The job interview is one of the most important moments in securing great employment at an awesome restaurant. This is your chance to meet with the hiring manager in person and show off your best possible self. First impressions really do matter, and you don’t want to miss this opportunity to shine.
Most often, the location of the restaurant or cafe you’ve applied to will be the location that you’ll interview in. Keep this in mind and dress relative to the atmosphere of the establishment. Regardless of whether you’re interviewing for a Host, Server, or a Kitchen position, you’ll want to stick with business casual attire. For cafes, dress a bit more on the casual side. For high-end restaurants, dress it up a bit more. You want the hiring manager to be able to visualize you working and spending time in that location.
If you’re looking for a front-of-house job like a server, host, or bartender, consider wearing a black dress shirt, black pants, and clean black shoes. Restaurants often prefer their staff to dress all in black to mask any food or drink spills that can happen over the course of a shift, so try to dress the part. The manager interviewing you will appreciate it and then could help speed up the hiring process. Of course, you can always add a bit of colour or flair to show off a bit of your personality.
If you’re interviewing for an upper-level position like a restaurant manager or an executive chef, feel free to dress a bit fancier. You want to look confident, approachable, and commanding while still feeling comfortable. Wear a tie, throw on a blazer, and tuck your shirt in. Miniskirts and low-cut tops are definitely out of the question and never, ever wear jeans. If you expect the interviewer to take you seriously, take the time and effort to show them respect by spending some extra time and attention on your outfit that day.
Your shoes should look professional but be functional; no sky-high heels or uncomfortable dress shoes. Just in case the hiring manager asks you to jump on the floor to showcase your skills and knowledge, show up prepared to do a bit of walking. You don’t want a small oversight like this to be the reason you don’t land the job.
Of course, work abilities are important, but so is personal hygiene. Because most of your time will be spent working with the public, managers want to ensure that the people they hire are presentable and well-groomed. If you have long hair, put it up in a ponytail to keep it out of your face. If you have facial hair, make sure that it’s well-groomed and tucked into place. Clean and trim your nails and make sure whatever you’re wearing is free of holes, stains, and rips. It’s best not to wear any perfume as so many people have sensitivities and it often doesn’t pair well with the smell of food. Finally, keep makeup and accessories to a minimum. Rings and necklaces can get caught on plates, trays, and napkins, and you want to prevent any mishaps that might make you feel nervous or off guard.
The bottom line is: dress for success. Help your interviewer see you as a part of their time. Keep your head up, chest up, and hands by your side. And remember – a smile is the best accessory you can wear!