Interview at library or cafe?

[Libraryorcafe]

How would you feel if you had to attend a job interview at the library or Costa?

I need to interview someone for my cleaning business, and I don't want to do it at my house.

I wouldn't have an issue meeting in a public place for an interview under these circumstances. The company clearly doesn't have business premises so I would expect any interview to be on neutral ground.

I once interviewed for a company that was in the process of opening a new office in my town. The office space was mid renovation, the next nearest office was 60 miles away and they were interviewing about 40/50 people for various roles. Rather than make everyone travel - or sit in a building site - the company hired a conference room at a local hotel and held all of their interviews there so it was slightly more private than a coffee shop but provided enough public space for people to wait.

If the OP is running a small enterprise then I would assume she runs the business from her home rather than paying for office space and I can see why she would be reluctant to hold initial interviews in her own home - not only because I wouldn't want potential employees sitting in my front room but also because there is more likely to be personal interruptions e.g. the postman knocking for a parcel, phone ringing, pets, kids etc.

Additionally, if she is scheduling multiple interviews in a block, if it's a public place at least you dont have to worry about your 1.30 interview being interrupted because your 2.00 interview turns up at your door 10 minutes early and needs to be let in ...

OP is there anywhere you could hire a private room for an hour or two? My local library has small study rooms that can be booked by the hour and even our local theatre and some hotels have conference rooms and meeting rooms you can hire at very reasonable rates. A coffee shop is better than nothing but ideally you should try to give your interview as much privacy as possible.

I think Costa would be ok but you'll come across as more professional if you hire a proper meeting space.

Does anyone know how much it cost to rent a study room in a library? I might try costa if I cannot find a affordable office space. And the thing is i don't want to pay a fee every time I have to interview someone.

I was once interviewed on the side of a rugby pitch in the middle of a game.....

I often take on students to work with me on various projects and have interviewed them in coffee shops before.

I wouldn’t attend a job interview in either place. It’s not professional, confidential or respectful to the candidate. Find a private meeting space.

Is there a business type hotel near you with a decent sized lobby/bar area?

Perhaps somewhere like that you could ask to reserve a table. A bit more professional than Costa but without having to hire a room.