With so many warm, welcoming, and nicely-presented locations, and with such popular food and drinks, it’s no surprise that Starbucks has also proven to be an exceptionally popular place to work.
Starbucks as a company is known for its fashionable brand image which is full of personality and expression. Starbucks employees are allowed to express themselves effectively through their uniforms, and how they go about their work (Provided they do it properly!).
You’re probably reading this today because you’ve recently applied to a position at a local Starbucks store, and you want to know what you should aim to wear in the interview situation.
Do you need to dress extra formal? With a suit and tie, or a skirt and heels? Or can you simply rock up in jeans and t-shirts?
This can be one of the more stressful parts of the interview process, so in order to help make it easier, we’ve put together this handy guide to show you exactly what you should aim to wear at your Starbucks interview.
Read on below to get all of the answers you need!
Table of Contents
- How Should You Dress For A Starbucks Interview?
- What Kind Of Shirt Should You Wear To A Starbucks Interview?
- What Kind Of Bottoms Should You Wear To A Starbucks Interview?
- What Kind Of Footwear Should You Wear To A Starbucks Interview?
- Should You Wear Any Accessories To A Starbucks Interview?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
How Should You Dress For A Starbucks Interview?
If you are interviewing for a position at a Starbucks location, then you will need to aim to strike a balance between formal and casual.
Starbucks is not a top-end exclusive brand that has a strict dress code, but nor is it a company you could attend an interview in just a t-shirt, with!
It is recommended to wear clothes that look smart, and suit your body, but also have a little bit of personality to them. The Starbucks uniform itself is less a ‘uniform’, and more of a ‘Dress code’.
If you work in Starbucks you can wear appropriate clothing of your choice under your apron in order to express a bit of your personality.
Thus, in the interview situation, you don’t want to wear something too formal that is devoid of personality. Wear a smart shirt that shows off the kind of person you are, provided it is entirely appropriate.
Part of the interviewing process is the interviewer getting to know who you are as a person, and a little bit of stylistic flair can be a great way to let them know. Just don’t go overboard!
What Kind Of Shirt Should You Wear To A Starbucks Interview?
If you are male, and wondering what to wear to your Starbucks interview, why not try out a fashionable button-up shirt?
Pick a shirt that has an interesting pattern that isn’t too gaudy, but does draw the eye. Wear it with one button undone at the top, to present a casual look. You can choose to wear the shirt either tucked in, or loose over the top of your pants.
If you wanted to wear a t-shirt as part of your outfit, you could try wearing a plain white t-shirt underneath an unbuttoned or buttoned shirt.
If you are female, your options are largely similar. Choose a button up shirt or blouse that has a pleasant pattern or design that is simple on the eye, and not too complicated.
You could also choose to wear a sweater or a cardigan. Aim to wear simple block colors of a subtle hue, such as black, gray, blue, or brown.
If you’re unsure whether a top is appropriate to be worn to a Starbucks interview, you can also check out the Starbucks Lookbook which comprehensively lists the type of attire that is suitable for working in a Starbucks store. It will tell you whether certain colors or tops are appropriate.
What Kind Of Bottoms Should You Wear To A Starbucks Interview?
Whether male or female, one of the best things you can aim to wear at a Starbucks interview is a good pair of trousers or jeans.
Pick bottoms that are simplistic in color, frame your body well, and don’t hang excessively, and don’t have any tearing or stains.
Try a pair of light brown Khakis, to inject a bit of life into your outfit, or a pair of simple jeans to make your look feel casual without appearing ‘lazy’.
You might also want to wear a simple skirt, provided it is of appropriate length, and not overly exuberant or flashy!
Keep note of the fact that the Starbucks Lookbook outlines that baggy and ripped pants or sweatpants are not appropriate for working in the store, and thus you should avoid wearing them to an interview.
What Kind Of Footwear Should You Wear To A Starbucks Interview?
When it comes to footwear, you should aim to wear shoes that don’t draw attention to themselves, but that are still comfortable.
Try to wear light and unassuming colors, such as brown or black, and try to avoid showing off logos. Trainers would be acceptable, provided they are not too expressive and out-there.
Within the interview situation it may be appropriate to wear shoes or boots with higher heels, though you should definitely ensure they aren’t too high.
Remember, you aren’t trying to show off how you dress, but rather who you are and how well you can work in a Starbucks store, thus you will want to aim for shoes that are comfortable for your feet, and provide good support.
Should You Wear Any Accessories To A Starbucks Interview?
You should generally avoid wearing any kind of hat in the interview situation, despite the fact that hats can be worn by staff.
This is because wearing a hat indoors is traditionally seen as a lack of respect, and you don’t know if your interviewer will hold such a value to heart.
In terms of other accessories, such as scarves, you can definitely wear these, but you should ensure that they are appropriate or subtle. Wear a scarf with a simple pattern and one that isn’t too large.
You can wear small pins in a role at Starbucks, but it is best not to wear one for your interview. You can wear earrings, and it is recommended to wear a pair of your best to add an air of sophistication to an outfit.
When it comes to hair, beards, or other bodily accessories, try to ensure that they look smart. Tidy up and wash your hair, and if it is long, maybe consider tying it back.
Trim beards to an appropriate and tidy length, and try to keep fingernails trimmed. You can wear nail polish, but try not to wear any exaggerated patterns or false nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard To Get Hired At Starbucks?
It can be quite difficult to get a good job at Starbucks, as positions are often highly sought after. Starbucks receives a lot of applications, but they are not able to hire everyone who attends an interview.
How Do I Prepare For A Starbucks Interview?
Ensure that you are familiar with the brand. You could do so by visiting a location and observing how the restaurant is maintained and operated.
Make sure you have a good knowledge of the products, as they may be brought up during the interview.
You can also practice by using standard interview preparation activities, such as mock interviews, with friends or family, to practice quickly and confidently responding to questions.
Do You Get Free Drinks If You Work At Starbucks?
Starbucks employees are given access to one free food item per shift, and multiple free drinks during their shift. This means that they can feed themselves easily on their lunch breaks.
Starbucks staff also receive 30% discounts on everything, at all locations.
Conclusion
Dressing just right for an interview is a great way to improve your chances of landing the job. If you’re heading to an interview for a Starbucks job, you should aim to dress smart-casual, with some smart elements to your outfit, but with a little bit of personal flair.
Try not to worry too much about your outfit, as the interviewer will be more concerned with who you are as a person, and whether you are the right fit for the role. Just make sure that it is appropriate, comfortable, and reflective of who you are without being too showy.
