For many employees, working in fast food restaurants serves as both an entry point into the workforce and a second part-time employment. For many of the positions recruited, recruiters don’t anticipate applicants to have in-depth knowledge of the fast food sector, allowing you—the job applicant—to focus your preparation in other areas.
When preparing for a job interview at a fast food business, what to wear to a fast food interview?
Why Is The Attire You Choose For An Interview Significant?
Because your appearance is the first thing an interviewer will notice about you, what you wear is crucial. Your attire and appearance play a large part in how managers and interviewers perceive you. Making a good impression and enabling the interviewer to picture you working in the restaurant can both be accomplished by choosing appropriate clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Driving there in advance to see what managers and employees are wearing is a good idea. This will help you determine whether to dress formally or casually for your interview. You can also give your interviewer a call to go over the details of the interview. Make sure you’re comfortable and safe, for instance, by wearing items like non-slip shoes, if you’ll be moving around the restaurant or engaging in any training. Employers will take notice of you more if you present yourself as someone who will easily fit in with the organization and your future coworkers.
What Traits Are Fast Food Interviewers Looking For?
Managers of fast food restaurants seek workers who can effectively carry out their responsibilities and give customers a good experience. Consider these qualities that are crucial for employees working in fast food as you get ready for an interview:
- Reliability: Fast food workers who exhibit this quality will stand out from the crowd. In order to do this, you must be on time for your shifts, arrive at work, and complete all tasks before leaving.
- Trustworthiness: Workers at fast food restaurants frequently handle money when accepting payments from customers and closing out cash registers at the end of their shifts. Employers must be trusted by managers and owners to conduct themselves honestly and with integrity.
- Friendliness: Working directly with customers is a big part of working in a fast-food restaurant. All customers should be treated politely, respectfully, and with kindness by employees.
- Dedication: Owners of fast food businesses may have to spend a lot of money and time replacing staff members who leave the company frequently. By keeping your word and working for the duration of time you and your managers agreed upon, you can show your integrity.
- Professionalism: Workers in service industries need to be ready to handle difficult clients and circumstances. Being successful in a service role requires you to always maintain composure and professionalism.
The Fast-food Job Interview Outfits
If you’re working in a fast-food restaurant, chances are good that you’ll be interacting with patrons and clients quite frequently, unless you’re applying for a position on the backend. The day of the interview is the first opportunity to dress appropriately for the job you’re applying for.
The most important factor influencing your clothing decision is the position for which you have applied.
There is a hierarchy of positions in a fast-food restaurant, just like there is in any workplace, and your attire should reflect this. It’s crucial to look the part when you attend the interview. Don’t skimp on it, but also don’t go overboard.
Outfits For Line Cooks, Cashiers, And Kitchen
A neutral appearance is preferred when applying for jobs as a line cook, cashier, or kitchen assistant. For a job interview at a fast food restaurant, I would wear:
- Upper-body: Wear a simple t-shirt or polo shirt. Make sure your shirt is ironed and made of stainless steel. You can choose to wear a button-up or a polo over your shirt as well.
- Lower-body: Black or blue jeans are both appropriate choices.
- Shoes: Make sure to put on closed-toe footwear. Black socks are also acceptable because they are typically a part of your fast-food uniform.
Make sure to avoid wearing vibrant colors and instead opt for neutral hues. Although perhaps not as extravagant as a suit jacket and tie, a formal outfit is also acceptable. The best clothing to wear for a semi-formal setting is dress slacks and pencil skirts with a button-up.
Important: Before the job interview, make sure to trim your beard and hair if you’re applying for jobs in food preparation. In the interest of hygiene, beards and long hair are frequently prohibited.
Best Outfits For Managers And Supervisors
The best outfit for a managerial or supervisory position is one that is polished and falls somewhere between business and casual. It is acceptable and highly recommended to dress formally in a tie and suit. Try on a skirt, business suit, or pantsuit with a blazer and flat heels for women.
Best dressed in a suit, button-down shirt, and tie.
See more about What Fast Food Places Hire At 15?
Outfits You Should Never Wear To A Fast Food Job Interview
It’s important to keep in mind that the interview is still taking place, despite the change in settings, and that you must carry yourself with dignity, modesty, and class as you enter. You should never include some items of clothing in your interview attire. Finding a way to add some formality to a casual environment is necessary.
