Dress for success with our new guide to what to wear at a job interview. Make a lasting first impression!
Interview attire significantly impacts hiring managers' first impressions in hospitality, an industry where appearance and presentation directly affect guest experiences and property image. Understanding what to wear requires considering your target position, property type, regional norms, and interview format.
This guide provides specific attire recommendations based on Placement International's 20 years connecting candidates with hospitality properties. We've gathered feedback from over 500 hiring managers about interview expectations, revealing what actually influences hiring decisions.
Why Attire Matters More in Hospitality Interviews
Hospitality hiring managers evaluate interview attire more critically than many other industries. Your appearance signals understanding of professional presentation standards, attention to detail that translates to guest interactions, respect for the interview and potential employer, and alignment with property's image and guest expectations.
Guest-facing positions particularly demand polished presentation since you represent the property immediately upon hiring. Back-of-house positions allow slightly more casual approaches, though professionalism still matters.
The fundamental rule: dress for the position you want, adapted for property type and market. This requires research before selecting your interview outfit.
Researching Appropriate Attire for Specific Opportunities
Before choosing interview attire, research three factors that determine appropriate dress levels.
- Property Type and Brand Positioning
Luxury hotels (Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Montage) maintain highest formality standards. These properties expect business professional attire for virtually all position interviews. Their brand promises refined elegance that extends to employee appearance.
Upper upscale hotels (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt full-service properties) typically expect business professional for management interviews and business casual for line-level positions. These brands balance professionalism with approachability.
Boutique properties vary dramatically based on their individual positioning. Research the specific property's aesthetic and culture. Some boutique hotels embrace contemporary casual styles while others maintain formal luxury standards.
Resort destinations often allow slightly less formal attire than urban properties, though "resort casual" still means polished and professional, not beach attire. Climate and property setting influence appropriate choices.
- Position Level and Guest Interaction
Front-of-house positions serving guests directly (front desk, concierge, restaurant server) require more formal interview attire than back-of-house roles. Your appearance during interviews signals how you'll present to guests.
Management positions across all departments require business professional attire regardless of daily work requirements. Managers represent the property and must demonstrate executive presence even in operational roles.
Culinary positions allow more practical interview attire since you may be asked to demonstrate cooking skills. However, "practical" still means clean, professional appearance, not worn jeans and t-shirts.
Support positions (housekeeping, engineering, purchasing) without direct guest interaction allow business casual approaches, though professionalism remains important.
- Regional and Market Considerations
Major urban markets (New York, San Francisco, Chicago) maintain more formal professional standards across industries. Hospitality interviews in these markets trend toward higher formality levels.
Smaller markets and suburban areas often embrace more relaxed business dress standards. Research local norms to avoid appearing either underdressed or inappropriately formal.
Seasonal resort destinations (ski resorts, beach towns) typically allow more casual interview approaches given their locations and property styles, though you should still present professionally.
International properties may have specific cultural dress expectations. Research cultural norms if interviewing for positions outside your home country.
Front-of-House Position Interview Attire
Front-of-house roles including front desk, guest services, concierge, bell staff, and host/hostess positions require polished professional appearance during interviews.
- Men's Front-of-House Attire
Business professional remains the safe choice for men interviewing for guest-facing positions at upscale properties. This includes a dark suit (navy or charcoal) that fits properly without being tight or loose, dress shirt in white, light blue, or subtle pattern, conservative tie coordinating with suit, and leather dress shoes in black or brown with matching belt.
Grooming matters enormously. Ensure recent haircut, clean-shaven face or neatly trimmed facial hair, trimmed nails, and minimal cologne (many guests have sensitivities).
Business casual works for some front-of-house interviews at less formal properties. This includes dress pants (no jeans) in navy, gray, or khaki, button-down shirt or polo in solid colors, leather shoes (not sneakers), and optional blazer adding polish.
Avoid wearing overly trendy clothing or colors, visible tattoos if possible (property policies vary), excessive jewelry, and sneakers or casual footwear.
- Women's Front-of-House Attire
Women's business professional for hospitality interviews includes a tailored suit (pants or skirt) in neutral colors, professional blouse or shell in coordinating colors, closed-toe heels or flats (comfortable since interviews may involve property tours), and minimal, classic jewelry.
Business casual alternatives include tailored dress in solid color or subtle pattern with appropriate length (knee-length or longer), dress pants or skirt with professional blouse, cardigan or blazer optional but recommended, and professional closed-toe shoes.
Makeup should be professional and understated. Hair should be styled neatly, pulled back if long. Nails should be clean and professionally manicured if polished.
Avoid wearing revealing or tight clothing, excessive jewelry or makeup, strong fragrances, open-toe shoes or very high heels, and overly casual pieces like denim or jersey knits.
Food and Beverage Position Interview Attire
Restaurant server, bartender, sommelier, and F&B supervisor positions require professional attire recognizing you may be asked to work a shift or demonstrate skills during interviews.
- Server and Bartender Interviews
Fine dining positions require business professional attire similar to front desk recommendations. These upscale environments expect refined presentation.
