Got dinner lady job interview- what should I wear?!

[LukeSkywalkerBoots]

Just that really. Are black skinny jeans and Converse alright or should I pop and buy some ballet flats to wear?!

I’d try and avoid jeans and trainers. Do you have suitable trousers/skirt/dress and shoes or boots?

Sadly no, I’ve been schlepping about in jeans and trainers up to this point. Guess I better stop off at a shop...

Jeans and trainers are definitely not a good look for an interview. TBH wether the job is for a dinner lady is kinda irrelevant to me, job interviews should be approached in the same way regardless of the role. So a tidy, smart outfit with proper shoes for the win

I just went and bought some ankle boots and slim black trousers. Fingers crossed!

Good luck. Don't forget your hairnet!

Ooh good luck! I always think appearances in these situations are really important - if you make an effort it shows you are conscientious.

Good luck! When’s the big day?

Sounds perfect, good luck.

Perfect. Good luck!

Tabard & a hairnet?

Is it for a welfare assistant (who helps in the dinner hall opening food and looking after kids) or is it working in the kitchen prepping and serving.
For either roles definitely Wear nice clothes. If u want more advice I used to be a cook in the kitchen if u want to ask anything.

Either role may ask about safeguarding and who's responsible for that. The answer is everyone. You will get to know the kids and there eating habits but sometimes this can flag up other issues at home or if the parents may need extra support. Some children are naturally slow eaters but others may only nibble due to worries. Or some seem hungry as it may be their only hot meal. So always be aware of changes as it's best to question behaviour than to miss one child getting help.

Also hygiene is key. In the kitchen will have more points to raise. But even in the dinner hall it's especially now vital to clean up after sittings and encourage the kids to do the same.

Being able to work well in a team is good to explain how you have done this or will do it in the role. Being comfortable with controlling behaviour of children is something to talk about as some kids or even whole classes are louder than other and it's OK to be firm and ask for them to calm down and respect their environment.

Let me know what role and I will help if I can.

I just had an interview for this, wasn’t called dinner lady though 😄, is yours not via video link? I’m really surprised they’re doing face to face interviews if not

Thanks all! It’s for a midday meals supervisor. I’m going to wear the slim black trousers, my new navy suede ankle boots and a smart-ish mid blue Esprit jumper. With a smart coat.

I really hope I get it! Haven’t worked since 2009!

Ooh thanks @soberfutures, any more advice you can give me would be so appreciated.

Just show that you are happy to help support the children's eating and well being. Usually the dinner hall has an area where kids clear their own trays and cutlery so you will also be helping here. Not sure of how this is working with covid but it can get messy especially with the younger ones. Always praise them for trying their best. You will work closely with the kitchen staff sometimes you will be asked to help with set up of the hall. You will also be on playtime duty and usually get assigned a year group. This is nice if you get to know the children and watch them as they go through the years.

Never be afraid to ask fo clarification on what is expected. You will find some staff have been there for donkeys years and are opposed to change but show you can adapt and it will be fine. I've found some schools can be very cliquey. But if u have thick skin you will be fine.

Always be nice to the office staff and just always think of safety of the kids. Wet play times kids will be inside and often have colouring to do or games to play.

Can't think of much more but look at the schools website and the ethos behind it and show what you know about the local community and be eager to be involved in all aspects of the school and pastoral care.

Hope this helps. Ask anything specific if u need nd good luck

When is the interview? Good luck

Good luck! I always think if in doubt it’s best to go a bit smarter than you think.

When I had my mms interview years ago I wore skinny black trousers, ballet flats and a loose blouse top from Oasis. It was spot on as we had an observation which involved assisting the kids in the lunch hall before the interview , I threw on a blazer for the interview.

Good luck @LukeSkywalkerBoots

Thank you! Interview is tomorrow!

Your outfit sounds spot on unlike the interview candidate I saw today who turned up wearing skinny black jeans and a jumper.
And that was for a Deputy Heads job !! - I kid you not !!!!

Good luck, hope it goes well.

Good luck, hope you are successful 🤞.

I think you made the right choice re interview clothes - jeans and trainers make it look like you wouldn't be committed.

Good luck for tomorrow.

You probably already know this, but make sure you have a face mask with you.

They will ask about safeguarding. In terms of safeguarding, it is everyone's job. If a child confides in you, calm and reassure them, you CANNOT promise to keep what they say secret, do not ask leading questions, report the matter to one of the school's safeguarding leads and make a written report in PEN.

For managing poor behaviour, be fair and consistent, if you give someone a warning, you will follow up with consequence if they do it again and not give 50 warnings instead. You will treat each child then same in terms of discipline (e.g. not tell one child off for throwing acorns but letting another get away with it) In terms of consequences, you will follow the school's behaviour policy.

I've been a dinner lady.dor nearly 2 years,first job since having my ds 6 years ago.I love it! Good luck

Your outfit sounds spot on. Good luck for tomorrow.