I applied online. The process took 3 days. I interviewed at Panera Bread (Jacksonville, NC) in Apr 2016
Interview
The interview process was initiated by a brief phone screen interview from the Shift Supervisor that touched bases slightly for what the, then upcoming, job interview will entail. The next day I had an interview with the Assistant Manager who helped me to feel very comfortable during the typically stressful interview phase. This interview was mainly about my skills and qualifications. I was given very helpful information on how to proceed to my next interview with the General Manager. The interview with the General Manager was more helpful at helping me understand the inner-workings of the Company as well as the management to employee approach and more. In this interview these questions were geared to what I know about the Company and I was also given a brief look at how cohesive the "family" of this Panera Bread is and I cannot wait to become a member of that family. I am very grateful for this opportunity to have learned a lot in just two, short days! Lastly, as a military dependent I greatly appreciate the leadership approach that they use as well as the strong, always faithful, bond between supervisor and employee.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Interview 1: With the Assistant Manager (About You)
1. How do you feel about micromanagement?
2. Do you prefer to work alone or in a team?
3. Do you prefer to be a leader or a follower?
4. Describe a time where you have had to motivate your team.
5. Tell me a little about yourself. (Not what you are doing now, but your story to how you got to where you are now.)
6. Are you an only child? (How does this or not apply to you and what aspects have you learned?)
7. Tell me a time when someone in a leadership position made a bad decision. How did you handle it?
8. Are you more willing to take risks or take your time and plan methodically?
9. Are you willing to put the Company's needs ahead of your own?
Interview 2: With the General Manager (About the Company)
9. Why do you feel you'd make a good fit in Panera Bread?
10. What differentiates you from other applicants?
11. What do you know of our Company?
12. Our starting wage is $__.__ would that be okay considering your desired wage?
13. Are you ready to begin training at "Baguette University?"
14. When can you start?
They just gave me a tour of back of house, told me how it is for employees, and asked about my availability to get me scheduled. Very easy, but maybe easier than normal as I was a high schooler at the time.
You may get a phone call from a hiring manager or recruiter to confirm basic details like availability and interest.
Some stores skip the phone call and go straight to an in-person chat.
This step is usually short and casual.
In-Person Interview
This is the core part of the process for an associate role:
What to expect:
A one-on-one interview with a manager or shift leader at the café.
It’s often informal and brief—many candidates report it lasting about 10–20 minutes or less.
In some cases, a group interview might be used first, especially if hiring multiple people.
Typical interview topics:
Your availability and schedule.
Customer service and teamwork experience.
Why you want to work at Panera.
How you handle busy situations or customer issues.
Which part of the job appeals to you most.
Typical vibe: relaxed, conversational, and focused on personality and fit more than technical skills.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How you handle busy situations or customer issues.
my interview was a very very simple interview they just asked why you would wanted to work there, availability, cross training, what position you wanted, etc. It was very easy and kind people at panera bread