Shake Shack Interview Questions

If you are looking for Shake Shack Interview Questions you have come to the right place.

It is no secret that interviews are stressful and competition is high.

However, with a bit of preparation, you can ace the Shake Shack Job Interview.

Below we will discuss how to successfully answer frequently asked interview questions at Shake Shack. 

Please note these are practice interview questions and we are not affiliated with the company mentioned in this post.

Shake Shack 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.

Why do you want to work for Shake Shack?

• Say you would be proud to work for a company that donates 1% of sales from shake bottled water which supports the cleanup of water sources around the world.
• Tell them you feel, it will be a great place to learn more about the restaurant industry as they offer exceptional customer service and a great product.

Why should Shake Shack hire you?

Shake Shack hires what they call 51%ers. This means that any given staff member should have 51 percent in emotional intelligence and 49 percent technical. You need to show the interviewer you have both emotional intelligence and technical skills.

So asked why should we hire you, state you have some of these characteristics

Emotional Intelligence	Technical
Warm Friendly Motivated Caring Self Aware Intellectually curious	Customer Service Quick learner (point of sale systems) Works well under pressure.

Shake Shack Company Information

What can you tell us about Shake Shack?

About Shake Shack

• Shake Shack is a modern-day “roadside” burger stand. They are known for their burgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, frozen custard, shakes, beer, and wine.
• The restaurant started in a hot dog cart in Manhattan to support the Madison Square Park Conservancy’s first art installation.
• In 2004, they were able to open permanently in Madison Square Park.
• Shake Shack’s signature items are all-natural, hormone and antibiotic-free.
• They are founded by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (” USHG “).
• Their vision is to Stand For Something Good.
• Shake Shack’s flagship item is the ShackBurger, which is a four-ounce cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce.
• Dogs are welcome at Shake Shack. They have a “Woof” section of their menu. Owners can buy their pets a shackburger pooch-ini. The restaurant also sells dog biscuits to-go.
• Shake Shack’s Ale called ShackMeister Ale is brewed by Brooklyn Brewery.

Who is the CEO of Shake Shack? 

• The CEO is Randy Garutti as of 2023.

Customer Service Interview Questions

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.

How would you deal with a difficult customer?

1. Listen and let the customer vent.
2. Show the customer you care.
3. Don’t blame the customer or the company.
4. Try to solve the problem or find someone who can.
5. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
6. Finally, it is important not to take it personally.  If you get upset you will take it on future customers.

Can you 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 do you believe customer service is 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

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.

How do you feel about standing for long periods?

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

What motivates you?

Why did you leave your last job?

Interviewers ask this question for the following reasons.

• Did you leave for a good reason?
• Did you leave voluntarily?
• Did you leave on good terms?
• What are your work values?

Here is a sample response

“I enjoyed my last job at Company XYZ, however, I felt growth was minimal and I was no longer learning. I want to explore new challenges”.

Questions to ask in a Shake Shack Interview?

• I read about The Shacksperience. My understanding is this is a leadership program. Can you tell me more about it?
• What do you like best about working here?
• What type of advancement can top performers receive?

Shake Shack Interview Dress Code

• If you are interviewing for a non-management position then dress business casually.   Remember you want to look like someone who can serve food so if you have long hair wear it back and wear a limited amount of jewelry.
• If you are interviewing for a management position then dress formally.

Does Shake Shack Drug Test? 

• Shake Shack does not drug test their employees.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A SHAKE SHACK INTERVIEW?

• Learn as much as possible about the company and ask why you want to work there.  Why would you rather work at Shake Shack than any other quick-service 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?  Shake Shack will prefer 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 Shake Shack 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 add extra time so you are on time. The last thing you want is to arrive late.

See Also

• 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions (affiliate)
• The Interview Checklist
• General Interview Q&A
• The Behavioral Interview
• Interview Tips
• Search for Jobs