Cheesecake Factory Interview Questions

Congratulations on getting a Cheesecake Factory Interview.

We can all agree interviews are stressful and competition is fierce.

However, with a small bit of preparation, you can ace the job interview.

Here we will discuss frequently asked Cheesecake Factory Interview questions.

Cheesecake Factory Interview Questions and Answers

Why do you want to work at the Cheesecake Factory?

• The restaurant was named on Fortunes 100 list of best companies to work for, and because of this, I would like to be on their winning team.
• If you are going to school tell them you think Cheesecake Factory would be a great way to help pay for college.

What hours can you work?

• The more flexible you are with your hours, the better your chance of getting hired, so be flexible!
• Let the interviewer know if you can work on weekends and holidays.

Why should I hire you?

• Have a second read of the job description and find the skills and experience required for the position.
• Next, match the skills required for the job to your skill set.
• Finally, reassure the interviewer you have the right skills.

What is your greatest strength?

This question is an invitation to explain why you are the best-qualified candidate for this job!

The answer should be broken down into three parts

1. The Strength – state the strength
2. Proof of the strength – an example of how you have used this strength.
3. The strength’s relevance to THIS job.

What is your greatest weakness?

• It would help if you did not deny you have a weakness or state strengths as a weakness. For example, do not say “I am a perfectionist” or “I work too hard and neglect my friends and family”. State a fault required for the role but not a dealbreaker if you don’t have it.
• When you state your weakness, make sure you say what you are doing to overcome that weakness. For example, I have a fear of public speaking and enrolled in a public speaking class to overcome my fear.

Company Information

What can you tell us about The Cheesecake Factory?

History

• The Cheesecake Factory can trace its roots in Detroit Michigan.
• Evelyn Overton baked cheesecakes to great fanfare and opened a small cheesecake shop.
• The family moved to California and opened a bakery called The Cheesecake Factory Bakery.
• Her son opened a restaurant to promote Evelyn’s Cheesecakes in Beverly Hills, California.

Today

• There are more than 200 The Cheesecake Factory restaurants around the world.
• There is a Skinnylicious menu to give customers a more healthy option.
• The Cheesecake Factory has more than 50 signature cheesecakes and desserts.
• The Cheesecake Factory has over 250 menu items.
• They offer gift cards.
• The Cheesecake Factory has restaurants located in Mexico, Canada, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Think you know a lot about the Cheesecake Factory? Take our Cheesecake Factory Prep Quiz and see how well you do!

Customer Service Interview Questions

How would you deal with a customer who is upset with their product?

• Listen and let the customer vent.
• Show the customer you care.
• Don’t blame the customer or the company.
• Try to solve the problem or find someone who can.
• Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
• Finally, one must not take it personally.  If you get upset, you will take it out on future customers.

How would you define excellent customer service?

• The customer is not waiting long for their order.
• Customers receive friendly service.
• The restaurant is clean both inside and outside.
• The product is made to order.

Tell us about a time you went above and beyond for a customer?

• Customers love it when you go above and beyond for them, which will, in turn, generate more business. Try to think of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer. For example, when I was a server at a restaurant, we did not have a specific dessert in the restaurant. Luckily, the restaurant next door had it and I got it for the customer.   
• Here’s another example: I worked at a fast-food chain in my last job.  There was a senior citizen at the restaurant and he had finished his meal. The rain started, and he started to worry because he didn’t have an umbrella. Luckily, I had an umbrella, so I walked him to his car, sheltering him from the rain.

Why is customer service so important?

Great customer service can

• Increase customer loyalty.
• Grow the amount of money each customer spends per visit.
• Increase how often a customer buys from you.
• Generate positive word-of-mouth about your business.

Additional Interview Questions

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

• If you would like to stay at The Cheesecake Factory, have a look at other management level jobs on their website and find a job you could see yourself doing in five years.

What are your salary expectations?

• This is a stressful question because if you ask for too much, you will not get the job, and if you ask for too little, they will happily underpay you.
• Be sure to research salary expectations for your role before you go into the interview. There are plenty of sites that discuss salary ranges.
• Ask about the salary range if you don’t know what to say.  You can then counter with the high end of the range.
• Note most entry-level jobs will pay minimum wage.

What motivates you?

How did you find this job?

• Interviewers ask this question because they want to hire someone specific in their job hunt.
• Employers want to hire someone who knows what they want. Therefore, state you have been actively monitoring jobs on the company’s website and that you are happy to get the interview.
• Note you have to be honest when answering this question as they may already know how you applied for this position.

How do you feel about standing on your feet for long periods?

• Most restaurant jobs will require you to work on your feet for long periods. If possible, let the interviewer know that you do not have a problem with this. Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with low heels, maintain good posture, and stay hydrated.

If you could be one animal what would it be?

Possible Answers are

• Dogs show loyalty.
• Ants are hard workers and team players.
• Dolphins are smart.
• Elephants are strong.
• Gorilla is gentle but powerful, a good parent, and a good leader.

Why did you leave your last job?

Questions to ask at the end of the interview

Do you have any questions for us?

• What do you like best about working here?
• How do you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
• What about this position is the most important?
• How do you measure my success, and what could I do to meet your expectations?
• Which part of the position has the steepest learning curve? What can I do to get up to speed quickly?
• What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?

Cheesecake Factory Interview Tips

• Arrive 10 minutes early
• Turn off your smartphone.
• Learn as much as you can about the company.
• Don’t speak too fast as you will sound nervous.
• Don’t speak too slowly as you will sound boring.
• Make eye contact during the entire interview.

Does Cheesecake Factory Drug Test?

• There is no evidence that Cheesecake Factory Drug tests.

See Also:

• Cheesecake Dishwasher Interview Questions
• Cheesecake Hostess Interview Questions