Panda Restaurant Group Store Manager interview questions

The interview process at Panda Express was one of the most thorough I’ve experienced. I went through multiple rounds, including a virtual interview with a recruiter, a 1-on-1 in-person interview with an Area Coach of Operations, and finally, an On-the-Job Experience (OJE), which is essentially an 8-hour in-store working interview. During the OJE, I was evaluated on everything from back-of-house operations to guest service, leadership, and team communication under pressure. The final stage included a panel interview with 3 Area Coaches of Operations and 1 Regional Director of Operations. It was structured, intense, and focused on leadership presence, communication, and cultural alignment. One moment that stood out was when I was asked by the Regional Director of Operations how much I currently make in my role. It felt a little out of place given the focus of the interview was supposed to be on leadership and operational fit. Out of respect for my personal boundaries, I chose not to answer. While formal feedback isn’t part of Panda’s process, it became clear that not answering that question, and possibly not establishing enough trust and connection during the panel, contributed to me not moving forward.

Starts with large open interviews, then if chosen you meet with a lower end manager, then if chosen again you meet with district and higher up managers. I made it to higher up manager and district manager, but they seemed overloaded with interviews. I waited an hour past interview time.