What is the hiring process at Panera Bread?

In addition to questions about your education credentials and work experience, you will also be asked the following questions:

• What is your availability?

• What is the earliest day you can start?

• Please explain why you are a great candidate for Panera Bread?

• Why do you want to work for Panera Bread?

• What is your desired Wage expected (minimum)?

For a position at the restaurant, you also have the option of coming in to apply. If you do, be prepared to interview that day. Some locations, however, may ask you to fill out an application online before coming into the store. Allow up to one week to hear back for a restaurant position and two weeks for a corporate position.

Once you submit the application online and Panera Bread reviews it, they will schedule a brief phone call as part of an initial screening process. In some cases, they may not ask for a phone call but just ask you to come in for an interview.

If they do schedule a phone screening, it should last no longer than ten minutes and involve some basic questions such as "Why do you want to work at Panera Bread?" and "What makes you a good candidate for this position?".

The next step is to come in for an interview. If you're applying for a non-management restaurant position, then you can expect one interview that will be one-on-one with the hiring manager or a group interview with several candidates.

The interview for a restaurant position is usually pretty casual. It can last up to 15 minutes, and usually, you're offered a position on the spot. For managers and corporate positions, anticipate having anywhere from two to four interviews lasting up to an hour.

Common Panera Bread interview questions:

• What kind of work environment do you thrive in?

• What was a good customer service experience you have had as a customer?

• Tell me about yourself - what are your greatest strengths and weakness?

• What is your favorite type of bread and why?

• Why do you want to work at Panera Bread?

• What is your plan for the next five years?

• What can you tell me about Panera Bread?