What not to wear to a job interview is listed here:
- Shorts
- Denim
- Low cut outfits
- Revealing dresses and shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Hoodies
- Extra tight clothes
- Too much makeup
- Wrinkled or stained clothing
- Gym clothes/athleisure
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Loud jewelry
- Joggers
If you want to make a good first impression, you must look good. You have a little more freedom during a job interview at a fast-food restaurant, so you have more options than you would in an interview at an office.
This indicates that you may attend your interview in jeans, a casual shirt, and most likely sneakers. You’ll also feel a lot more at ease in your own skin because you won’t have to dress in something formal like a suit. This ought to greatly boost your confidence as you respond to the questions.
Ace A Fast Food Interview
Come Prepared
Before your interview, do some research on the position and the company to learn about its offerings, past, present, and future, as well as any potential weaknesses. Your concern for the job and your future with the company will be evident from this knowledge. For fast food job interviews, the Indeed Career Guide suggests dressing professionally in business casual, such as khaki pants, a spotless, pressed shirt or blouse, and dress shoes. To demonstrate that you make an effort to be on time, arrive a little early.
When responding to interview questions about working in fast food, show vigor, enthusiasm, and a pleasant demeanor. To demonstrate your seriousness about your job search and desire to leave a lasting impression, do your research on the company. McDonald’s suggests being prepared to answer fast food interview questions such as “Just what makes you want to work here?” and “Why are you the best candidate for the position?”
Describe Work History
According to Project Practical, job candidates should be able to demonstrate how their professional experience relates to the fast-food restaurant industry. Be ready to discuss your duties and responsibilities, as well as how you carried them out, whether you have worked as a fast-food manager, drive-through attendant, receptionist, or retail employee. Display a commitment to your work so that the interviewer can see that you are a team player.
Give specific examples of your capacity for timely, excellent customer service, which is a pillar of the fast-food restaurant sector. Give an example of how you handle a sudden surge in customers or how you act as a team player when you see another employee struggling to handle a line of irate customers or long lines. If you lack experience, let the interviewer know that you are eager to learn all aspects of the job and that you understand the value of providing excellent customer service.
Discuss Previous Training
Mention the training you received while working at each of your previous positions, highlighting your favorites and areas where you feel you could still do better. Explain how your training will allow you to advance from one position to the next in the fast-food industry. Indicate a desire for additional training to stay current with changes.
Be sure to express your commitment to the company and the job. There is a lot of turnover at fast food establishments. You can set yourself apart from the other applicants if you present yourself as someone other than the typical, job-hopping fast-food worker.
Wrap-up Activities
When the interviewer asks if you have any thoughts or questions about the position or the company after the interview, be prepared with a list of inquiries. You can, for instance, enquire about the responsibilities of your position, the organizational structure, training programs, performance reviews, and career development options.
Express your gratitude for the interviewer’s time spent learning about your qualifications by sending a thank-you note. A thank-you note is a polite business practice that can make a good impression on the interviewer and help you land the job.
Passing A Fast-food Job Interview
Where Do You Begin?
Before you start job hunting, ask yourself, “What workplace would I prefer?”
Do not become disheartened if your preferred fast-food restaurant is not hiring.
Go for it anyway.
My ideal employer, Create & Cultivate, turned down my request for an internship.
I persisted in applying because it was the only company I wanted to intern at, and I eventually succeeded.
It would be a mistake for an employer to pass up hiring you if they recognize your passion for her, his, or their business.
If you don’t have a favorite fast-food restaurant, or you don’t care, you just want to start making money, here is what you should consider before submitting fast-food job applications:
- Locate a fast food joint nearby so you won’t have to worry about getting there.
You might not have a car if you just graduated from high school or are still enrolled, so you must rely on a friend or relative to drive you to work.
They won’t always be able to, so you will have to report for duty in those situations.
You have to arrive on time to work as a fast food employee. No excuses!
Working close to home is crucial for this reason.
You don’t have to travel very far if you must walk.
Work locally to save yourself the stress.
Why pay more for Lyfts and Ubers when you can walk for no cost or take the bus for $1.50? - Make fast food industry contacts with your friends and relatives.
