You only get one chance to make a first impression. Set yourself up for success by dressing the part!

A clean-and-tidy appearance probably won’t be enough to get you the job. But it also won’t eliminate you from the runnings, the way a wrinkled t-shirt and dirty sneakers might. When you nail the outfit, you let your interviewer focus more on the quality of your experience and your conversation than on your appearance. 

Here’s what to wear for interviews in the hospitality industry, from entry-level to upper management. 

How to Dress for Interviews for Entry-Level and Hourly Roles

If you’re applying for an entry-level or hourly position, you want to look professional but not formal. Black pants are always a safe choice, especially since they’re common in restaurant uniforms. You could also wear khakis or grey slacks. Pair them with a clean button-down shirt or blouse, and you’re on the right track. On your feet, stick to nice black or brown shoes. They could be your non-slip work shoes or a pair of dress shoes.

It can help to mirror the uniform of the place you’re applying. Drop by a day or two before the interview to see what the staff wears. If they wear all black, you could easily wear the same to show that you’ll fit in. 

Items to avoid: 

  • Jeans
  • T-shirts
  • Sneakers
  • Anything tight or revealing, like a short skirt or midriff-baring top
  • Anything oversized or baggy, like loose shorts that don’t stay up
  • Anything torn or damaged

The same rules apply whether you’re applying for a front of house or back of house position. If you’re coming in for a kitchen stage or working interview, remember: clean, clean, clean! Your nonslip shoes should be wiped of any food spills or grime and your chef’s coat should be stain-free and pressed. Give your knife roll a good once-over too. Get any crumbs or debris out of the folds to show that you take care of your tools.

How to Dress for Management Interviews

With more responsibility comes a higher dress standard. When you interview for a management role, you should look the part. 

Slacks and a collared shirt or blouse can work. If you choose to wear a skirt, it should hit around the knee or longer. Make sure to sit and bend over in your skirt before your interview to make sure you’re not revealing anything you shouldn’t. Add a blazer to a simple outfit for instant polish. 

It’s okay to show a little personality in your dress. If you like bright colors, you could add a zingy scarf or wear a colorful top under a neutral blazer or cardigan. But avoid a full outfit of bright color. 

Shoes should be attractive but comfortable. If you’re applying for the kind of role where you’d be on your feet all day, wear shoes that show you understand the position. For women, this may include nice flats or a lower, chunkier heel, rather than a tall stiletto that would have you in agony after an hour.

How to Dress for Upper Management or Corporate Interviews

If you’re interviewing for a general manager or a corporate office position, it’s usually better to go more formal. This could mean a professional dress or a suit, usually in a neutral color. 

These clothes don’t have to be expensive, but they should be well-fitted. Better to buy a cheap suit and pay to have it tailored than to get an expensive suit that doesn’t fit as well. There’s nothing that makes you look less qualified than a suit that’s too big—it looks like you pulled it out of mom or dad’s closet!

Shoes should be dressy and clean, and jewelry should be tasteful. Minimal earrings, a simple necklace, and a watch help dress up a simple suit. 

Extra Tips to Dress for an Interview

Clean Hands

In hospitality, our hands are often on display, whether we’re cooking or serving food to guests. Fingernails should be clean and trimmed. In fact, you may want to get a professional manicure before your interview to clean up your nail beds and cuticles. Nail polish optional. 

Hair, Makeup, and Tattoos

Opinions on what is professional for hair and makeup vary widely from employer to employer. If you don’t know exactly what is allowed, it’s usually best to err on the side of caution. Keep makeup minimal and avoid loud colors or heavy eye makeup. Hair should be clean and neat. Men with facial hair should make sure it’s well-trimmed.

As for tattoos, it may be a good idea to keep them under wraps until you know the company’s ink policy. If you have a tattoo on your shoulder or upper arm, wear long sleeves to keep it concealed. And if you have a tattoo in place you can’t hide, like on your knuckles or neck, you may want to ask about the company’s policy before you arrive to avoid wasting your time.

What About Virtual Interviews?

If you’re interviewing through a video chat, the same basic rules apply. Keep clothing clean, neat, and professional based on the above guidelines. 

Beyond your clothes, make sure you’re in a well-lit space and try to minimize the visible clutter behind you. A bookshelf is fine. A giant pile of laundry is not. 

And while it’s tempting to only dress from the waist up, you should commit to the whole outfit during the interview. A barking dog, knock at the door, or another interruption could require you to stand up in full view of your camera. Better to be in your slacks than a pair of workout shorts or pajama pants