One of the most effective ways to increase your chances of getting hired is to dress up professionally for the work interview. This is where you get to make the very first impression and demonstrate your dedication and competence.
However, most people make two crucial mistakes — they either overdress or underdress. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what constitutes a great interview outfit and how you can leverage it to leave an awesome first impression (and land that job!).
What To Wear to a Server Interview
If you’re wondering what to wear to a serving interview, it’s worth noting that, unlike other industries, the hospitality sector doesn’t have a strict dress code. Instead, most staff members are usually dressed in plain and comfortable outfits.
However, when you’re being interviewed for the position, you want to pick attire that’s both casual and professional. That way, you’ll show the company that you’re a serious candidate for the job.
Top
A clean shirt in neutral colors works best. You also want to avoid too many colors or things like logos or writing as it doesn’t look professional. Ideally, pick a shirt with long sleeves, and if you’re a lady, make sure there’s no cleavage showing. It goes without saying that the shirt should be well-fitted (not too tight and not too loose) and that it should be properly ironed.
Bottom
Choose tailored pants or a long skirt. Considering you’ll have a neutral top, it’s best to go for dark colors for the bottom part. This will ensure your overall look is spotless. It’s also important to feel comfortable in the clothes you’re wearing. If you don’t, you might appear fidgety or nervous, which will then affect your confidence during the interview.
Shoes
Closed-toe shoes are perfect for job interviews. Not only do they look professional, but these shoes are also worn at the actual workplace. Their main purpose is to offer protection, as restaurants can be incredibly hectic, so it’s important to protect the feet from anything like hot liquid or heavy utensils.
What To Wear to a Waitress Interview
The rule is simple — always dress up in a way that matches the workplace you’re applying for. If you’re interviewing for an upscale restaurant, then you want to pay attention to minor details, such as keeping your hair neatly styled in a bun. For all other positions, it’s sufficient to wear business-smart clothes and present yourself in a professional light.
Top
You want to pick neat clothes that are not as casual as your everyday outfits. But, also, try not to overdo it, and stick to the basics. This includes wearing simple, long-sleeved shirts in colors such as (light) blue, black, white, gray and beige. Avoid flashy colors or loud patterns, as you want to be assessed based on your skills and personality, not your looks.
Bottom
Navy blue and black are the most common colors most interview-goers use for bottoms. These colors are super easy to combine and they contribute to a professional, polished look. Whether you pick pants, a skirt, or a dress, make sure the length is appropriate for the setting you’ll find yourself in. You want to pick pants that reach up to your feet, and skirts or dresses that are equally long, or, at least, knee-length.
Shoes
Waiters can spend entire shifts on their feet. That’s why it’s important that you pick comfortable, non-slippery shoes, even during the interview. That way, you’ll get to demonstrate to your interviewer that you perfectly understand the requirements of the job without saying a single word.
Casual Waitress Interview Outfit Ideas
It’s crucial that your future employer sees that you’ve invested time to prepare for the interview. This is why you should do some research beforehand and look up the staff dress code. That’s how you’ll gain an upper hand and show you understand the company’s culture.
Casual Waitress Interview Outfit Ideas
If you’re wondering what to wear to a Waitress interview, consider some of the casual Waitress interview outfits. This can include neutral-colored shirts and dark jeans for the bottom. You can combine this with simple flat shoes or comfortable low-heeled shoes.
You could also pair a lightweight blazer in a pastel color with a knee-length skirt or high-waisted pants. Make sure everything is well-ironed as these clean, sharp lines on soft fabrics can add a sophisticated touch to your overall outfit.
Those who are looking for a more adventurous look should consider wearing a long-wrap dress. Make sure the dress patterns are simple and that the dress is modest and not revealing. You can add earrings and a necklace, however, make sure you keep the jewelry at a minimum.
Casual Waiter Interview Outfit Ideas
Some of the most classic outfits for Waiter interviews are polo t-shirts, combined with simple polished loafers. You should generally avoid all sorts of accessories, but it’s highly recommended to wear a nice watch.
Another option would be to go for a business-smart look and wear a blazer on top. This goes well with dark-fitted jeans and derby shoes or even plain and elegant sneakers. The rule is straightforward — the simpler, the better.
Pick a crew neck sweater and pair it with a shirt underneath. For a perfect casual business look, you want to pair it up with dark chinos. When it comes to footwear, you can choose between classic loafers or polished sneakers.
What Not To Wear to a Server or Waitress Interview
You definitely want to avoid coming to the interview in ripped jeans or overly casual footwear, such as flip-flops or worn-out sneakers. Also, make sure you’re not wearing activewear, like sweatpants or sweatshirts as you might appear uninterested in the role.
Distracting clothes patterns and large or flashy jewelry is also discouraged because it takes away from your skills and experience. It can be quite distracting for the interviewers and it might negatively affect the outcome of the conversation.
Ladies shouldn’t wear short skirts, dresses, or tops that reveal thighs or cleavage. All clothes should be well-ironed and presentable, ensuring a professional and polished look.
Where To Apply for a Restaurant Job
We regularly post job opportunities on our webpage where you can find vacancies for some of the most lucrative hospitality career paths out there. Whether you’re starting as a Waiter or a Server looking to jump-start your career, check out the newest job postings for this month on our pages above.
