You have heard numerous reasons why you shouldn’t get a job at a fast-food restaurant. The general misconception is that these jobs are underpaid, while employees are disrespected and overworked. However, one visit to a Chick-fil-A restaurant defies all these misconceptions, convincing you that this is the right place for you to start gaining valuable work experience.
Everything about this fast-food brand is genuine.
First, Chick-fil-A is an all-American brand, developing its business solely in the United States. Furthermore, they make everything from scratch – lemonade, milkshake, to chicken sandwich. You name it, and they will deliver.
Finally, they nourish the family values, which means customers and employees feel appreciated and feel like they are part of one huge family.
Even though Chick-fil-A owner’s attitude toward some issues has brought the entire brand under the heavy fire of the public, this fast-food chain still maintained their status as the warm and welcoming haven for everyone who enjoys amazing food and exceptional customer service.
For all these reasons, applying for a job at one of the Chick-fil-A places may be a perfect choice for people who want to learn how to prepare great food and develop excellent customer service skills.
Finally, when you start working at Chick-fil-A, you will become a part of the friendly and fun-loving community that will turn your workplace into a home away from home.
Table of Contents
Chick-fil-A Jobs
When asked about what it’s like to work at Chick-fil-A, one of the employees summed it up in three words: “fast-paced, fun, and rewarding.” This may be the best description of the Chick-fil-A environment. Things can get hectic, and you will work hard, spending hours on your feet with a smile on your face. However, people from Chick-fil-A provide amazing training, turning new employees into masters of multitasking within weeks. Also, you can expect that your hard work will be respected and rewarded at the end of the day.
These are the many reasons why people love working at Chick-fil-A and why they are always smiling.
Hiring Requirements
You will need to be 16 years old or older and a legal US resident with a work permit to apply for a job at Chick-fil-A. Furthermore, you need to have certificates that prove your education level. Chick-fil-A conducts a background check during the hiring process, so be prepared for this. Also, they have a zero tolerance for felons. Some Chick-fil-A restaurants may include drug testing into their hiring process.
Does Chick-fil-A Offer Benefits?
Chick-fil-A offers a fantastic benefits package to all employees after the first 3 months spent there. Here is a list of all benefits their employees are eligible for:
- Insurance: Health, dental, occupational accident, and life insurance
- Leave: Paid time off, paid vacations, and paid sick leave
- Retirement: 401k retirement plan
- Financial benefits: Performance-based bonuses and employee discount
Others: Flexible schedule, tuition assistance, and scholarships
Careers At Chick-fil-A
As we have already mentioned, Chick-fil-A offers professional training to employees from day 1. Once you learn the ropes, your hard work and the relationships you build within this community will be recognized and rewarded.
If you decide to stay on board while in college, you may get one of the numerous scholarships Chick-fil-A awards annually to its team members. Managers here believe in creating meaningful relationships and devotion to the brand by encouraging personal and professional growth through frequent pay raises and promotions.
Chick-fil-A Manager
Chick-fil-A Managers need to have exceptional leadership skills and be devoted to the brand so they can promote company culture in the best possible way. They will also be responsible for developing team leaders and inspiring company values on one-on-one training. The Chick-fil-A Manager will oversee all the operations in the restaurant, making sure that everything runs smoothly.
Chick-fil-A Manager Salary: $46,732/year
Chick-fil-A Supervisor
Being a Chick-fil-A Shift Supervisor is like being the brand ambassador. This said, you will be responsible for offering stellar customer service, leading your team by example, and promoting company culture and values. You will also be in charge of keeping things in control during rush hours and helping train new employees.
Chick-fil-A Example Pay: $13/hour
Chick-fil-A Cashier
If you love working in a fast-paced environment and you are handling stressful situations well, you may apply for this job. You will be working at the cash register maintaining a positive attitude and eye contact with customers, engaging them in lighthearted conversations
Chick-fil-A Example Pay: $10/hour
Chick-fil-A Team Member
If you are a friendly person who likes to smile and enjoy greeting customers, taking their orders, and offering excellent customer service, then you would be a perfect Chick-fil-A Team Member. You will also be in charge of keeping the environment clean and safe.
