I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Panera Bread (Walnut, CA) in Jun 2012
Interview
We did a group interview for a new opening Panera in a local city. It was done at a hotel conference room because the building was still under construction. It was the most interactive job interview I ever had. The entire management team was there and they had us do different exercises that helped them get to know us better. We then went off not getting much one on one time. We were sent home thenI received a phone call that night and they said they wanted me to come in for a second interview. At the second interview I was told that I received the position and I got to know the restaurant manager better.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
They asked us to look up the menu and to do role play. They would act as a customer and I had to answer the questions and tell them what I recommend.
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