UK: How a MALE candidate applying for a job as waiting staff should dress for the job interview?

Question

I suspect a business suit would be over the top?

How should a young man dress for interviews for jobs such as waiting staff, kitchen porter, general assistant at stores etc?

And what about jeans and a shirt, would that be a no-no?

Answer 1

as some one that owned and worked in many hotels over the years..........he should go clean shaven, smelling good NOT over the top.....smart white crisp shirt with well fitting black trousers..............also make sure his socks are clean and shoes well shined............

If it is cold out then a smart any colour jumper would be find, as they will be able to see the collar of the shirt peeking out and see that the collar is clean.

Make sure his hands are nicely groomed, nope do NOT mean drag him off for a manicure BUT at least make sure the nails are clean.

I really think that this is the ONLY time he gets to make a first impression and he should make the most of it, lots of good eye contact and nice firm hand shake at start and end of interview, do NOT mumble, after all he may well be at the front line........

regards and good luck with the job hunting.


EDIT to be honest NO to the jeans, the thing is you are trying to get the job, not turn up looking like you NEED it, and this is standard attire for wait staff all over the UK so you can then show the prson you at least have ONE set of clean stuff to start with.

Answer 2

Accepted dress for table and kitchen staff in Australia may vary a little from the UK, but I believe that a pair of tailored black pants, a crisp white shirt with a black tie, and black shoes and socks cannot be very far wrong for a hospitality industry interview.

It looks smart, and is on the conservative side. If it turns out the workplace is more casual, he can always dress down. If it is classier, he can always dress up.

And of course, be scrupulousy clean and groomed ~ washed hair styled or pulled back from the face, clean fingernails, freshly shaven and a very very mild cologne. You would be surprised how much attention is given to this aspect!

My own preference would be for a black coat, as well. I know it is formal, but particularly for the 'classier' type of premises, they may very well require their front of house staff to wear a coat, anyway.

Another suggestion is to call in at the premises where he will be applying, see what the staff are wearing and then wear some variation of that to the interview.

Always get MORE dressed up for an interview than less, however, just to be on the safe side.

Best of luck to this young man ~ hospitality can be hard work but it can also be loads of fun and take you all around the world :-)

Answer 3

I would suggest if one is owned, wear a suit with all the above grooming tips.

I have sat in on many interviews in the past as an interview board member. Normally this was for office work where it was known to everyone invited for interview that if successful the dress code in the job would be jeans and a T shirt as there was no contact with the public.

However It was always those who dressed in a business like manner who got the job.

Answer 4

Well, if it's just for a wiater, you don't have to get into a suit and tie, but dont go in a grungy pair of jeans and tee, either! I suggest a pair of slacks, and a nice dress shirt(maybe a collered one if you have it), make sure you are well groomed, because this is what they will be really looking for, make sure your are neatly shaved(trimmed up) your hair is combed nicely, and if you have any pierceing's, take them out,. Dont wear any colonge(perfume) as this can sometimes be offensive. Make sure your nails are cleaned(under the nails too) and it would't hurt to gargle with some mouthwash, as you will be speaking with the interviewer, in close contact.. I hope this help's, and I hope you get the job! Good Luck!

Answer 5

A suit without the jacket is a good interview outfit, nice slacks, a dress shirt and a tie.
It's better to over dress then under dress, but ultimately Attitude will play a larger roll.

Answer 6

Go on the standard of the employer. If its up market place, dress appropriately - maybe a jacket, shirt and tie - and if its a casual place dress neat casual too.
The employer is going to be looking for someone who will fit in with them, so it might be worthwhile going and having a look before the interview, if possible and see what their standards are. Paying particular attention to what the staff are wearing/dressed like.

Answer 7

My employment advisor advocates a suit for ALL interviews unless the employer states "casual" when offering the interview. Perhaps it is rather old fashioned but it is believed that the effort of putting on a suit, combing your hair, trimming your fingernails etc indicates respect for the people interviewing you - you are willing to make an effort.

Answer 8

You cannot over dress for an interview. A business suit will let the interviewer know you are mature and serious about the position. Trust me on this.

Answer 9

I would go and check out the place and see what the staff working there are wearing. Then you can wear something similar but just a little bit smarter to make a good impression.

Answer 10

You could try a clean ironed white shirt with clean well pressed black trousers and a polished pair of shoes with the laces properly tied.