what to wear to restaurant job

November 11, 2007 10:48 AM

What do I wear to my new restaurant job?

I have just applied for a job as a pastry assistant at a nice restaurant. I have a lot of kitchen experience, but it is all from very laid back bakery and catering jobs where I have been able to wear street clothes and an apron. Will I be expected to wear a jacket, etc.? Will they let me know what to wear or will I totally botch the interview when I ask this question?

posted by gembackwards to Work & Money (6 answers total)

Chances are good they will supply the jacket. I would wear clogs and chefs pants and a white t-shirt to the interview, to signify "ready to go".

Good luck! Bakers rule!
posted by BitterOldPunk at 10:51 AM on November 11, 2007

Just ask them! That's a totally valid question (attire will vary from restaurant to restaurant anyway, as you say.)
posted by Count Ziggurat at 10:53 AM on November 11, 2007

Asking questions about the employer's expectations should never botch an interview. Quite the contrary.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 10:55 AM on November 11, 2007

Definitely agree about asking what proper attire is. In my more corporate-style job when I was working as a contractor -- and therefore in lots of new environments often -- I used to feel like it was "unprofessional" to ask questions about attire, but I've learned that it's never a bad idea to give people the opportunity ; they might not to mention it at this point, but it's easier for them to tell you what they want before you fail to meet their expectations.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 12:29 PM on November 11, 2007

I wouldn't ask the question at the interview, but when you get the call that you have gotten the job. Then it is perfectly natural to ask what you will be expected to wear. Asking at the interview makes it seem like the answer would determine whether or not you would take the job based on what they say.

Good luck!
posted by thebrokenmuse at 3:37 PM on November 11, 2007

Just show up looking like a waiter, and look around the kitchen while you're there.
posted by Mr. Gunn at 4:50 PM on November 11, 2007