Panda Restaurant Group Store Manager interview questions

I went through a lengthy process of 5 interviews. First was a video recording of myself answering a series of questions. Second was a virtual interview with a recruiter, third was another virtual interview with the ACO (area manager) fourth was a panel of three managers, area and regional managers, I also had two other candidates from different in my interview as well. It was three of us interviewing at the same time, which was different because we would each take turns answering the same questions. And the last round was the OTJ in person training where I actually worked for 5 hours in a store 45 minutes from my city. Let me first say Panda has a certain aesthetic that they want to represent their brand very cookie cutter, preferably Asian. All my interviews went great, I do have a bachelor’s degree and management experience l, however they do look to promote within so technically they are not looking to hire you as a manager externally unless you truly fit their mold and even then they would want to bring you in as a lower position and then promote you. On paper I was the perfect candidate and I did everything they asked for the on the job training, I wasn’t great at flipping the heavy wok, but I didn’t apply to be a cook either. As a manager you are expected to work as an employee and know every position in the front and back of the house. But that will be your day to day experience. You are a regular worker with a management title. Their expectations are ridiculous. I read several reviews before applying but I wanted my own experience and I must say it is exactly as described in the negative reviews. Overall I would say the extensive process is unnecessary for a fast food restaurant, management clearly feels they are an upper echelon of the food chain, and this experience showed me not only was I too good for the position and they didn’t deserve me but also how miserable I would have been if offered the position. Clearly I would not have made it to the final round and allowed to work a day in their store if I wasn’t qualified, they saw me in person and didn’t approve of my appearance or feel it was the Panda look they wanted to represent their brand. Very racially and culturally bias and I do not recommend applying for this position if you have any personal identity or expression they want a robot! Not to mention you will even be written up or failed as a manager if their is gum residue in the parking lot, not the actual gum the stain even need to be scrubbed and washed that alone says a lot about their priorities and all the DEI inclusiveness is a front they truly waisted my time. Lastly if your worried or curious about the time frame the first 4 interviews were fairly quick a day or two in between each round but the final interview I waited a week for a response and then emailed before receiving my rejection. So personally I feel they may would have ghosted me at the end if I didn’t reach out, very unprofessional and unorganized and not getting this position was a blessing a redirection for me.

Casual, mostly questions about conflict resolution while supervising younger employees. The interview took place in the actual restaurant during business hours. Questions were more based on my personal life than previous work experience. The interviewer held the same position previously.