One of the key strategies for getting your first job after passing your interview for a fast-food position is to make connections.
My mother assisted me in obtaining my first job.
She is a McDonald’s employee.
She let the store manager know that I wanted to work at McDonald’s once I turned 18 years old.
The store manager trusted my mom because she is a fantastic and dependable worker and asked me to join her in the office to get things started.
I snubbed the interview.
Remember that the purpose of your connections is to spread the word about you.
Please don’t rely on them to take care of everything, including reminding you to arrive early for your interview and contacting the hiring manager.
You might not be as fortunate as I was in that I was able to avoid an interview.
You might have to, but don’t worry, I’m going to give you some advice on how to ace your interview.
I’ll even respond to questions from a fast food job interview.
No worries if your connection puts in a good word for you but the hiring manager doesn’t get in touch with you! On to the next! - If the fast-food restaurant is more traditional, ask for an application in person and submit it as soon as you’ve finished these tasks. Otherwise, submit your applications for fast-food jobs.
Submit Your Application
Print out your resume and head to the restaurant after submitting your online application or in-person application.
Demand a conversation with the hiring manager.
If the hiring manager is there:
- Smile
- Describe yourself (e.g., I’m Christian Aguilar, by the way.)
- Turn in your resume
- Mention that you applied for the (e.g., You’re interested in the cashier position, if there are any openings.
The time spent in person should be limited to two to three minutes.
To let them know you applied, kindly refrain from calling the restaurant.
Make sure the hiring manager receives your resume because they might not receive it from other employees.
Return the following day if the hiring manager isn’t there.
Please wait a few days for the hiring manager to call you after you’ve met them.
Moving on to the next is okay if you don’t hear back from the hiring manager.
Once you get an interview, repeat the process at a different fast-food establishment.
You shouldn’t give up that easily if the fast-food restaurant is your first choice.
Go back to the restaurant after a week has passed, and ask to speak to the same hiring manager:
- Smile
- Re-introduce yourself
- Mentioning that you submitted your resume last week and stating that their fast-food restaurant is your top choice would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, let them know that you are still interested.
Thank the hiring manager for their time if they inform you that they are not currently hiring.
Bid your farewells and proceed.
Now That You Have The Interview, How Do You Ace It?
- Arrive early and ask to speak to the hiring manager; it would be best if you knew their name.
- Especially if you are interviewing at your top choice, be enthusiastic.
I inquired of the assistant restaurant general manager about how a young person performed in his interview when I was a Taco Bell service champion.
The assistant restaurant general manager responded, “Not so well.”
He didn’t have a positive attitude, so she didn’t hire him.
You don’t have to be overly joyful, but a smile and a sense of enthusiasm will help you get through your fast-food job interview.
discussing business matters with Jaclyn Johnson, a formidable entrepreneur, in Industry City.
- At home, get comfortable answering questions.
Ask a friend or sibling to assist you.
My college roommate asked if I could assist him with his interview preparation after hearing about my interviewing background.
He aced his interview and was given the job after I did precisely that. - Every question requires a thoughtful response from you.
Although I recognize your nervousness and lack of experience, speak up.
If you don’t answer a question or if you say, “I don’t know,” without trying to answer the question, you may lose your chance at passing your fast-food job interview. - Make eye contact!
Please don’t look at the floor or ceiling when responding to questions.
You won’t find your answers there, I assure you. - Make sure you look your best for the fast-food job interview.
It’s A Relief That’s Over. What’s Next?
After a week or two, if you haven’t received a callback, go to your place of employment and ask to speak to the manager who conducted your interview.
The same applies to delivering your resume.
Keep going back if the hiring manager who interviewed you isn’t there.
I was hired by Taco Bell in this manner.
I was successful in both my in-person and phone interviews.
I didn’t get a callback, so I persisted in going to the restaurant until I ran into the hiring manager.
She apologized, and the following week I began working.
Top Fast Food Interview Questions
It’s important to remember that every interview might differ slightly from the last. Many, as they will include some information about the particular role or the particular company in fast food job interview questions.
However, if you’re interested in entry-level positions, some fast food interview questions are incredibly frequent. Here are our top ten fast food interview questions with that in mind.
What Motivates Your Desire To Work In Fast Food?
