I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Panera Bread (Vacaville, CA) in May 2014
Interview
I applied online through their website and got a call to get an interview within 3 days. We set up an interview within the next week (they choose the date).
During the interview process, it is done inside the restaurent, mine was done in the front. You have to go up to one of the workers and tell them you're there for the interview though. The store manager and assistant manager interviewed me with the regular interview questions.
They mainly asked questions that targeted how fast you work and how you deal with customers since this is a food service job. In Panera Bread you have to be very charismatic and the more of a people person you, the better your chances are. The managers were very laid-back and easy to talk with, they are looking for workers to get along with and can do their job efficiently.
The interview questions included their food. What food or pastry do you like best, are you knowledgeable about their menus, and have you worked with food service before. There isn't a requirement for previous food service experience for this particular position so they don't worry too much about that part, but it's helpful.
The interview took about 30-40 minutes, mainly because we were chatting it up too, but they hired me on the spot and I began work the next week.
You get a call to interview In person with one manager and then if you pass that round you interview with the store manager might depend on store to store
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What was it like working with a difficult co worker
I applied in-person. The process took 2 days. I interviewed at Panera Bread (Charlotte, NC)
Interview
I walked into the store in the morning maybe an hour before lunch rush on a weekday and was pretty much immediately able to meet with a manager and review my application.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Preferred hours and pay (though this is more courtesy it seemed than actually paying attention — the manager was ALWAYS upset abt people asking for select hours off even when asking weeks in advance)
very quick and easy. I applied online and then went in person to have an interview with the general manager. Just a couple of questions about availability and experience (I had none but they trained me and it was pretty easy)