Chick-fil-A Example Pay: $10.96/hour
Chick-fil-A Application 2024
Applying for a job at Chick-fil-A is an easy process. However, before you fill in an application form, make sure to add a personal touch that will set it apart from the competition. You can accomplish this by adding a short video that will present you as a perfect fit for this fast-food chain.
If you want to submit the Chick-fil-A job application personally in one of their restaurants, you can download the printable PDF Chick-fil-A application form and then fill it out.
Let’s see what information you need to provide to apply successfully for a Chick-fil-A job.
The PDF application form is divided into seven different sections that contain significant information which will show whether you are an eligible job candidate.
First, you need to give some basic information like your name, address, phone, number, age, and whether you are a legal US resident.
Then, there is the Availability section requiring you to check all the days and write in hours when you are available for work.
In the Previous Employment History section, you need to give a brief information about your three previous jobs, including babysitting or volunteer work.
There is also the Education section where you need to name the high school or college you are attending or have graduated from. Next, you should write some of your awards or accomplishments in the Personal Background section.
You need to get some references from your previous employees, teachers, or other people who know you well to fill in the Reference section of the Chick-fil-A job application form.
Make sure to read and agree with statements at the end before signing your application
You can also apply for a Chick-fil-A job online by following the directions given on their website. When you choose the location and the restaurant you want to work in, you will be redirected to the page containing the Chick-fil-A online application form. Once you fill all the fields in and check the information you provided, you can submit your job application.
Do You Need A Resume For Chick-fil-A?
Even though you may think that filling in the Chick-fil-A application form is all you need to do to get called for an interview, adding a well-composed resume is always a good idea. By making this extra step, you will come across as someone who respects the company and is eager to start working at Chick-fil-A. Also, the employer will get a detailed list of your previous experience and significant skills.
Here are some resume templates you can use to make a lasting impression on a hiring manager.
Manager Resume Template
This resume enables you to present your professional profile, describe responsibilities you had in previous positions, and put forward your key skills. Simultaneously, it is easy to follow and professional-looking.
Cashier Resume Template
Choose this resume template if you want to leave the impression of a well-organized person. This template allows you to list all the significant information related to your professional experience, skills, and education in a clear and neat way.
Customer Service Resume Template
This resume template is perfect for those who want to bring forward their work experience, allowing them to go into detail when describing their previous responsibilities and achievements.
Chick-fil-A Interview
If you want to leave a fantastic first impression in the Chick-fil-A interview, make sure to look sleek and professional, and bring your resume with you. As one of the employees stated, “It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed” for this occasion. By doing this, you will show how much you respect the company and care about the job you have applied for.
It is also important to be well-informed about the company, and telling a Chick-fil-A-related anecdote can get you additional points in the interviewer’s book. For example, you can mention the “My pleasure” phrase that only CFA employees use instead of “You’re welcome.” This signature mark that sets CFA apart from other fast-food restaurants originated from its founder, Mr. Cathy. He heard it first from the employee at the Ritz Carlton hotel and decided to make this phrase a part of the CFA vocabulary.
Although this anecdote may be a nice “ice-breaker” in the interview, we will now offer an insight into the most common CFA interview questions and provide answers that may help you nail the wanted job in this renowned fast-food chain.
Chick-fil-A Interview Questions
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: We know how hard it is to answer this question because so many people dread talking about themselves, and numerous times, they do not know what to focus on when answering it. We recommend you to stick to the job-related experience and skills, and make this about 85% of your answer.
If you are still at school or college and do not have relevant working experience, focus on the situations or events where you interacted with others and provided service. Also, list five of your strengths that you think will be perfect for the job. For example, you can say that you are a people-pleaser, friendly, and practical – always ready to help others.
