How to Get a Job at Applebee's
With roughly 2,000 restaurants across 49 states, Applebee’s must hire new associates on a regular basis. To begin the hiring process, job seekers must submit the required information for employment consideration. Submitting the information in-person often elicits an immediate job interview with the manager on-duty at the time. Applicants typically meet with a hiring manager at least twice during the interview process. Hiring managers normally interview prospective employees onsite and individually, though other candidates scheduled for interviews may also be present at the restaurant location. Entry-level job seekers generally experience a slightly different interview process than managerial applicants.
For Servers and Cooks
Candidates pursuing entry-level jobs, like server and cook positions, usually interview with either the front-end manager or kitchen manager to start. The hiring manager typically uses the Applebee's interview to review the availability, work experience, and general background of each applicant.
Common Questions for Entry-level Applicants
Job seekers field standard Applebee's interview questions like, "What sets you apart?" and "What does good customer service mean to you?" Interviewees also respond to more specific, job-related questions, such as: "What is your favorite meal at Applebee's and how would you describe it to a guest?", "How would you handle a customer complaint?", and "What would you do if you saw another cook stealing food?" Entry-level applicants usually need to take a personality test either online or onsite and meet with the general manager for an additional interview to complete the Applebee's hiring process.
For Managers
Potential managers must also go through multiple interviews, with successful candidates typically interviewing two or three times with various general managers, area managers, and human resources representatives. Like entry-level interviewees, managerial applicants typically meet with Applebee's hiring personnel one-on-one at a designated restaurant location.
Common Questions for Managers
Applebee's interview questions for aspiring managers generally focus on leadership skills and other qualities necessary for running a restaurant. "What do you like about being a manager?", "Can you describe a time when you had to discipline an employee?" and "What was your greatest accomplishment at your last job?" are examples of questions frequently encountered by prospective managers. In addition to answering basic inquiries, managerial candidates ordinarily complete extensive assessments evaluating math skills, personality traits, and problem solving abilities. The interview process for managers regularly concludes with a tour of the restaurant and observation of a work shift.
Dress, Behavior, and Follow Up Methods
For each job interview, applicants should dress and behave with a sense of professionalism appropriate for the level of the desired position. Applebee’s interviewers often focus on personality and regularly hire workers with courteous, friendly, energetic, and outgoing dispositions. Strong customer service skills also benefit potential employees during the hiring process and should be highlighted whenever possible. Respond to interview questions truthfully and completely. Applebee’s hiring managers prefer applicants who know why they want to work for the restaurant chain and demonstrate genuine desire for the employment opportunity. Successful candidates often receive job offers at the conclusion of the final interview in the Applebee's hiring process.
Applebee’s Employee Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Applebee’s Employee: I am a server. I have to take tables. Depending on how big my section is, the table numbers vary. I have to take orders, get drinks, put orders in, take food out, and get refills. All that.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Applebee’s Employee: The one I work at, it’s not too busy. So it’s kind of a steady environment. We don’t get; well, I haven’t seen it too crazy there, yet. Everyone’s pretty fun. All the customers I’ve had are interactive and they like to have a good time. So, it makes it a fun place to work.
Interviewer: What was your favorite part about working there?
Applebee’s Employee: I like that they’re open to you moving up in the company. Like if they see that you’re a good server you could move up to be a shift leader and up to a manager and all that. I mean, if that’s what you wanted your career to be, then it would be a good place to start out.
Interviewer: Did you earn any benefits or other job perks?
Applebee’s Employee: We get 50% off our meals and we don’t have to be working. I can go to any Applebee’s; as long as I have a pay stub, I can get my discount. Also, I don’t know if all stores do this, but my managers do like little contests where if you sell this many drinks or this many of certain things, then they’ll give you like gas cards or gift cards or something like that. So, it keeps us pretty motivated.
Interviewer: Please describe a typical day as an employee.
Applebee’s Employee: You get there and clock in. There’s a list of side work you have to do throughout your shift. So, like if I have to keep the drink area clean, then I make sure the ice is filled, cups are stocked, straws are stocked; all that. I take care of my tables and try not to have any mistakes. And when you’re finished you have another thing of side work to do. You have to count out your money and you have to tip out bartenders and host. And then you’re done.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
Applebee’s Employee: For me it was kind of easy because a girl that I’m friends with worked there, so she kind of talked to the manager about me and I came in and he talked to me and he said, you know: “I know you have experience. I’m looking for someone like that. And based off what I hear from your friend, you sound like a good person.” So, that was pretty much it.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Applebee’s Employee: Just whether I had served before and whether I feel comfortable doing it.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Applebee’s Employee: You have to be friendly and outgoing. You have to be outspoken. You can’t be shy being a server. You definitely want to brush up on your sports knowledge while working there because people come in to watch games and you want to know what’s on and what’s going on. But other than that, it’s a good place to work. I like it. It’s fun. Make money.
Miguel says:
So, what kind of clothes should I wear for my interview? I have a suit, I just dont know if a suit would be too formal.. help please!
Sonia says:
It is to formal to wear suite to interview wear black pants and nice shirt
Canboy says:
I think that you should dress up. I heard that they only hire people that have already worked in a restaurant, but I know someone that got her first job there, so just look sharp and go for it!
admin says:
Miguel, if you would like to wear a suit, then go for it! A dress shirt, tie, dress pants and dress shoes are good for any interview. Also, they do not only hire people that have worked in a restaurant before; you would be more than able to get your first job at Applebee’s. Just ensure them that you are willing to learn, have a positive attitude and that you are good with people. Good luck!
Kayla says:
I cant find the job application online.
Jeff says:
When you are at an interview for Applebee’s never make any negative comments or disagree about anything
Jasmine says:
Yea! Like Admin said you dont have to work at a restauant to apply at a restauant, and if you drees up for that intreview go a head, an make sure you be on time cause they look at stuff like that they like when people came on time for intreview that is showing them that you really wont that job that you is going for so goog luck…..
Myshella says:
Kayla, the reason why you can’t find an application online is probably because the Applebee’s in your area requires you to apply in person.
Cynthia says:
What are some good questions to ask when the interviewer at applebees asks “do you have any questions for me?”
Blu says:
what should i wear like i heard sumone say dress up but at the same time a polo and and pants would be fine too. i just dont wanna over dress.
leah says:
this is so silly…i went online to see if I could find an application online like the hostess at applebees said to do…well no luck. either she dosnt know what shes talking about or im technilogically impaired. im annoyed.
Moriah C says:
Use Indeed.com or the Indeed app. That’s how I applied for a job at Applebee’s.
Robert says:
I’m trying to get a job at applebees but i cant find the online application :/
Kat says:
Do you know descriptions of the jobs? Like the responsiblities, the routine of it all. Particually the expeditor.
Pixie says:
Does anyone know if drug testing is part of the hiring process?
Andrew Shaul says:
my name is Andrew. I was wondering what types of uniforms that you have to wear when you work at Applebee’s?
Andrew Shaul says:
when you work at Applebee’s, do you have to wear uniforms or what kinds of clothes do you have to wear when you work there?