What To Wear To A Job Interview At A Restaurant (With Examples)

Deciding what to wear for a job interview can be stressful enough under normal circumstances, and it can quickly become infinitely more confusing when you find out you’re going to be meeting your interviewer at a restaurant.

To help take away some of that stress, we’ve put together a guide on how to decide what to wear to a restaurant interview and how to behave during your interview.

Key Takeaways

• Research the company’s dress code and the restaurant’s atmosphere/dress code before you decide what to wear to your interview.

• When going to an interview at a restaurant, wear clothing similar to what you would wear to an interview at an office.

• Behaving professionally is just as important as what you wear to an interview at a restaurant.

What to Wear to a Job Interview at a Restaurant

In order to determine the best outfit to wear to an interview at a restaurant, you need to do two things:

• Research the company’s dress code

• Know what kind of restaurant it is

We know that deciding what to wear for an interview can be a little nerve-wracking. Choosing the right outfit can be a make-or-break move for you. Now, you have the added pressure of choosing the appropriate outfit that works well with the interview location.

An interview at a restaurant is no different from an interview at an office setting, so it is of the utmost importance that you arrive at the location well prepared. Go online and verify what the overall atmosphere of the place is. Is it formal or casual? Knowing this can help you make a better decision about what to wear.

Keep in mind that many companies have their own dress code that they will want you to follow. If, for any reason, you feel unsure or nervous about what to wear, reach out to the person that invited you to interview and simply ask them. You will have a higher chance of setting your mind at ease if you hear it from them.

Before you begin, you need to understand that there are many different venues you can be asked to meet, and appropriately dressing for these locations is very important.

The High-End Restaurant Interview

Many hiring managers will invite their strongest candidates to interview at a high-end restaurant. These restaurants usually expect their guests to wear formal business attire.
Business attire is clothing that is geared towards a more conservative nature. While in business attire, you are expected to wear clothing that is a little more modest.

When wearing Business Attire, both men and women are encouraged to wear a suit. Women can also choose to wear either a skirt or pantsuit or a business dress with a blazer— however since they are meeting at a restaurant they may also choose to simply wear a suitable dress without the blazer.

When it comes to shoes, consider wearing neutral, close-toed footwear as your outfit should be in a neutral color. Neutral colors are considered to be non-threatening and modest.

The Casual Restaurant Interview

If the interview is set up to be held at a casual location, you can consider wearing Business Casual. Think about wearing something a little more casual like a button-down top and some dress slacks or a less formal dress or skirt.

Similar to the upscale restaurant, you will need to try and plan ahead. Search online or call the restaurant and verify if they have a particular dress code.

The Coffee Shop Interview

Believe it, or not many interviews take place in coffee houses. However, do not keep your guard down. Even if this is considered a more casual establishment, you must maintain your professionalism.

In this case, dress according to the position you have been seeking. If you have applied for a high-level position, then perhaps wearing a suit would be more appropriate for the occasion. If you’re looking to join a startup, casual slacks and a professional top might be perfectly acceptable.

Choosing The Best Outfit For The Job Interview

There are many different options you can choose to wear for your interview. Remember always to keep the atmosphere of the establishment. Whatever you decide to wear, remember that it is clean, freshly pressed, and professional looking.

• If you are meeting in a high-end restaurant, you can wear a black or navy suit and a crisp white shirt. Combine this with some small statement pieces such as a neck-tie or metallic jewelry. Women can also wear a lovely business dress in a neutral color.

• If you are meeting in a more casual restaurant or at a coffee shop, you can consider wearing brighter pastel colors for a more casual look, for example, a light blue shirt and some light grey slacks or dress pants for men and a patterned or more colorful blouse or dress for women.

• If you decide to wear a skirt or dress, it is recommended that you wear a knee-length skirt so you don’t have to worry about it while you’re sitting — a well-fitting pencil skirt is generally appropriate.

