Baristas are an essential part of a coffee shop work environment. They help create a welcome atmosphere in the cafe by setting the scene. They are sought after because they make it their duty to make a point of giving each customer a lasting experience through the coffee they deliver.
Multitasking and quickness on one’s feet are but two abilities that baristas master. However, if you are searching for such a position, it’s challenging to know what to wear. The first impression to the hiring manager is essential, so you don’t want to get it wrong.
You can get the lowdown on what to wear when interviewing for a barista position in our guide. By the end, you’ll see a coffee shop isn’t an environment like an office, or you are applying for an executive position.
You’ll know what to wear to job interviews of all types, so you can focus on how to answer honestly to pass your job interview. (Read What To Wear As A Barista)
Can I Wear Jeans To A Barista Interview?
Before you choose your interview clothing, investigate the office dress code for the position you’re looking for.
It’s crucial to know how formal their workplace is. Contact the HR department if you’ve looked at the company’s website and social media pages but still can’t figure out what the dress code is.
Explain that you have an interview coming up and would like to know what to wear.
It’s also a good idea to think about your job title and sector. Dress up in formal business attire if you’re applying for a corporate employment in finance or law, for example.
A matching suit and tie are required for men. It refers to a fitted dress, pantsuit, or skirt suit for ladies. Business casual is virtually always ideal for less formal roles and workplaces.
Here you can see the best class of wear you may need when applying for a job.
Business Casual
Business casual refers to dressed professionally without being unduly formal, despite the lack of a specific definition. It’s a step up from slacks and tees, but not quite a formal office dress. It’s frequently a company’s default dress code, and it’s a good choice for job interviews in almost any industry.
Tips for women’s business casual:
1. Simple, Professional Tops
Wear a nice blouse that is comfortable, professional, and conservative. With a cardigan, a plain top with a blazer, or a knit sweater, wear a button-down shirt or simple blouse.
Pick neutral colors and patterns. Irregularly fitted garments, plunging necklines, and wrinkle-prone fabrics should be avoided. A casual dress with a cardigan and a simple belt is also an option.
2. Dress Pants or Skirt
Wear your top with pressed black or navy slacks or a knee-length or longer pencil skirt. You can tuck a button-down shirt into your jeans or skirt for a sophisticated effect. Wear khaki or cotton pants that seem professional.
3. Comfortable, Closed-toe Shoes
Don’t forget your shoes for your business casual interview. Avoid strapped sandals, flip-flops, high stilettos, sneakers, and shoes with bright colors.
Tips for men’s business casual:
1. Collared shirts with long sleeves
Wear a light-colored tucked-in button-down shirt with long sleeves and a collar. Wearing a knit tie with a simple design or solid color is optional.
A nice sweater over a button-down shirt completes the professional business casual outfit.
For a more refined style, opt for a blazer or lightweight sports jacket in grey, black, or navy blue. Even if the company is laid-back, avoid wearing a polo shirt.
2. Chinos or dress pants
A business casual interview calls for pressed cotton slacks, light-colored chinos, or khakis. Grey, black, brown, and navy blue are pleasing neutral hues to use.
In some workplaces, dark jeans are appropriate. If you’re unsure about jeans in the office, opt for chinos or dress pants. (Learn What Does A Starbucks Barista Earn In A Month)
3. Dark shoes with matching socks
Opt for dark, shiny leather shoes. You can wear Closed-toe shoes such as Oxfords or brown or black loafers with your attire. Wear mid-calf dress socks that match your trousers. Please don’t wear them.
Dress Rehearsal
Make sure everything fits well and looks clean and professional a few days ahead of your interview. Prepare a mock interview with a friend or family member to test the fit and comfort of your interview outfit. Check for wrinkles, stains, holes, and pet hair the night before.
What Not To Wear To An Interview
Finally, let’s analyze how not to dress for an interview, regardless of the workplace’s formality. You want to make an excellent first impression in a job interview, and how you dress matters. Avoid the following to look your best:
- Flip-flops or open-toed footwear
- Running Shoes
- Tank tops or thin-strapped shirts
- Shorts
- Underwear sticking from your clothing.
- Skirts or dresses that are too short.
- Shirts with low necklines or too high and expose your belly.
- Perfume or cologne: It can get overpowering in the interview room.
What Do You Wear To An Interview At A Coffee Shop?
The apparel you wear also depends on the coffee house’s environment. You should dress in a way that complements the environment as some cafes need a uniform while others are less formal.
