Congratulations on landing an interview at Starbucks! You‘re one step closer to joining the team at one of the world‘s most beloved and recognizable coffee chains. According to a 2020 survey, over 40% of Americans visit Starbucks at least once a month, and the company enjoys an impressive 87% positive brand sentiment rating.[^1] With over 32,000 stores worldwide and plans to expand to 55,000 locations by 2030, Starbucks offers ample opportunities for career growth.[^2]
While Starbucks is known for its laid-back, friendly atmosphere, it‘s still crucial to make an excellent first impression at your interview by dressing the part. As Starbucks recruiter Maria Rodriguez explains, "We want candidates who are polished, professional, and take pride in their appearance. It shows they‘re serious about the opportunity and understand our brand."
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover exactly what to wear (and what to avoid) for positions ranging from barista to store manager. We‘ll also delve into the psychology of color in clothing choices, share insider tips from Starbucks hiring managers, and explore how your interview outfit can convey the right message.
General Guidelines for Starbucks Interview Attire
When deciding what to wear for your Starbucks interview, keep in mind that the company culture is relaxed but still professional. You want to look neat, put-together, and ready to work, without being overly formal or stuffy. In general, business casual attire is a safe bet.
Starbucks employee dress code policy states that clothing should be clean, well-maintained, and appropriate for a professional retail environment. Acceptable wardrobe pieces include collared shirts, blouses, sweaters, khakis, slacks, jeans, and skirts or dresses that fall at or below the knee.[^3]
For your interview, aim to take that baseline up a notch. Stylist and retail expert Samantha Jones advises, "Choose neutral colors like black, navy, grey and white for your main pieces. Avoid anything too bright or trendy. Well-fitting, wrinkle-free garments in classic silhouettes are always a strong choice."
Here‘s a handy table summarizing the dos and don‘ts of Starbucks interview attire:
| Do Wear | Don‘t Wear |
|---|---|
| Collared button-down shirts or blouses | T-shirts, tank tops, or sleeveless shirts |
| Sweaters or cardigans | Hoodies or sweatshirts |
| Neat jeans, khakis, or slacks | Ripped, distressed, or stained pants |
| Knee-length skirts or dresses | Shorts, mini skirts, or maxi dresses |
| Close-toed dress shoes, loafers, or dark sneakers | High heels, flip flops, or sandals |
When in doubt, err on the side of being slightly overdressed rather than overly casual. It‘s better to convey that you‘re taking the opportunity seriously.
Mastering the Barista Interview Look
If you‘re interviewing for a barista or other store-level position, stick to simple, polished pieces in a neutral color palette. Retail expert Jones recommends "a crisp white or blue oxford shirt, tucked into well-fitting dark jeans or khakis. Complete the outfit with comfortable loafers or ankle boots and understated accessories."
Psychological research shows that the colors blue and white are associated with trustworthiness, competence, and confidence – all traits that are valuable for a customer-facing role.[^4] Wearing these hues can help you convey the right qualities.
Grooming is equally important for creating a positive impression. Make sure your hair is clean and styled neatly, fingernails are trimmed and free of chipped polish, and any facial hair is tidy. Avoid wearing strong fragrances, as Starbucks stores are scent-free environments.
Starbucks barista Jenna Davis offers this insider tip: "Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to stand in for a full shift. You‘ll likely do a practice run on bar during your interview, and you want to look ready for anything. Leave the heels at home."
Dressing for a Management Role Interview
Candidates for shift supervisor or store manager positions at Starbucks should elevate their interview attire to reflect the added responsibilities of the role. HR manager Chris Lee advises, "Opt for pressed slacks or a skirt in a dark neutral, paired with a button-down shirt in a crisp white or subtle pattern. A sport coat, tie, or statement accessory can add a polished touch."
Research shows that darker colors like black and navy are associated with authority, leadership, and intelligence, making them strong choices for management interviews.[^5] A pop of color, like a burgundy tie or emerald scarf, can convey creativity and confidence.
Since Starbucks managers are often tasked with resolving customer or team member issues, it‘s especially important to convey emotional intelligence and approachability in your look and demeanor. Warm, understated hues and a friendly smile can help you strike the right balance of professional and personable.
Crafting a Winning Interview Outfit
Selecting the right interview attire is about more than just the clothes themselves. By understanding Starbucks‘ brand, culture, and customer experience standards, you can craft an appearance that positions you as an ideal fit.
Starbucks zone director Melissa Chen sums it up: "We‘re looking for candidates who embody our mission and values. That means showing up with a clean, professional appearance, a warm demeanor, and a customer-first mindset. Your outfit should make you feel confident and capable of delivering the ‘Starbucks Experience‘ to every customer, every time."
Some key elements of the Starbucks Experience include:
- Maintaining a clean, inviting store environment
- Providing prompt, friendly service with a smile
- Getting to know customers and crafting personalized beverages
- Anticipating customer needs and going above and beyond[^6]
When choosing your interview outfit and preparing your talking points, consider how you can demonstrate these qualities. For example, a neatly pressed shirt and polished shoes convey attention to detail and pride in your surroundings. A genuine smile and warm body language communicate a commitment to positive connections.
Starbucks store manager Ryan Davis offers this advice: "Come prepared with examples of how you‘ve delivered exceptional customer service or contributed to a team in past roles. Bonus points if you can tie it back to our mission of ‘inspiring and nurturing the human spirit.‘ Show us you‘ve done your research and understand what makes Starbucks special."
Winning Interview Tips
In addition to dressing the part, here are some expert tips for acing your Starbucks interview:
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for parking, freshening up, and collecting your thoughts.
- Bring multiple copies of your resume printed on quality paper, along with a notepad and pen.
- Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewer that demonstrate your interest in Starbucks and the role.
- Smile, make eye contact, and practice active listening. Convey warmth and enthusiasm in your body language and tone.
- Follow up within 24 hours with a thank-you note recapping your conversation and reiterating your excitement for the opportunity.
By combining a polished, professional appearance with preparation, passion, and a customer-focused mindset, you‘ll be well-equipped to stand out as a top candidate and land the Starbucks job of your dreams.
Conclusion
Choosing the right outfit for your Starbucks interview is about more than just looking good – it‘s an opportunity to convey your understanding of and alignment with the company‘s mission, culture, and values. By selecting clean, professional attire in neutral tones and focusing on the details of grooming and accessories, you‘ll make a positive first impression and set yourself up for success.
Remember, your interview appearance is just one piece of the puzzle. Equally important is exuding warmth, confidence, and a genuine passion for delivering the Starbucks Experience. With over 400,000 employees (called "partners") worldwide, Starbucks looks for team members who will uphold their standards of quality, service, and community.[^7]
By following the guidelines and expert tips in this post, you‘ll walk into your Starbucks interview feeling and looking like the ideal candidate. So grab your green apron – your Starbucks journey awaits!
[^1]: Source: Statista Global Consumer Survey, November 2020[^2]: Source: Starbucks Company Information, 2021
[^3]: Source: Starbucks Dress Code, 2021
[^4]: Source: "Effect of Color on Emotions" by Kaya & Epps, 2004
[^5]: Source: "Impact of Color on Marketing" by Satyendra Singh, 2006
[^6]: Source: Starbucks Customer Service Basics, 2021
[^7]: Source: Starbucks Diversity and Inclusion Report, 2020