One of the fast food interview questions that can be a little challenging is this one. However, if you focus on skill growth, a team environment, or other aspects of the role that seem like a great fit for you, you can create a standout answer with ease.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“I enjoy interacting with customers and giving them satisfying food, which is my primary motivation for wanting to work in fast food. I find it very satisfying to be able to feed the masses while also relieving some of their day’s stress through fast food.
In addition, I favor environments that are brisk and team-oriented. It gives me energy when it’s busy, and the opportunity to keep moving while collaborating closely with my coworkers is a perfect fit for my personality.”
Share With Me Your Experience Providing Food Or Customer Service
This question is straightforward if you have previous experience working in a customer service capacity, such as in retail or fast food. You are welcome to talk about any experience that is pertinent to your position, such as time spent serving customers, cooking meals, running registers, etc.
However, if you’re new to the workforce, you might think that all you can say in response is “no.” That isn’t the case in reality. Instead, you should emphasize your transferable academic skills. Additionally, you can demonstrate your enthusiasm and openness to learning, which can help you stand out as a candidate.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“I’m a recent hire with no prior fast food or customer service experience. I do, however, possess characteristics that make me a good fit for these kinds of positions. I mastered extreme organization and the ability to balance competing priorities while I was in school. I also have a solid background in math, am a strong communicator, and am team-oriented.
I’m also looking forward to learning new skills that will enable me to succeed in the fast food industry. I typically pick things up quickly and take advantage of opportunities to learn new systems, tools, and procedures. In a position like this, I think that will help me and enable me to pick up the job quickly.”
A Little Mess Won’t Bother You, Right？
Even though the restaurant places a high value on cleanliness, cooking frequently results in some mess. For instance, during the course of your day, your shirt might become a little bit splattered and covered. Another greasy chore is doing the dishes.
Hiring managers want to make sure that you’re comfortable working in a sometimes-messy environment. If not, you might not be the right candidate for a fast food job.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“I don’t mind if I get a little messy while working, generally. Even though I place a high value on cleanliness, I am aware that spills and splashes can happen and end up on my shoes and clothes. Additionally, cleaning can be a dirty task in and of itself. In the end, as long as the restaurant is committed to upholding an overall safe and hygienic environment, I don’t mind any of that.
How Would You Characterize Your Capacity For Teamwork?
Fast food restaurants are team-oriented workplaces, so potential employers want to know that you can collaborate effectively and show consideration for your coworkers. In order to show the hiring manager what you can bring to the table, you should ideally point out a prior experience that demonstrates your teamwork abilities.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“I think I work well in a team and am very collaborative. We were very team-oriented at my previous job. I frequently helped colleagues to stay on task in addition to handling my own responsibilities. For instance, I might move over to assist a coworker who was still working on their shelf after I finished stocking mine. With everyone working together, we could finish the tasks more quickly.”
Are You Trained In Food Safety?
Work in a fast food establishment frequently requires some level of food safety training. You typically need a food handlers’ card, which isn’t too challenging to obtain.
Consider obtaining a food handlers’ card in advance if you’re looking for work in the fast food industry. That will make it easier for you to respond to this question.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“Absolutely, I’ve had some training in food safety. I made the decision to finish the required training and pass the exam to obtain my food handlers’ card because I was aware that I was interested in working in the fast food industry. That made sure I would be equipped to get to work right away.
Upon employment, I’m also interested in learning more about other food safety measures. Every restaurant has its own procedures, and once I land a job, I’m eager to learn the specifics of each.”
What Would You Do If A Customer Complained That Their Meal Was Bad?
One of the objectives of this fast food interview question is to determine your approach to a typical situation. Fast food workers, like those in any other customer-facing position, frequently deal with irate clients, so the hiring manager needs to know that you have a backup plan in place.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“The first thing I’d do if a customer complained about their meal is use active listening to identify the source of the problem. I would also, if necessary, seek clarification to assist me in deciding on the best course of action.
Depending on company policy, my strategy for resolving the issue would change. I would get in touch with the cooks and have a replacement item made right away if it were necessary and within my power to do so. I would contact my manager if a refund was required, as they would probably be the only ones qualified to do so.
My ultimate objective would be to pursue whatever course was required and feasible to address the issue. We could then address the issue and guarantee that the client was ultimately satisfied.”
