Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Job Interview Bringing In Lunch For Me

*lee-lee*

By *lee-lee*
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

*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.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


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.

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

kbtoyssni Contributor
kbtoyssni
Posted

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

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.

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 !

Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

Good luck with the interview!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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!!

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

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!

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

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:

Darn210 Enthusiast
Darn210
Posted

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

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!!!

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

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.

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

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Scott Adams's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      49

      Supplements for those Diagnosed with Celiac Disease

      Hello, @asaT, I'm curious to know whether you are taking other B vitamins like Thiamine B1 and Niacin B3. Malabsorption in Celiac disease affects all the water soluble B vitamins and Vitamin C. Thiamine and Niacin are required to produce energy for all the homocysteine lowering reactions provided by Folate, Cobalamine and Pyridoxine. Weight...
    2. Florence Lillian
      - Florence Lillian replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      11

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Hi Jane: You may want to try the D3 I now take. I have reactions to fillers and many additives. Sports Research, it is based in the USA and I have had no bad reactions with this brand. The D3 does have coconut oil but it is non GMO, it is Gluten free, Soy free, Soybean free and Safflower oil free. I have a cupboard full of supplements that did not agree...
    3. catnapt
      - catnapt replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      highly unlikely NOTHING and I mean NOTHING else has ever caused me these kinds of symptoms I have no problem with dates, they are a large part of my diet In fact, I eat a very high fiber, very high vegetable and bean diet and have for many years now. It's considered a whole foods plant based or plant forward diet (I do now eat some lean...
    4. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to hjayne19's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      21

      Insomnia help

      Thank you for your post, @nanny marley It is interesting what you say about 'It's OK not to sleep'. Worrying about sleeping only makes it much harder to sleep. One of my relatives is an insomniac and I am sure that is part of the problem. Whereas I once had a neighbour who, if she couldn't sleep, would simply get up again, make a cup of tea, read,...
    5. SilkieFairy
      - SilkieFairy replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      It could be a fructan intolerance? How do you do with dates? https://www.dietvsdisease.org/sorry-your-gluten-sensitivity-is-actually-a-fructan-intolerance/
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,354
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Gracieruizzz
    Newest Member
    Gracieruizzz
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      Supplements for those Diagnosed with Celiac Disease

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hello, @asaT, I'm curious to know whether you are taking other B vitamins like Thiamine B1 and Niacin B3.  Malabsorption in Celiac disease affects all the water soluble B vitamins and Vitamin C.  Thiamine and Niacin are required to produce energy for all the homocysteine lowering reactions provided by Folate, Cobalamine and Pyridoxine.   Weight gain with a voracious appetite is something I experienced while malnourished.  It's symptomatic of Thiamine B1 deficiency.   Conversely, some people with thiamine deficiency lose their appetite altogether, and suffer from anorexia.  At different periods on my lifelong journey, I suffered this, too.   When the body doesn't have sufficient thiamine to turn food, especially carbohydrates, into energy (for growth and repair), the body rations what little thiamine it has available, and turns the carbs into fat, and stores it mostly in the abdomen.  Consuming a high carbohydrate diet requires additional thiamine to process the carbs into energy.  Simple carbohydrates (sugar, white rice, etc.) don't contain thiamine, so the body easily depletes its stores of Thiamine processing the carbs into fat.  The digestive system communicates with the brain to keep eating in order to consume more thiamine and other nutrients it's not absorbing.   One can have a subclinical thiamine insufficiency for years.  A twenty percent increase in dietary thiamine causes an eighty percent increase in brain function, so the symptoms can wax and wane mysteriously.  Symptoms of Thiamine insufficiency include stunted growth, chronic fatigue, and Gastrointestinal Beriberi (diarrhea, abdominal pain), heart attack, Alzheimer's, stroke, and cancer.   Thiamine improves bone turnover.  Thiamine insufficiency can also affect the thyroid.  The thyroid is important in bone metabolism.  The thyroid also influences hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, and menopause.  Vitamin D, at optimal levels, can act as a hormone and can influence the thyroid, as well as being important to bone health, and regulating the immune system.  Vitamin A is important to bone health, too, and is necessary for intestinal health, as well.   I don't do dairy because I react to Casein, the protein in dairy that resembles gluten and causes a reaction the same as if I'd been exposed to gluten, including high tTg IgA.  I found adding mineral water containing calcium and other minerals helpful in increasing my calcium intake.   Malabsorption of Celiac affects all the vitamins and minerals.  I do hope you'll talk to your doctor and dietician about supplementing all eight B vitamins and the four fat soluble vitamins because they all work together interconnectedly.  
    • Florence Lillian
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Florence Lillian · Posted

