What to Wear to a Job Interview at Starbucks

Successful Job Interview
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The international coffee shop chain Starbucks is known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. If you're interviewing for a role at Starbucks, you should copy that atmosphere in your appearance, and adopt a business casual look. 

Instead of a suit and tie, or a dress and heels, think khakis and a button-down. While you should avoid an overly formal outfit (no need for a three-piece suit) don't mistake "relaxed" for sloppy. Get more advice on what to wear for a job interview at Starbucks. 

Attire for All Interview Levels

When it comes to your outfit, tailor your level of formality to the position for which you're applying. Starbucks has a variety of retail positions available, ranging from baristas to district managers. For example, a woman applying to be a barista might wear colored slacks and a simple blouse, but a tailored skirt and a heel if she were applying to be a manager. 

It's important to look presentable, even if you're not applying for a professional office position.

Because Starbucks is in the food service industry, you should prioritize cleanliness and make sure you appear well-kept. For example, long hair should be tied back, nails should be trimmed, and clothes should be wrinkle-free and without any stains. 

When to Dress It Up

However, if you're aiming for a manager position, you might want to 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. Still, a full business suit is not necessary unless you're applying for a corporate job.

Starbucks Interview Tips

Of course, what you wear is just one part of the process of preparing for a job interview. 

Review Starbucks' career page to learn more about the company's hiring process. Be familiar with the Starbucks brand, including the different types of drinks they serve. You should know what a dirty chai latte is or how to make a double caramel macchiato.

Don't expect to "wing it"—and if you say you have prior barista experience, make sure you can back it up since you might be asked to provide specific examples and anecdotes from your previous work in a café.

Before your interview, practice your response to common barista and coffee shop interview questions, and review Starbucks' interview tips to be sure you make the best impression. 

That said, if you don't have experience in a café, it's definitely better to be upfront about it. Starbucks is dedicated to providing skills, training, and pathways to opportunity.

You should also familiarize yourself with health and safety standards in the food industry specific to your state since this is another topic that might come up in your interview. Starbucks prizes a high level of customer service, so be prepared to answer interview questions related to customer service and how you would handle a variety of situations and scenarios that could come up in a day's work. Practice customer service interview questions and answers before the interview.

Match your own attributes with this list of restaurant skills, so when you're asked to describe yourself or discuss what makes you a good candidate for the job, you'll be able to mention the same type of skills that the café is looking for.

Take the time to match your qualifications with the jobrequirements, and be ready to share the information with the interviewer. The closer a match, the better your chances of getting hired.

Take a look at Starbucks' policies and standards page to get a sense of what the company expects of its workers. It will give you a good idea of how to answer different questions that might come up in the interview.

What to Bring With You

  • Bring extra copies of your resume, and a list of references.
  • Have a notepad and pen so you can jot down the name and email address of the person you meet with, or ask for a business card.

Know the date when you're available to start work. The store's schedule may be flexible, but the interviewer will want to know about your availability. They will also want to know if there are certain days or hours you can't work because of school or another commitment.

You should also come ready with questions to ask the interviewer about the work atmosphere or the job. 

Skip a formal outfit. Unless you're interviewing for a corporate role, you can hold off on a suit. Aim for business casual instead. 

Make sure your appearance is neat. Most likely, the role you're interviewing for involves working with food and customers, so having a neat and tidy appearance will be appreciated by interviewers. 

Don't forget to bring along essentials. Instead of showing up empty-handed, have a copy of your resume along with a pad and paper so you can take notes.