You might find you will become more competitive for a job if you gain experience in a restaurant or cafe taking orders, working a cash register, and contributing to a large team. Although this is not strictly necessary in all locations, popular Hooters locations will consider experience in a competitive hiring environment.
Because the value of the Hooters Girl is, according to the company handbook, based on her ideal appearance as an “All-American Cheerleader, Surfer Girl, Girl Next Door,” you should present yourself in a way that embodies at least one of these three archetypes. [5] X Research source Dress professionally, but in a way that also flatters your body. Consider wearing a pair of skinny, dark jeans with tall boots and a blouse, a flattering pencil skirt or even a body hugging dress in a dark color (like black or navy) when you go inside to ask about employment. Your potential manager will notice your appearance. [6] X Research source Hooters generally does not employ men on their serving staff, although they have faced multiple law suits over this practice. In 1997, they won a class-action lawsuit against male plaintiffs under the reasoning that hiring an all-female waitstaff was a “bona fide occupational qualification” for its business (meaning the core value of its business would change if it began to hire male servers). [7] X Research source , [8] X Research source
Emphasize your perpetually cheerful disposition. Most job ads for Hooters Girls state that they must be “fun, upbeat, and entertaining. “[9] X Research source Smile constantly during your interview and do not talk negatively about your past work experiences or complain about former bosses. Talk about your people skills and how you make conversation with strangers. You will probably be asked questions about your past work experiences, how you approach customer service, how you handle stressful situations or work in a team, your schedule and availability, etc.
You must also state that you do not find your “job duties, uniform requirements or work environment to be offensive, intimidating, hostile or unwelcome. “[11] X Research source
You also must wear pantyhose under your shorts and they must be in the shade Suntan. If your skin is a darker shade than Suntan, you can select a darker shade. You are not allowed to wear a lighter shade of pantyhose than Suntan. [13] X Research source For footwear, you must wear white “slouch” socks and all white sneakers. The sneakers cannot be in any other color than white and they should be a “high top” style. [14] X Research source If you have any tattoos, they cannot be visible while you are wearing your uniform. You are not allowed to wear the Hooters uniform anywhere outside of Hooters. It should not be visible when you are outside the restaurant. [15] X Research source You should also be prepared to pay for extra elements of the uniform (tank tops, shorts, pantyhose, etc. ) You will be provided one uniform but then you are required to buy any extra pieces should your uniform become dirty or frayed. [16] X Research source
Consider putting your hair in large rollers for one hour after drying as this will give you added volume and pretty waves. You should also try back combing the roots of your hair, brushing it out, and then spraying it with hairspray to add extra volume.
Basic components of your beauty routine should include foundation (to even out skin tone and cover any redness), concealer (to cover blemishes and under-eye circles), lipstick, mascara and eyeshadow. Your makeup should be wholesome, yet sexy. For lips, stick to colors like pink, coral and rose tones. Avoid dark wine or plum lip shades. For eyeshadow, consider more neutral tones of brown and gray. Do not try anything too dramatic (like a bright blue or purple) or overwhelming (like a 60s eye flick or a very smoky eye). “All-American” means pretty and sexy, yet still natural. You are encouraged to think of yourself not simply as a waitress, but rather as a model who has been “cast” to play the glamorous guide through your customer’s pantheon of Hooters-rooted fantasies. [19] X Research source
You are not allowed to wear nail polish in the following colors: black, gold, silver, purple, blue, green, yellow. Avoid anything that suggests you might have slightly eccentric tastes. [22] X Research source
Try to keep your schedule flexible. If you have periods where you can take on extra shifts – like during a school break – then try to help other co-workers who might have other demands on their time.
Be very friendly, positive, and engaging. Do not complain, make offensive jokes or use profanity. Do not touch your customers. Most restaurants stipulate you can only touch customers when putting a hand around their waist in a picture. [25] X Research source
Consider walking, running, swimming, cycling or hiking for at least 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week.
The result is that many waitresses working in breastaurants have reported experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, and a sense of degradation. They often feel constant pressure to maintain the beauty standards set by their company. [30] X Research source If you start to feel this way while working, turn to your support system of co-workers, friends and family members. Many servers have discussed bonding with their fellow Hooters Girls over these kinds of issues. [31] X Research source