Casual dining allows business casual approaches. Men can wear dress pants and button-down shirts. Women can wear dresses, dress pants, or skirts with professional tops. Comfortable, professional shoes matter since you may shadow a shift.
Bring clean, pressed all-black clothing (black pants, black button-down shirt, black shoes) if asked to work a trial shift. Many restaurants require all-black uniforms, and having this ready demonstrates preparation.
- Management and Sommelier Positions
F&B managers, assistant managers, and sommeliers should wear business professional attire regardless of restaurant style. These positions require executive presence even in casual establishments.
Men should wear full suits. Women should wear suits or professional dresses with blazers. These roles involve guest interaction, staff management, and representing the establishment at business and social functions.
Culinary Position Interview Attire
Chef, sous chef, line cook, and pastry positions require practical professional attire recognizing kitchen environments and potential cooking demonstrations.
- Executive Chef and Sous Chef Interviews
Management-level culinary positions require business casual minimum. Many chefs wear clean, pressed chef coats and professional pants (chef pants or dress pants) to interviews, signaling they're ready to work while maintaining professional appearance.
If wearing chef coat, ensure it's pristine white, properly fitted, and paired with professional pants and shoes. Avoid wearing worn or stained kitchen clothing that suggests poor attention to detail.
Business casual civilian clothing also works. Men can wear dress pants and button-down shirts. Women can wear similar professional clothing. Bring chef coat, knife kit, and appropriate shoes if informed you'll cook during interview.
- Line Cook and Prep Cook Interviews
Entry-level kitchen positions allow casual professional attire. This means clean jeans or work pants (not athletic wear), clean t-shirt or casual button-down, and closed-toe, non-slip shoes appropriate for kitchens.
The key is demonstrating readiness to work while presenting professionally. Avoid wearing heavily worn, stained, or ripped clothing even to line cook interviews.
Many culinary interviews involve cooking demonstrations or trail shifts. Ask ahead whether you should bring knives, chef coat, and kitchen-appropriate shoes. Being prepared demonstrates professionalism.
Video Interview Attire Considerations
Video interviews have become standard, particularly for initial screening conversations. Attire expectations remain professional even when interviewing from home.
Wear complete outfits despite camera framing. You may need to stand up, and partial dressing appears unprofessional. Follow same guidelines as in-person interviews for position and property type.
Consider how colors and patterns appear on camera. Avoid bright whites that create glare, small patterns that create visual noise on camera, all black which can appear too dark on some cameras, and bold graphics or logos that distract from your face.
Test your setup before interviews to evaluate lighting, background, camera angle, and how your clothing appears on screen. Adjust as needed to ensure professional presentation.
Common Interview Attire Mistakes to Avoid
Based on hiring manager feedback, these mistakes frequently harm candidates' chances regardless of qualifications.
Wearing overly casual clothing signals you don't understand professional hospitality standards or don't respect the opportunity. If you're unsure whether attire is appropriate, choose the more formal option.
Poor grooming undermines otherwise appropriate attire. Hiring managers notice wrinkled clothing, scuffed shoes, unkempt hair, overgrown facial hair, and dirty nails. These details signal inattention that translates to guest service.
Excessive fragrance causes problems since many people have sensitivities. If you wear cologne or perfume, apply very lightly. Better to skip fragrance entirely.
Uncomfortable clothing creates visible discomfort during interviews. If shoes pinch, pants are too tight, or shirts pull, you'll fidget and appear uncomfortable. Choose comfortable, professional options.
Inappropriate accessories include large logos or graphics, religious or political symbols (unless interviewing for faith-based organizations), excessive jewelry that jangles or distracts, and very casual bags or backpacks instead of professional briefcases or portfolios.
Day-of-Interview Checklist
Prepare these details the night before interviews to ensure polished presentation.
Review outfit completely. Try on your full interview outfit including shoes and accessories. Check for stains, wrinkles, missing buttons, or other issues requiring attention. Steam or press clothing as needed.
Prepare hygiene and grooming. Shower, style hair appropriately, trim nails, shave or groom facial hair, and prepare makeup if worn. Do this with enough time to handle any issues calmly.
Organize materials neatly. Prepare copies of your resume, reference list, work authorization documents, and any certifications in professional folder or portfolio. This organization signals attention to detail.
Plan arrival timing. Research parking, public transit, or traffic patterns to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Rushing creates stress visible during interviews and risks late arrival.
Final Thoughts on Hospitality Interview Success
Appropriate interview attire demonstrates professional judgment and attention to detail that hospitality careers demand. Research specific opportunities, dress appropriately for position and property type, and present yourself as polished professional ready to represent the property to guests.
Placement International helps candidates prepare for interviews with properties matching their career goals. We provide specific guidance on what each property expects regarding presentation and professionalism. Our established relationships mean we can advise on property-specific cultural details that general advice can't address.
Ready to pursue hospitality opportunities where your professionalism and capabilities receive genuine recognition? Contact Placement International to discuss how our J-1 programs connect ambitious professionals with properties that value their contributions. Your international hospitality career begins with preparation, including knowing exactly how to present yourself for success.
