Cracker Barrel Interview Questions
Cracker Barrel Interview Questions

Congratulations on getting an interview at the Cracker Barrel.

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

However, with a small bit of preparation, you can ace the Cracker Barrel Interview.

Here you will find how to successfully answer frequently asked Cracker Barrel Interview Questions.

Interview Questions by Role

Cracker Barrel Interview Questions and Answers

Can you tell us about yourself?

  • It’s okay to discuss your hobbies and interests; but, keep it brief. Try to focus on relevant work experience. Remember that having relevant work experience will put you ahead of the competition.

What type of restaurant experience do you have?

  • If you have any restaurant experience mention it. If you don’t have restaurant experience not to worry. Cracker Barrel hires many first-time restaurant employees.

Why do you want to work at Cracker Barrel?

  • Tell them you enjoy the product and tell them about the great experience you have had at the restaurant.
  • Tell them your favorite item on the menu.
  • If you are going to college let the interviewer know. Tell them you think Cracker Barrel will be a great way to pay for school.

What hours can you work?

  • Most Cracker Barrels are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. so if possible mention you are free to work those hours. The more flexible you can be the better your chances are at getting the job.

Company Information

What can you tell us about Cracker Barrel?

About Cracker Barrel

  • Cracker Barrel is a restaurant and gift shop.
  • The first Cracker Barrel was opened in Lebanon Tennessee.
  • Dan Evins founded Cracker Barrel in 1969. At the time the interstate was growing, and Evins saw the need to build a consistent, quality place for travelers to stop and eat.
  • Cracker Barrel’s menu is famous for Southern cuisine and is designed to resemble an old-fashioned general store.

Who are Cracker Barrel Competitors?

  • Cracker Barrel’s competitors are iHop, Denny’s, Golden Corral, and Bob Evans

Additional Interview Questions

What is your greatest strength?

  • For this question, you need to re-read the job description, find the skills they are looking for, and restate those skills.  For example, if they want someone who works well with others, state you have great communication skills.

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.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

  • If you don’t have a five-year goal, why not have a look at other Cracker Barrel Jobs and find a position you can see yourself doing?

What motivates you?

Possible answers are:

Do Say

  • Meeting deadlines, targets, or goals
  • Mentoring and coaching others
  • Learning new things
  • Coming up with creative ideas to improve something, or make something new
  • Working well as part of a team
  • Finding a way to solve a problem, or overcome a challenge

Don’t Say

  • Money 
  • Employee Discounts

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.

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?

Does Cracker Barrel Drug Test for Employment

  • There is no evidence on the Cracker Barrel website that they drug test.

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.

Cracker Barrel Interview Attire

  • If you are on a non-management interview such as a dishwasher, or cashier then dress business casually.
  • If you are in a management interview then dress formally.

Cracker Barrel Server Interview

Why do you want to be a server?

  • Say you enjoy the challenge of working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Say you are outgoing by nature and like to meet new people, and make them feel welcomed.

Why should we hire you as a server?

For this question, you want to have a read of the job description, find key skills they are looking for, and match those skills to your own.  The job description states:

  • As a key part of our front-of-the-house team, you will act as our service ambassador, ensuring every guest expectation is met and every experience is a positive one (skill required: attention to detail)
  • Your knowledge of the menu and superior people skills will put you at ease, as you interact with guests, and promote merchandise and menu items (skill required: learning and communication)
  • Some cleaning and light lifting will be required (skill required: teamwork)

A possible answer to this question is

  • Mention you pay great attention to detail which will allow you to ensure guest expectations are met and all guests leave satisfied.
  • Say you have excellent communication and listening skills which will allow you to work well with guests.
  • Finally, state you have good teamwork skills which will allow you to work well with the kitchen staff and you will always pitch in for other duties such as cleaning.

How would you deal with an irate customer?

  • Say you would give your full attention to the customer to make sure they feel they are heard. Then I would sympathize with the customer. If the customer was upset with the product I would offer to replace it.
  • Say you believe you always want a customer to leave happy as an unhappy customer will never return and worse tell others.
  • For other listening tips check out Forbes 7 Steps for Dealing with angry customers.

Do you have any questions for us?

  • Why is the position open?
  • Can you describe your top-performing servers?

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