Earls Interview Questions [+Includes Best Answers]

Congratulations on getting an Earls Interview.

We all know interviews are stressful and competition is intense.

However, with a small amount of preparation, you can ace the Earls Interview.

Here we will discuss how to successfully answer Earls Interview Questions.

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Earls Interview Questions and Answers

1. 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 skillset.
Finally, reassure the interviewer you have the right skills.

2. What can you tell us about Earls?

Interviewers ask this question because they want to find someone who truly wants to work at Earls and not someone who randomly hands out resumes hoping to get a job.

About Earls

Earls is a casual dining chain that operates restaurants in Canada and the United States.
The restaurant is family-owned which means it is not a franchise.
Leroy Earl “Bus” Fuller and Stanley Earl Fuller founded Earls in 1982 in Edmonton Alberta.
Initially, the restaurant focused on “Burgers and Beers”, but in 1987 the restaurant expanded its menu and started to offer dishes inspired by trips around the world.
As of 2023, Earls has locations in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Yukon, and various cities throughout the U.S.
Finally, Earls is famous for items such as their Bigger Better Burger, Kung Pao Noodle Bowl, and their own Rhino Beer.

3. Why do you want to work at Earls?

Possible Answers are

State you love the food and the service you get at Earls and because of this, you would be proud to represent them.
Say you want to grow your career in the restaurant industry and feel Earls is an excellent place to learn and grow. State you are always impressed with the quality of food and service you get when visiting Earls.
Mention you feel you have excellent communication and teamwork skills which will allow you to work well in the kitchen or/and with customers.

4. What hours can you work?

Try to be flexible when answering this question. The more flexible you are with your hours, the better chance you will have of landing the job.
State you understand if you need to work weekends and holidays.

5. If you could be one animal what would it be?

Interviewers ask this question because it may reveal more about your character, or see how you operate under stress.

When you state what animal you would be, make sure to state why.

Possible Answers are

Dogs to demonstrate 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

6. Do you have a general interest in food?

They want to see if you will climb the ladder at Earls so they will ask this question if you are applying for a position in the kitchen.

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Earls would prefer if they could hire someone whose career goals are aligned with the restaurant industry. Possible answers are:

Stating you want to become a chef is a great answer if you are applying for a kitchen position.
Saying you want to become a restaurant manager is a great answer if you are interviewing for a front-of-the-house position such as hostess or server.
Note it is important to have a career goal so make sure you are ready for this question. It is okay if your goals are not aligned to the restaurant industry.

8. What is your greatest strength?

The best way to respond to this question is to describe the skills and experience that you have which directly correlate with the job you are applying for. With this in mind, review the job description and reassure the interviewer that you have the experience and skills to do the job.

9. What is your greatest weakness?

You should not deny you have a weakness or state strengths as a weakness (I am a perfectionist, or I work too hard and neglect my friends and family). State a weakness that is 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 I have enrolled in a public speaking class to overcome my fear.

10. How would you deal with an upset customer?

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, it is important not to take it personally. If you get upset you will take it on future customers.

11. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Earls will ask this question because they want to see if you a good fit at their restaurant or the restaurant industry in general. They will also ask this question to see that you have ambition.

Note that not every applicant will say they want a career in the restaurant industry because they are looking for part-time or summer work.

However, if your 5-year career goals align with Earls line of business, odds are you will sound better than other applicants.

Possible answers are

A career as a restaurant manager, general manager, or head chef.
Have a look at other jobs in the restaurant industry and find a position you can see yourself doing in five years.
If you are a student state what you plan on doing after you are done with your studies. However, make sure you give the impression you are willing to stay for longer than a few months as Earls does not want to waste time training you.

12. Do you have any questions for us?

Tip! Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview. Asking questions is important because it builds rapport between you and the interviewer.

What do you like best about working here?
How would you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
What about this position is the most important?
How would you measure my success and what could I do to succeed in 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?

Earls Server Interview

Tell us about your previous work experience.

Remember to state-related experience so if you have experience serving, cleaning, working with customers, or any restaurant experience at all mention that first.

Why do you want to be a server at Earls?

Say you would like a job that keeps you active, and you feel you have strong customer service skills so you feel you would be a good fit for this role.

How would you greet a customer?

First I would greet them with a smile and once they were seated I would give them their menus and tell them about any specials offered.

How would you deal with an upset customer?

Say you would give them your full attention and apologize for any inconvenience. Mention that you would note the complaint, give it to your manager, and make a constant effort to improve.
Finally, say you believe reputation is everything and it is important to keep the customer happy as an unhappy customer will not come back, and may even tell others about their negative experience.

How do you handle pressure at work?

I feel I deal with it well. I am good at prioritizing and focusing on the tasks that need to be completed one by one.

How did you fill your downtime at work?

All jobs have some downtime and they want to know that you used your time efficiently. Usually, I spent my downtime cleaning. I would often polish the silverware, or help bus tables. In addition, I set tables and took reservation orders.

Give us an example of when you came in late and what were the reasons?

Everyone has had a situation where they have arrived late to work but a good answer is to anticipate it and let your manager know.
For example, I had a child that was sick and I phoned the manager the night before to let him know I would be late. I fully understand the importance of arriving on time as the restaurant can’t operate properly without the proper staffing, so there are very few times I was late.

Earls Second Interview

If you received a call for a second interview congratulations. The reason for the second interview is that they want to get management approval (the second interview will most likely be with a manager). Study the questions above and you will do fine.

What to Wear to an Interview at Earls

If you are applying for a front-of-the-house position such as a server then you need to dress formally. If you are interviewing for a kitchen position then it is okay to dress business casual.

Earls Interview Questions

Earls Interview Questions and Answers

Earls Server Interview

Earls Second Interview

What to Wear to an Interview at Earls

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