see the diet restriction as a potential problem.

All in all, I generally favor being up front.

richard

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kbtoyssni Contributor
kbtoyssni
Posted

I would say that I have some food allergies and would prefer to bring my own lunch.

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Guest goldie
Guest goldie
Posted

Hi

As a HR Manager in my previous life (!) I think it's absolutely fine to say that you have an intolerance to gluten and offer to bring your own. Any good employer would be sympathetic and would normally ensure that you were given a lunch.

I know that I and a number of my previous colleagues would have no issues at all with you explaining that you were Coeliac but I can understand why you perhaps don't want to go down that route.

Good luck with the interview.

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MyMississippi Enthusiast
MyMississippi
Posted

Yes, tell them you have many food allergies and you will bring your own lunch to be safe.

Everyone can relate to "food allergies"------ whereas Celiac disease will boggle their mind, :)

Keep it simple !

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Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

Good luck with the interview!

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Mango04 Enthusiast
Mango04
Posted

I wouldn't even use the word "gluten," as in my opinion, the specific protein you can't eat should be irrelevant to them. Something along the lines of "dietary restrictions" should work.

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JNBunnie1 Community Regular
JNBunnie1
Posted
I wouldn't even use the word "gluten," as in my opinion, the specific protein you can't eat should be irrelevant to them. Something along the lines of "dietary restrictions" should work.

Ditto.

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jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted
I wouldn't even use the word "gluten," as in my opinion, the specific protein you can't eat should be irrelevant to them. Something along the lines of "dietary restrictions" should work.

I agree--say as little as possible and move on....but it is best to be upfront so the fact is established from the beginning. Best of luck with the interview :D

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Phyllis28 Apprentice
Phyllis28
Posted
While I appreciate your offer to provide my lunch, due to my dietary restrictions, it would be best if I brought my own.

I like Darn210's words. It is simple and straight forward to understand. I would also keep it simple if anyone asks for additional information. Something like. "My dietary restictions mean that I have eliminated wheat, oats, rye and barley from my diet".

Good Luck with the interview.

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ShayFL Enthusiast
ShayFL
Posted

Im really thinking about this one. I always aced interviews because I come across as very pro-active and competent. I believe that is what employers are looking for.

If it were me, I think I would say something like:

I am really looking forward to my interview with you on whatever date. And I appreciate your gracious offer of providing my lunch. Due to certain dietary restrictions, can you provide the name of the restaurant where we will be dining? This will allow me to contact them ahead of time. Thank you again for this opportunity.

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*lee-lee* Enthusiast
*lee-lee*
  • Author
Posted

oh my gosh, i didn't even consider we'd be going OUT to lunch. i figured they'd have something brought in, i.e. catered for the entire group. oh dear...i guess i better get a clarification.

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*lee-lee* Enthusiast
*lee-lee*
  • Author
Posted

ok, i'm getting anxious now! i still haven't heard back regarding when my marathon interview is scheduled for. i talked to the HR lady on Tuesday morning and she said it would be later this week (obviously that's out) or early next week - she had to check everyone's schedules. She asked if my email was the best way of reaching me and i said yes, either email or phone. i thought maybe she was planning on emailing an itinerary and/or directions.

it's been 3 days...should i call to follow up or would that be pushy? :unsure: i need to know because i will have to take a vacation day from my current job. they know i'm interviewing but there's only 1 day next week where someone else isn't already off so i need to give them as much notice as possible if i'm going to be out too. ugh, i don't know what to do!

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Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

Since you have to take a vacation day, I think it's reasonable to ask if they have a day, even if the schedule isn't finalized. Just tell the HR person that you have to take a vacation day and want to give as much notice as possible. Try to come across as someone who's concerned about her current employer/coworkers. It'll make you look like a better candidate.

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JNBunnie1 Community Regular
JNBunnie1
Posted
Since you have to take a vacation day, I think it's reasonable to ask if they have a day, even if the schedule isn't finalized. Just tell the HR person that you have to take a vacation day and want to give as much notice as possible. Try to come across as someone who's concerned about her current employer/coworkers. It'll make you look like a better candidate.

Ditto.

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Rya Newbie
Rya
Posted

I think letting them know you want to give notice to your current employer makes you look good. It means you would give them the same courtesy when they hire you.

I just completed a 6-rotation dietetic internship - even had to do a food service rotation... I think I've probably had to explain my food issue 30 times in the last 6 months. I used to really dread it, but I found the more comfortable I am explaining it, the more comfortable people feel when I do.

How you say it depends on who you are and who you're talking to. But I say it at the first opportunity. I've found that if I wait, it gets awkward. Usually you aren't the first person with food allergies or even Celiac that they've encountered. It's more common than I ever realized. And it generally strikes up a conversation, they'll probably ask some small-talk questions.

I also think they would be insane to hold this against you. That's pretty illegal... But I bet that won't even be an issue.

Deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth slows your heart down ;) ...and best of luck!

Rya

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MissyH Newbie
MissyH
Posted

First off..don't worry..if it were me I would take my own lunch with me..just in case..

I have always been up front about it at interviews and they are always more fascinated by it that shocked or worried.

If I were to partake in one of the cakes my dept bring in...well..then they would worry!

Good luck with the interviews! That's a long old interview day!!

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*lee-lee* Enthusiast
*lee-lee*
  • Author
Posted

well guys, i just fell a little more in love with this company! my interview is scheduled for Tuesday and i used Darn210's words about lunch. here was the reply:

We are used to food allergies here and can do gluten free easily if that is your restriction. But I leave it up to you!

i'm thrilled! thanks for all your words of wisdom and encouragement. i'm going to nail this marathon interview!

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jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

Wow--that is great news!! What a relief to see a company respond this way!! Best of luck on Tuesday :D

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Judyin Philly Enthusiast
Judyin Philly
Posted
well guys, i just fell a little more in love with this company! my interview is scheduled for Tuesday and i used Darn210's words about lunch. here was the reply:

We are used to food allergies here and can do gluten free easily if that is your restriction. But I leave it up to you!

i'm thrilled! thanks for all your words of wisdom and encouragement. i'm going to nail this marathon interview!

thrilled for you.....good luck with the interview

i love this company too :lol:

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Darn210 Enthusiast
Darn210
Posted

YaY!!! . . . Good Luck and let us know how it goes!!

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CeliacMom2008 Enthusiast
CeliacMom2008
Posted

If you get the job you may have to tell everyone here when they have openings!! That's wonderful news. You have to be so relieved. I hope you get the job!!!

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*lee-lee* Enthusiast
*lee-lee*
  • Author
Posted

well my interview went great! the company sounds awesome and seems like a great place to work. i met with 6 different people, had a wonderful gluten-free lunch, and am keeping my fingers crossed for an offer! i should hear something by Monday.

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Judyin Philly Enthusiast
Judyin Philly
Posted
well my interview went great! the company sounds awesome and seems like a great place to work. i met with 6 different people, had a wonderful gluten-free lunch, and am keeping my fingers crossed for an offer! i should hear something by Monday.

congratulations------glad it went well and company looks so good

hope you get the job on Monday

Long weekend for sure ;)

Judy

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