Panera Bread Interview
Panera Bread Interview

If you are looking for Panera Bread Interview Questions you have come to the right place.

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

However, with a little preparation, you can ace the Panera Bread Job Interview.

Here we will discuss how to successfully answer interview questions for Panera Bread.

We will also provide information on how to dress for a Panera Bread Interview, as well as general interview tips.

Panera Bread Job Interview Questions by Role

Panera Bread Interview Questions and Answers

1. 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.

2. Why do you want to work at Panera Bread?

  • I would like to work at Panera Bread because it does not have a fast-food feel.  They make a quality product that I enjoy.
  • Panera Bread is growing rapidly and I think there will be opportunities to grow my career here.
  • State why you think Panera Bread is better than its competitors.

3. 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.

4. What can you tell us about Panera Bread?

About Panera Bread

  • They offer a wide variety of food items such as freshly baked bread, pastries and sweets, bagels and spreads, breakfast favorites, soups, salads, pasta, paninis, sandwiches, flatbreads, Panera Kids menu, and drinks.
  • Customers can order online and pick up their orders.
  • They have a rewards program called MyPanera.
  • Panera Bread headquarters are in St. Louis Missouri.
  • Panera operates at operates as Saint Louis Bread Company in the Greater St. Louis area, where it has over 100 locations.
  • The restaurant also owns Au Bon Pain.
  • The first Panera Bread was opened in 1981.
  • JAB Holding Company is the parent company of Panera Bread.
  • Its competitors include Starbucks, Potbelly, Tim Hortons, and The Cheesecake Factory.

5. What hours can you work?

  • Panera Bread opens early.  Panera Bread opens at 6 a.m. in some locations and closes around 9. p.m.  When asked what hours can you work you want to be as flexible as possible.

6. What experience do you have?

  • If you have other restaurant experience, talk about it.
  • Talk about any cashier experience you may have.
  • Talk about any customer service experience you have.
  • If this is your first job, let them know. State that you have been focusing on school and now you are anxious to prove yourself in the workforce.

7. Where do you see yourself in five years?

  • If you don’t know what to say check out other jobs at Panera Bread and see if you can find a position you can see yourself doing in five years.

8. How was your attendance in your last job?

  • Be honest when answering this question as the interviewer may check references.
  • Emphasize that you understand the importance of starting your shift on time.

9. Why did you leave your last job?

Let’s first discuss what not to say!

  • Do not say anything negative about your previous employer
  • Do not say for money.
  • The commute was too long.
Example

“I enjoyed my time at my last job, but, I have outgrown my current role and I am looking for new challenges.”

10. Who are Panera Bread’s competitors?

11. Questions to ask in a Panera Bread Interview?

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 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?

Panera Bread Hourly Associate Interview

Can you tell us about your previous work experience?

  • They want to know how your related work experience matches the experience required to be an hourly associate. So if you have experience working in restaurants, retail, with customers, or working in a team say that first.
  • If this is your first job tell them you have been focusing on school and now you are ready to prove yourself in the work world.

Why do you want to be an hourly Associate?

  • I feel I can learn and grow my career here, especially with the rapid success of Panera.
  • I enjoy the product and the service I get here as a customer and would be proud to represent them.

Why should we hire you as an hourly associate?

For this question, you want to have a second read of the job description, find the skills they are looking for, and match those skills to your own. Below is what I found after reading the job description

  • Must understand and practice basic food safety (skill required: attention to detail)
  • Our customer associates know what our customer wants and deliver it — fast, accurate, and with friendly service. (skill required: the ability to work under pressure, and customer focused)
  • We hear and sense customer needs and keep our manager and fellow team members informed. (skill required: communication and teamwork)

So when asked this question say

  • Say you have excellent attention to detail and will always practice basic food safety procedures.
  • Mention you work well under pressure which will allow you to deliver fast, accurate, and friendly service.
  • Finally, state you are a team player and will always keep other team members informed as you have strong communication skills.

How would you deal with an irate customer

  • I would remain calm and listen to their complaints.
  • If it was a valid complaint, I would apologize to the customer and see if I can replace the product or fix the issue they were upset with.

Panera Bread Cashier Interview Questions

Why do you want to be a cashier?

  • Say you feel you have great communication skills and will enjoy working with customers.
  • Say you enjoy working as a team and are a great team player.
  • State you pay great attention to detail and will take great pride in every aspect of your work.

Why should I hire you as a cashier?

To answer this question successfully you must appear better than the rest of the competition.

  • If you have experience in food service or retail now is the time to mention it.
  • Mention if you have a food safety certificate.
  • Great communication skills and how you used them in your last job.
  • Say you are a quick learner and will not have any issues learning the Panera menu.

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.

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.

Are you good at math?

  • If you are applying for an hourly associate then they will probably want you to work the cashier.  You just need to be able to do basic addition and subtraction, so if you are comfortable with this, say that you are good at math.

PANERA BREAD INTERVIEW ATTIRE?

Entry-Level Position

Entry-Level Position

  • Dress business casually if you are interviewing for an entry-level position.  Do not wear shorts and avoid wearing jeans.
Management Position

Management Position

  • Dress formally or business casual if you are interviewing for a management position.  Blazers and dark trousers are a safe choice, as well as wrap dresses for females. Avoid sportswear clothes. 
Colors

Colors

  • Blue tells employers that you’re credible and trustworthy.
  • Black shows leadership and is great if you’re going for a senior position.
  • Red sends a message that you are assertive and will work well in a field like sales.

  • People consider wearing orange to a job interview unprofessional, linking it to being the worst color choice.

How do I prepare for an interview at Panera Bread?

  • Learn as much as you can about the company and ask yourself why you want to work there.  Why would you work at Panera Bread than any other restaurant?
  • Review potential interview questions and think about how you will answer them from your personal experience.  
  • Think about where you see yourself in the future.  Panera Bread prefers to hire people whose career goals align with the restaurant industry.  Perhaps you want to open your own franchise one day or become a restaurant general manager.  Note if you want to work at Panera Bread to pay for your education that is fine but make sure you demonstrate that you are committed to working there for more than a few months.
  • Make sure you know where you are going and how long it takes to get there. Go online and work out the easiest way to get there, then be sure to add on extra time so you are on time. The last thing you want is to arrive late.

PANERA BREAD INTERVIEW TIPS

  • Arrive 10 minutes early.
  • Don’t talk too fast as you will sound nervous.
  • Don’t talk too slowly as you will sound boring.
  • Turn off your smartphone.
  • Make good eye contact throughout the interview.

SECOND INTERVIEW AT PANERA BREAD

  • If you have a second interview at Panera Bread it is more than likely to be with someone hire-up. Study the questions above and you will do fine.

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