Because it is an interview, it is best to dress smart yet not formally. The best interview attire is dressy.
No need to dress up; however, more formal clothing would benefit you. This shows the coffee shop’s employer that you are serious about the job. Below are some samples of what to wear to a barista interview.
For Men
Try chinos with a shirt and rolled sleeves if you think dress pants are too formal. You may also add a blazer to it. Before choosing clothing, consider the workplace’s environment.
Chinos dress up casual attire, making them ideal for barista interviews. Jeans are another example of an interview outfit; jeans are timeless and seem both professional and relaxed.
A button-down shirt with a jacket adds a formal touch. Slim Fit trousers are also suitable for interviews. Incorporate a blazer and T-shirt inside the pants for a relaxed yet professional style.
For Women
Women can wear an A-line skirt with a formal shirt to achieve a formal look. Because this is a barista interview, though, you can dress more casually. A slightly flared formal skirt with a button-down shirt tucked in is also a pleasant choice for an interview.
Wearing stockings underneath the skirt may also help tie all of the apparel items together.
Dresses are an excellent option if you want that style and comfort. There are many different styles of gowns available, so choose one that is suited for the interview and not one that could set a negative impression.
Dress pants are a fantastic alternative to skirts if you don’t like them. They are easy to wear with a T-shirt and suit jacket or a dressy shirt.
You can dress down with jeans and a dressy top for a more relaxed look.
Even though this dress is a little more relaxed, it is professional and stylish. Button downs go well with a wide range of bottoms, from dress slacks to skirts. Depending on the atmosphere of the coffee shop where you’re being interviewed and how serious or informal the situation is, you might choose an outfit that will make the best impression.
You want to make a good impression and set yourself out from the other interviews, although don’t go overboard with your appearance by wearing ‘loud’ clothing.
However, avoid using excessively bright hues. The purpose of wearing various colors and styles of clothing is to make an impression on the interviewer. If you’re wearing something, make sure it fits the overall atmosphere of the coffeehouse or if your interviewer expects something from you.
What Should I Wear To A Starbucks Barista Interview?
At the Starbucks company, you can go through an online application first. Then, depending on your application, you may get a call and attend an interview with the company.
What is the right outfit that would be a great fit for an interview in such a large company? For example, while Starbucks is a coffee house, its hiring process may be more in-depth than most.
When you arrive for your interview, it may be best to arrive in something slightly less than a formal outfit. Formal business attire doesn’t fit with the Starbucks vibe when working or in a job interview.
Starbucks is well-known for its welcoming and laid-back ambiance. So if you’re interviewing for a job at Starbucks, dress in a business casual style to match the ambiance.
Try khakis with a button-down rather than a suit and tie or dress and heels. While you can wear flats, heels set a tone off better regardless of attire. While you can avoid wearing certain types of clothes that are too formal, it doesn’t mean you can prepare clothes that come across as sloppy rather than relaxed. (Read How To Start Liking Coffee)
When to Dress Up
However, if you’re aiming for a manager position, dress up a little more, perhaps adding a tie
if you’re a man or wearing a pencil skirt and a more formal blouse if you’re a woman. Even yet, unless you’re applying for a corporate position, a full business suit is optional.
Starbucks Interview Tips
Of course, what you wear is one aspect of the job interview preparation process.
Research the hiring process and the interviewing process if possible. Research the Starbucks brand, as well as the many drinks they offer.
Expect to be asked to provide instances from your previous employment in a café if you show you have prior barista experience. If you say you have barista experience, be sure you have the answers to back it up.
Prepare for your interview by practicing your responses to popular barista and coffee shop interview questions and reviewing Starbucks’ interview tips.
Be prepared to answer questions on customer service and how you would handle a variety of situations and scenarios that may emerge during the course of a day’s job at Starbucks.
Before the interview, practice the customer service interview questions and replies.
Take the time to match your skills to the job specifications and be prepared to communicate this information with the interviewer.
The better the match, the more likely you are to be hired.
What to Bring?
Bring extra copies of references and extra copies of your résumé.
Bring a notepad and pen with you to jot down the name and email address of anybody you meet or ask for a business card.
Know when you’ll be available to work. Although the timetable at the business may be flexible, the interviewer may want to know when you are available.
It would help if you also were prepared to ask the interviewer questions about the work environment or the job.
A career coach can offer lots of advice, yet with the advice here, if you stick to the above, it can stand you in good stead.