What Not To Wear To An Interview

When getting ready for an interview at a restaurant, feeling comfortable is also very important. Keep in mind that you will be sitting there for a significant amount of time. You want to find an outfit that you will not fill the need to be constantly shifting in your seat. Avoid choosing to wear something too tight or form-fitting. Here is a list of articles of clothing you should avoid wearing during an interview:

• Denim

• Shorts

• Low-cut dress

• Revealing top

• Cropped tops

• Athleisure

• Short skirts

• Sandals or sneakers

• Stiletto heels or high heels that are difficult to walk in

• Tight or form-fitting clothing

• Bold jewelry

• Sheer fabric

• Joggers

• Sweatshirt or hoodies

Tips for Restaurant Interviews

1. Always be prepared. At this point in the application process, it is critical always to be prepared. When meeting someone for an interview, remember to bring all the necessary paperwork, such as your resume and portfolio, should you have one.

   It is essential that you keep the conversation flowing during your meeting. The last thing you would want is for the conversation to lag. Prepare talking points you might need during your appointment. If you have any questions about the company or the responsibilities the job would entail, this would be the perfect time to do it.

2. Mind your manners. Treat this meeting as if you were having it in an office setting. Arrive as early as possible. You do not want to keep the interviewer waiting for you to arrive. This will also give you time to mentally prepare for your meeting and set your mind at ease.

   Before the meeting, remember to turn your phone off or set it on silent. You do not want to be distracted during the meeting or be continuously interrupted. This is something that might not sit well with the person who is interviewing you and can reflect poorly on you.

   Remember to mind your table manners. Never let the fact that you are in an interview slip your mind. Everything you say and do is all being taken into account. Keep in mind that the hiring manager or recruiter is watching your every move.

   Do not get carried away when ordering from the menu — do not choose anything too expensive. Even though the company will be expensing the meal, you do not want to come across as if you are taking advantage of the situation.

3. Remember to thank the interviewer for their time and the lovely meal. Let them know how much you enjoyed your meal and thank them for taking the time to meet with you. After the interview, take the time to send them an email thanking them for their time and consideration.

   This can very well be the difference between getting called back for a second interview or even the job. Not thanking someone for their time can make you come across as ungrateful and cold.

What to Wear to an Interview for a Restaurant Job

If you’re going to an interview at a restaurant because you’re trying to get a job at that restaurant, the rule of dressing for the position you want still applies.

So, if you’re applying for a server, bartender, or host position at a high-end restaurant, consider dressing in all black. Wear nice black slacks or a skirt with a black button-up, or wear a black dress. If you’re applying for a managerial role or don’t have black, another neutral color is also acceptable. If

If you’re applying for a job at a casual restaurant, business casual is generally acceptable, although those applying for managerial roles may want to throw on a blazer or tie as well.

Interview at a Restaurant FAQs

1. Is it okay to wear jeans to a restaurant interview?

   No, it isn’t okay to wear jeans to a restaurant interview. There may be a few exceptions, but it’s almost always best to err on the side of caution and avoid wearing denim of any kind to an interview.

   Employers would generally rather you be overdressed than underdressed, and you can still wear business casual without jeans.

2. What should I bring to a restaurant interview?

   You should bring copies of your resume and portfolio, a list of questions to ask your interviewer, and paper for taking notes to a restaurant interview. You shouldn’t bring so much stuff that it looks like you’re the one conducting the interview, but having a padfolio or folder with those documents and a pen is a good idea.

3. Are leggings okay for an interview?

   No, leggings aren’t okay for an interview. Even dressy leggings are considered not appropriate for job interviews. Stick with slacks — or tights or hose if you’re looking for extra coverage for a dress or skirt.

4. Is it okay to wear sneakers to a job interview at a restaurant?

   No, it isn’t okay to wear sneakers to a job interview at a restaurant. Even if the location of the interview is a more casual restaurant, you should still aim to stick to Business Casual attire, so sneakers should be avoided.

Final Thoughts

Whether your interview is being held in a traditional office setting or at a restaurant, you need to remember to be prepared. Bringing extra copies of your resume and your portfolio can come in handy during your meeting.

Remember, first impressions are crucial. Wearing the appropriate attire for an interview can determine whether or not you get the job. The right outfit can make you feel confident, which is essential when trying to make a great impression.

References

1. U.S. Department of Labor – Interview Tips

Author

Hope Stebbins

Hope Stebbins is an experienced writer and editor within the field of finance and contracts, sales, and business operations. She combines operational analysis with creativity to develop compelling written content. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Eastern University.