Q: A former manager called to ask if I would be interested in a sales position with his new company. The opportunity sounded fantastic. I spoke with the hiring manager and agreed to meet him at the local airport the following day. Upon my arrival, he responded with: “Nice to meet you. Do you have a car? I want you to take me to lunch.” I was not comfortable getting into a car with a virtual stranger of the opposite sex, but I felt I had no other choice. Needless to say, it was a very awkward interview. How should I have responded? – Kathryn

A: J.T.: Interviews are done over meals all the time, especially when the introduction is made through friends. Is it possible he might have thought you would enjoy going to lunch? You also mentioned that you two had spoken by phone and that your former manager works for the company; thus, he might have felt comfortable asking you to drive him. Maybe you found it lacking good taste, but unless there is something you are not sharing, he did nothing inappropriate.

Dale: Glad to hear you say so – I was fearing a “sisterhood” diatribe. My reaction was to go further: Hey, Kathryn, as a sales professional, you know that the meeting environment matters. Where did you expect to meet? It’s your town, your airport. Did you stop in and arrange a pass to one of the airline clubs? Did you visit airport restaurants and find just the quiet table you wanted? Did you :

J.T.: OK, OK. Let me jump in before you drive me to a sisterhood diatribe. I can appreciate the concerns you felt, Kathryn. But for now, I say, chalk it up as a nonfit. You must follow your gut, and it’s saying that the manager’s manners weren’t professional.

Dale: No, don’t “chalk it up” – that way you don’t learn anything. Instead, think of it as a sales call gone awry. If you can do that, then visit salesautopsy.com. The man who created it, Dan Seidman, works to turn failure into wisdom. That’s what I hope for you and every salesperson, Kathryn: that you learn to turn frustrating situations into knowledge – and future sales.

Q: Four years ago, I encountered personal problems that ended with a misdemeanor DUI conviction. Approaching a job search, I’m haunted by the question on applications, “Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense?” Is there anything I can do so companies don’t automatically disqualify me? – Mary

A: J.T.: Let’s start by saying that not all companies are going to disqualify you. For those, the key lies in how you handle the issue. First, never lie on an application. If you are asked the question during the interview, briefly articulate how much you are bothered by this single blemish on your record and what it has taught you.

Dale: The key word being “briefly.” Just say: “It was a one-time blunder. I’m Ms. Solid Citizen, and I hope you’ll check with my references about my being responsible and being committed to my work.” Then you’re right back to talking about your job skills. That’s what matters, and if you act like it, so will the interviewer.