On The Border Mexican Grill Application Online: Jobs & Career Info

With nearly 200 locations across the continental United States, Tex-Mex chain On The Border Mexican Grill specializes in a form of casual dining which the restaurant dubs Border-Style. The company also provides a variety of entry-level and career-oriented opportunities for job seekers.

On The Border Mexican Grill Job Opportunities

Originating in the Dallas area in 1982, the restaurant chain serves dishes inspired by favorites typical of areas along the border between Texas and Mexico. By concentrating on mesquite-grilled meats, fresh ingredients, hand-pressed tortillas, and small batches of sauces, On The Border Mexican Grill pleases even the most discerning palate. The restaurant chain prefers to hire like-minded individuals able to provide great service in fun, team-based environments. Entry-level employees typically must only meet the most basic prerequisites in order to work for the Tex-Mex chain.

Applicants with strong interpersonal skills, an affinity for working with the public, and willingness to maintain flexible hours characteristically earn hiring preference during the application process. Typical entry-level roles include server, host, dishwasher, and service assistant. The restaurant chain also offers catering at certain locations, which opens additional employment opportunities for interested parties. Individuals focused more on professional careers may earn positions in management and eventually work up to corporate roles, as well.

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Positions and Salary Information

The popular Tex-Mex chain hires workers as young as 16 for positions not involving the handling or sale of alcoholic beverages. However, most entry-level applicants must stand at least 18 years of age and possess high school diplomas or equivalents. On The Border Mexican Grill typically requires managerial candidates to show history of restaurant service and leadership experience in order to receive hiring consideration. Descriptions of the most readily available positions sit below:

Restaurant Server

• Frequently representative of the most commonly performed jobs in the restaurant business, server positions remain integral to the everyday success of the chain.
• While interacting with guests of varying attitudes and appetites, a server must adapt to the needs of each table and patron with poise, courtesy, and promptness.
• Taking accurate food and drink orders and effectively communicating each with kitchen staff remain essential tasks.
• Maintaining a working knowledge of daily specials, menu items, and any current promotions proves crucial, as well.
• Servers generally work part-time and earn between $3.00 and $5.00 an hour, depending on location and the state minimum wage for tipped employees.
• With gratuities, servers may increase earning potential, which raises the hourly wage significantly.

Restaurant Cook

• Typically requiring at least one year of prior experience in culinary preparation, cook positions also make suitable jobs for inexperienced employees displaying willingness to learn and desire to work with food.
• Cooks prepare ordered dishes in accordance with On The Border Mexican Grill recipes and specifications by aiming for consistency and high-quality presentation.
• Culinary associates must display excellent communication skills, the ability to follow directions, and knowledge of current menu items.
• Additional duties include completing assigned prep work, setting up and breaking down kitchens accordingly, ensuring proper rotation of products and stock, and maintaining proper cleanliness and sanitation standards.
• A cook should display an ability to meet basic physical requirements, including standing for long periods of time, bending, stooping, twisting, and lifting and carrying up to 70 pounds at a time.
• Associates employed as cooks may earn up to $11.00 an hour.

Restaurant Host/Hostess

• Working between 15 and 30 hours a week and earning around $9.00 an hour, a host or hostess interacts with guests upon arrival and departure from the restaurant.
• Hosts must engage in friendly conversation and seat patrons in timely fashions in addition to informing diners of current specials, new menu items, and any ongoing promotions.
• Employees must also perform general housekeeping, maintain clean work areas, assist in clearing and resetting tables, and ensure guests wait comfortably when dining rooms become full.
• The host position represents a role for which the restaurant chain regularly hires workers under the age of 18, which makes the job inviting to high school students seeking after-school work or seasonal employment as well as applicants in need of flexible scheduling, including nights and weekends.

Restaurant Service Assistant

• A service assistant works directly with server staffs in order to ensure guest satisfaction and happiness.
• Mainly responsible for greeting guests, taking drink orders while servers prove busy, bringing chips and salsa to newly seated tables, and assisting in serving food orders, service assistants often need to stand, walk, and carry food trays for prolonged periods during a shift.
• Other duties include clearing tables, emptying trash, and keeping bathrooms and service areas clean.
• Service assistants usually make minimum wage and may also share in server tips.

Tips for Applying

The restaurant chain lists current job opportunities on the company website. After searching and clicking Apply, applicants must create job profiles by providing personal information, work history, and education backgrounds. The job portal also offers the opportunity to upload resumes. Gathering relevant information beforehand and tailoring the resume to the job applied for may prove beneficial. New job seekers must complete a short questionnaire and should set aside at least a half hour to answer assessment questions.

Application Status

Returning applicants may sign in at any time to apply for new opportunities. Hiring managers tend to get back to applicants within one to two weeks, generally depending on the volume of applicants for similar positions. Calling or visiting restaurant management within a week of applying may result in greater consideration for employment, as following up often demonstrates the enthusiasm and dedication managers typically look for in employees. Hopefuls choosing to follow up in person should prove interests by wearing appropriate attire and appearing well-groomed, as on-the-spot interviews may occur.

Benefits of Working at On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina offers employees exceptional work benefits, including competitive hourly wages or salary options, paid training, food discounts, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for advancement. Full-time and managerial associates may also receive access to further work benefits, such as:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision, and
• Life insurance as well as 401(k) plans with company match.

Employees may also gain eligibility for bonus plans, vacation pay, and opportunities to join the Managing Partner Program, which come with tenure.

Additional Information about On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina

The Tex-Mex chain encourages patrons to join Club Cantina, the official e-club for On The Border. Interested guests fill out a brief online form by providing basic personal information, email, birthday, and a mobile phone number. Members must stand at least 18 years of age and receive correspondence from the club via email and/or text message, which guests may discontinue at any time. Membership to Club Cantina comes with discounts, coupons, and special offers, including a free appetizer or dessert just for signing up.