How Well Would You Function In A Stressful Situation?
Fast food jobs can be surprisingly stressful, especially when there is a rush for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The hiring manager is testing your ability to maintain composure and efficiency in the face of adversity with this question.
In order to highlight an example, you should ideally draw from a high-pressure prior work experience.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“I generally do better under pressure. When I have a tight deadline, I concentrate rather than give up. As an illustration, I once had a Black Friday opening shift while working in retail. Quickness was needed to manage the register as throngs of customers rushed to pay, all while remaining composed, friendly, and professional. I viewed the circumstance as a personal challenge, and I made it my goal to make each experience faster and more enjoyable than the last. Those circumstances made it easier for me to succeed, and I ended up handling the most transactions during my shift.”
MIKE’S TIP: If you’re new to the workforce, instead use an example from your time in school. Both a school project and an athletic endeavor can be considered high-pressure situations that showcase your stress-reduction and problem-solving skills. They can therefore be excellent stand-ins if you’re new to the workforce.
What Dish On The Menu Is Your Favorite?
One of the more in-depth interview questions for fast food jobs is this one. The aim is to determine whether you are at least somewhat familiar with the restaurant’s menu and to give the hiring manager a sense of your enthusiasm for the business.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“If I had to pick a favorite dish from the menu, I’d go with your most recent burger. Sharp cheddar cheese and crunchy onion straws are two of my favorite toppings on it. In addition, the barbecue sauce adds a little bit of tang, sweetness, and brightness. I can almost certainly count on enjoying my meal if I add some fries to that.”
Are You Going To Start A Fast Food Career, Or Do You Have Other Goals In Mind?
In order to determine whether you intend to stay with the company long enough to justify any training they will provide, hiring managers ask you questions during a fast food job interview about your career goals. The hiring manager also wants to build a stable team, so they favor applicants who intend to stay.
However, if that isn’t the case, you don’t have to state that you want to work in fast food for the foreseeable future. Simply state that you’re worth the investment by giving assurances in its place.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“Even though I don’t want to start a career in fast food, I do want to stay in the same job for the next four years while I attend college. I am confident that the experience will give me useful skills and the opportunity to learn in a way that is not possible in an academic setting. I want to take advantage of it while I’m earning my degree over the next four years, so I want to do my best to do that.”
When Are You Available?
Given that fast food restaurants don’t adhere to standard business hours, hiring managers for fast food chains ask this question. 18 hours a day are maintained by some locations. The majority of fast food outlets are open six or seven days a week, and many do not close on major holidays, while others are open 24 hours a day.
You must be truthful about your availability when answering this question. In the alternative, the manager might hire you in the mistaken belief that you can fit into the schedule in a way that doesn’t actually suit you, which can be problematic.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“I currently attend morning college classes every Monday through Friday. In addition, every Saturday I work as a volunteer at a neighborhood food bank. I’m therefore available Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, after 3:00 pm on Saturdays, and all day on Sunday.”
5 Good Questions To Ask At The End Of A Fast Food Interview
In most cases, you’ll have a chance to ask the hiring manager a few questions at the conclusion of your fast food interview. Profit from this opportunity to gain more knowledge about the position, setting, or culture. By doing so, you can make sure the position is a good fit for you while also projecting a sense of enthusiasm and engagement.
You can certainly use the questions that come up during the interview to help you decide what questions to ask. But it’s a good idea to keep a few in your back pocket as well, so you’ll always have a question prepared.
Here are five excellent follow-up questions for a fast food interview.
- What kinds of training opportunities are offered to new employees?
- What is the biggest issue this location is currently facing, and how could a new hire assist in resolving it?
- Do work schedules typically follow a certain pattern or do they frequently change?
- Exist chances to advance?
- What would you say about the current team dynamic and the culture here?
Conclusion
If possible, dress higher than the position you are looking for. Make it simple for the interviewer to envision you in the position. Set this as your minimum expectation, for instance, if restaurant servers wear black shoes, chinos, and collared golf shirts. Wearing attire appropriate for a shift supervisor, such as a short-sleeved dress shirt and tie, shows your recruiter that you are serious about the interview and the organization. Wear conservative clothing, conceal tattoos, and take out any obvious piercings.