      Hi Jane: You may want to try the D3 I now take. I have reactions to fillers and many additives. Sports Research, it is based in the USA and I have had no bad reactions with this brand. The D3 does have coconut oil but it is non GMO, it is Gluten free, Soy free, Soybean free and Safflower oil free.  I have a cupboard full of supplements that did not agree with me -  I just keep trying and have finally settled on Sports Research. I take NAKA Women's Multi full spectrum, and have not felt sick after taking 2 capsules per day -  it is a Canadian company. I buy both from Amazon. I wish you well in your searching, I know how discouraging it all is. Florence.  
    • catnapt
      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      By catnapt · Posted

      highly unlikely  NOTHING and I mean NOTHING else has ever caused me these kinds of symptoms I have no problem with dates, they are a large part of my diet In fact, I eat a very high fiber, very high vegetable and bean diet and have for many years now. It's considered a whole foods plant based or plant forward diet (I do now eat some lean ground turkey but not much) I was off dairy for years but recently had to add back plain yogurt to meet calcium needs that I am not allowed to get from supplements (I have not had any problem with the yogurt)   I eat almost no processed foods. I don't eat out. almost everything I eat, I cook myself I am going to keep a food diary but to be honest, I already know that it's wheat products and also barley that are the problem, which is why I gradually stopped eating and buying them. When I was eating them, like back in early 2024, when I was in the middle of moving and ate out (always had bread or toast or rolls or a sub or pizza) I felt terrible but at that time was so busy and exhausted that I never stopped to think it was the food. Once I was in my new place, I continued to have bread from time to time and had such horrible joint pain that I was preparing for 2 total knee replacements as well as one hip! The surgery could not go forward as I was (and still am) actively losing calcium from my bones. That problem has yet to be properly diagnosed and treated   anyway over time I realized that I felt better when I stopped eating bread. Back at least 3 yrs ago I noticed that regular pasta made me sick so I switched to brown rice pasta and even though it costs a lot more, I really like it.   so gradually I just stopped buying and eating foods with gluten. I stopped getting raisin bran when I was constipated because it made me bloated and it didn't help the constipation any more (used to be a sure bet that it would in the past)   I made cookies and brownies using beans and rolled oats and dates and tahini and I LOVE them and have zero issues eating those I eat 1 or more cans of beans per day easily can eat a pound of broccoli - no problem! Brussels sprouts the same thing.   so yeh it's bread and related foods that are clearly the problem  there is zero doubt in my mind    
    • cristiana
      Insomnia help

      By cristiana · Posted

      Thank you for your post, @nanny marley It is interesting what you say about 'It's OK not to sleep'. Worrying about sleeping only makes it much harder to sleep.  One of my relatives is an insomniac and I am sure that is part of the problem.  Whereas I once had a neighbour who, if she couldn't sleep, would simply get up again, make a cup of tea, read, do a sudoku or some other small task, and then go back to bed when she felt sleepy again.  I can't think it did her any harm - she lived  well into her nineties. Last week I decided to try a Floradix Magnesium supplement which seems to be helping me to sleep better.  It is a liquid magnesium supplement, so easy to take.  It is gluten free (unlike the Floradix iron supplement).  Might be worth a try.        
    • SilkieFairy
      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      By SilkieFairy · Posted

      It could be a fructan intolerance? How do you do with dates?  https://www.dietvsdisease.org/sorry-your-gluten-sensitivity-is-actually-a-fructan-intolerance/
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.