In the end, you can say a few words about your personality.
Q: Why do you want to work at Chick-Fil-A?
A: You can start by saying how much you enjoy their chicken sandwich and the warm and friendly atmosphere that makes customers feel at home. You may add that you want to be part of this environment and learn about quality food and customer service from the best. Finally, you can mention that Chick-fil- A has a great tradition of supporting employees’ personal and professional growth and that you are eager to join this community.
Q: What are your top three strengths?
A: In case you have already mentioned some of your top qualities, you can go back to these and give a more elaborate answer. Make sure that all these qualities are job-related. For example, you can say that you are customer-oriented and that you will do your best to meet their demands. You can add that you are a fast learner and a hard worker which is essential in this buzzing environment.
Q: What are your top three weaknesses?
A: Even though people don’t want to admit they have weak sides, honesty is the best policy in this case. Try to name a weakness that may prevent you from giving your best at work, and propose an effective solution to the problem. For example, you may say that you always strive to do things yourself and you don’t want to ask for help.
However, if you want to survive in the fast-paced Chick-fil-A environment, you need to learn from others and rely on your team. You can say that you are trying to let others help you more often and that you realized that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but an opportunity to learn.
Q: Why should I hire you?
A: This is a chance to emphasize your strong sides once again. So try to name some job-related qualities that would make you fit perfectly in the hectic fast-food restaurant. You need to show the employer your readiness to learn as you go along, providing excellent customer service and helping other coworkers when needed.
You can say that you are ready to work hard and excel at multitasking to better meet the customers’ needs and become a reliable coworker.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: Even though you may not have a clear idea about your career development, especially if you are still in high school or college, try to relate your work experience at Chick-fil-A to your prospects.
For example, you can say that you want to study management in the fast-food industry and that this experience may be an invaluable asset because you will know what amazing customer service looks like and how to reach the highest standards in quality, service, and cleanliness.
On the other hand, you can say that you would like to build your career within the company by learning from seasoned professionals and following a well-devised Chick-fil-A career path that will lead you to the top.
Q: What hours can you work?
A: When working in a busy fast-food restaurant, the more available you are, the better. This said, no one expects you to be able to work 24/7. It may be a good idea to make a weekly plan, stating when you will be free to work and what time you need to spend with family and friends or at school. This will make you look reliable and well-organized.
Q: How would you define excellent customer service?
A: You may talk about the great time you had at one of the Chick-fil-A places, stating that great customer service means making customers appreciated and welcome, making sure that all their demands are met so that they enjoy their meal and come back again.
Q: How would you deal with an irate customer?
A: Dealing with an angry customer is never easy, but it may often be part of your job. Remember that in the fast-food industry, the customer is always right, so try to stay cool and collected. The best way to appease the customer is to show them that you pay attention to what they are saying, trying to find an effective solution to the problem. If the situation remains tense despite all your efforts, turn to your manager for help.
Q: What would you do if you discovered that a coworker was stealing a product or money?
A: This is a serious issue, and the only right answer is that you would address it to the manager or security officer as soon as possible.
Q: How do you handle stressful work environments?
A: Working at an energetic fast-food place such as Chick-fil-A will involve long hours spent on your feet, accompanied by hectic rush hours where you need to show that you are great at multitasking while smiling all the time. This can be overwhelming even for experienced workers. By asking this question, employees want to find out what would you do when things get stressful. So, you may say, for example, that you would stay focused on the things you need to do and try not to let the stress get the best of you.
What Happens After the Interview?
Now that you know what to expect during the Chick-fil-A hiring process, have submitted your job application, and have finished the job interview, you need to practice patience. If you don’t get a call from a hiring manager within a week, follow up for feedback.
If you have comments, reviews, or questions related to this topic, feel free to leave these here.
Best of luck with your job search!
