Most often, securing a role in any industry requires a strong interview. Preparing for that interview is multifaceted. It’s important to plan ahead and arrive on time, if not early. Employers value punctuality during interviews as it often carries over into the same punctuality once employed. Another aspect of interview preparation is ensuring you are well-versed on the role and its requirements as well as the hospitality organization as a whole. One aspect of preparation not to be overlooked is dressing professionally. While what professional attire looks like depends on the company’s expectations as well as the role – using the following will help ensure you make the best first impression with a potential employer. That solid first impression is sure to result in a first day in a new position.
Look for Clues in the Job Description or Posting
Often, employers will mention attire within a job description – noting what employees are expected to wear when working in the position. Compared to a corporate environment, most roles within hospitality have a much looser dress code. However, some roles have specific uniform requirements. Customer-facing positions, like those at the front desk, are often asked to dress “business casual,” meaning khakis or nice trousers and a collared shirt. Some management positions require that or even a suit and tie. Not all job descriptions explicitly mention what the position requires, but thinking about standards for the role within the industry is a good starting point.
Ask About Attire Requirements Before the Interview
It’s fairly common for a hiring manager or employer representative to call or email an applicant to set up an initial interview. Don’t be afraid to ask them directly what type of attire the role entails or what might be appropriate for an interview. Most employers appreciate an applicant taking the initiative and asking rather than guessing.
No chance to ask? Consider stopping by the location to get a better sense of the type of establishment and to catch a glimpse of what current employees in the role you’re interviewing for are wearing during their shifts. Not all roles are super visible to guests or hotel visitors, but it’s a great way to gauge what might be appropriate for that specific organization.
Avoid Damaged Clothing or Those with Distracting Logos or Words
It is common sense to avoid wearing anything offensive in terms of writing or graphics during a job interview. Although potentially unoffensive, even large brand logos can be very distracting and should be avoided. Many brands add a logo to every article of clothing they produce. If that is all that is available to you, opt for one that is as small or inconspicuous of a logo as possible.
In terms of condition, choosing attire with little noticeable wear is also advised. Most applicants can’t go shopping for new clothes before every job interview. But, selecting items in good condition from the closet makes a much more professional impression than choosing options with holes, tears, or other visible signs of wear.
When in Doubt, Overdress
In cases where it’s unclear what professional dress looks like in a specific role – and you don’t have the opportunity to ask the hiring manager in advance, aim for overdressing to an extent in an interview. This does not equate to showing up for an interview for a maintenance position in a full suit. However, consider the type of attire you’d likely wear in the role and dress one step above that. For roles where t-shirts might be common, consider a polo shirt for the interview. For positions where a polo or buttoned shirt is more appropriate, opt for the buttoned shirt and add a tie. Most potential employers prefer candidates dressed more professionally with
Securing an Interview in the Hospitality Industry
Before you can plan what to wear for a potential interview, securing that interview is step one. While some employers prefer in-person applications, most accept online applications or resumes. If you plan to submit an application in person, the tips above can be used for that interaction as well. In fact, submitting an application in person likely signifies the first impression you make with a potential employer, which most certainly affects the overall impression of your qualifications.
For those looking for hospitality roles within an extended stay accommodation, our database of opportunities offers positions on all parts of the attire spectrum. From more professionally-dressed roles like management and the front desk staff to more casually dressed roles like maintenance positions, we have opportunities for all types of dress as well as all types of applicants. These positions stretch all across the country as well.
Applying for an opportunity at one of our (over 50) locations doesn’t require an in-person submission. In fact, our database of opportunities is equipped with quick and easy online application functionalities. In fact, a new career or new organization is simply a few clicks away. Now is a great time for those looking for opportunities as all organizations are looking to fill critical roles to cope with the busy holiday season. Even with inflation and the increased cost of travel this year, it’s still expected to be a busy season in terms of hotel and extended stay accommodations. See what is out there and maybe find your next career move today!