How to Get a Job at Wendy's
Wendy's represents one of the largest hamburger chains in the world. Boasting more than 6,600 locations, the company provides thousands of part-time and full-time jobs.
Prospects looking for Wendy's employment must go through a detailed interview process. The exact framework varies slightly store to store, but meetings always involve one-on-one talks with hiring managers. These sessions last about 15 to 20 minutes.
Navigating the Hiring Process
The path to a Wendy's career takes about one week to complete. Some applicants even receive job offers within a day or two.
Same Day Staffing
Most Wendy's restaurants hire on an as-needed basis. In some cases, they grant interviews to hopefuls quickly after turning in their resume. Prospects may land jobs without ever attending an interview. Despite this, the company uses discretion while hiring.
What to Expect During an Interview at Wendy's
Wendy's interviews usually involve no more than a brief session with a supervisor. The meetings take place in restaurant dining areas. When selected, candidates undergo the rest of the hiring process onsite.
Specific Scenarios
During discussions, managers pose scenarios involving food prep and customer service. Candidates must then explain how they would respond. Prepare to answer questions about cash drawers, shift coverage, and angry patrons.
Typical Wendy's Interview Questions
During Wendy's job interviews, hiring managers pick team members based on their personal traits. Supervisor questions often include:
- Are you able to perform general maintenance?
- Why do you want to work for Wendy's?
- Would others consider you a friendly individual?
- How do you deal with pressure?
Hiring managers only ask a few interview questions per session. Job seekers should expect about three of these in a standard meeting.
What to Wear at Wendy's Job Interviews
How to Dress
If applying for an entry-level position, wear casual attire while convening with hiring directors. Those looking for Wendy's careers in management should choose a more formal outfit.
Tips for Success
Willingness to Work with Customers
The most enthusiastic candidates are often the ones who get hired. Hopefuls must be motivated to work with the public and serve customers day after day.
By the end of the first interview, entry-level applicants usually know if the restaurant will extend a job offer. Managerial candidates receive formal enrollment after the second or third interview.
Wendy’s Manager Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Wendy’s Manager: Well, the manager have to make sure they come in in the morning, they check their surroundings, make sure it’s safe for you and your employees to enter. You have to check and make sure like you don’t see any holes or open areas where rodents or outside insects could be a problem for the business.
You also have to be in control of being able to handle and control a large group of people. So being able to guide or direct a crew of at least 12 possibly or more employees at a time. You have to be able to know how to properly unload a food truck.
So if I got a food truck coming in, I have to know the correct temperatures and how it should be properly unloaded and stocked up. And that’s just a little bit as well as labor and scheduling and doing stock and deposits.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Wendy’s Manager: The work environment at Wendy’s, it was OK. You have to really be a strong person to work at Wendy’s. Back then it was really easy for me because I could tolerate a lot, but you just got to be able to stand on your own two feet.
Wendy’s, I would say it wasn’t one of my best places I ever worked. I think the customers more so gave you a hard time than the employees or the environment. But as long as you’re strong minded, strong willed, you can be able to handle that with a breeze. No problem.
Interviewer: Please describe the application and interview process.
Wendy’s Manager: So with the applications for Wendy’s, I actually had to file online. And the online process was hectic for me because you have to navigate through all these other pop up sites, the thing that pop up there. So I got lucky and got somebody to help me get to the website to fill out the application.
Once I got there and was able to fill out the application, it kind of became a breeze. Then I received a phone call from someone, one of the management team members or whatever. And they let me know that they would like to interview me and if I was available for an interview.
Which was a little different than, walking in and filling out paper applications and they let you speak to them. And just it’s like they kind of make me feel like they wanted me by doing the applications online and them calling you to see if you’re available. And if you have time and if you would like to stop in. It kind of makes you feel like they really want you to come. So, that’s how I filled out the application for Wendy.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Wendy’s Manager: Interview questions are really basic. They’re all about the same when you’re dealing with fast foods. They like to know how do you handle disgruntled employees or upset customers. Can you count? Because it’s a big thing that you know how to count. They like to know if you can read because you also have to be able to rotate and know first in, first out. If you can lift a certain amount, they ask you if you can handle fast pace work environment because it could get quite busy.
Interviewer: How were you notified that you received the job?
Wendy’s Manager: I want to say it took almost a week for them to get back to me. And they actually notify me through email. And so it’s like they send you an email, “Whoo, congratulations. You have been employed through Wendy’s.” And this, that and the other and they set you up for a time where you come in and have orientation.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Wendy’s Manager: Only thing I could say as far as advice go is be positive within yourself. Go in there a little head-strong, know what you want. Have questions about the place of employment itself. Make them seem like you’re just as interested in working with them as they would be in hiring you.
Become a part of the team. I would say not only with Wendy’s, but anywhere you go and fill out an application. I say always become an asset. Be somebody that they need, rely on, depend on, because that’s very hard to replace. Working in Wendy’s and other places like that has revolving doors, as we call it. Just be a person that they wouldn’t want to be going through a revolving door.
Wendy’s Interview Video:
We talk with a former Wendy’s employee about the Wendy’s intervew process. Find out what it’s like to work at Wendy’s and get helpful interview tips.
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Welcome to Job-Applications.com. Today, we will be interviewing Eric, a former Wendy’s employee, about the interview process.
[pause]
Please describe your job title and primary duties with Wendy’s.
Wendy’s Employee: At Wendy’s, I worked as a crew member. I ran the grill, I washed dishes, and I also ran the cash register for the drive-thru.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process with Wendy’s?
Wendy’s Employee: The whole interview process was very simple and straightforward. They just wanted to know things, like work history and job skills.
Interviewer: What should an applicant wear to the Wendy’s job interview?
Wendy’s Employee: I would tell an applicant to dress business casual. And, if you’re having trouble deciding, I would be overdressed than underdressed.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Wendy’s Employee: The interviewer asked pretty basic questions. They wanted to know my strengths, my weaknesses, and why I would like to work for Wendy’s. They basically wanted to see if I would be a dependable worker.
Interviewer: And, finally, what other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment with Wendy’s?
Wendy’s Employee: Wendy’s really wants to hire someone that’s going to be the right fit. So that means someone that’s going to be productive, but they also want someone that’s actually going to enjoy the job and have fun there. So, show that you’re going to enjoy it and show your positivity and that you have passion for the job, and you should be good.
Interviewer: We hope you have found this interview helpful. Check out our other interviews with former employees as well as thousands of online employment resources at Job-Applications.com. Good luck out there.
Wendy’s Shift Supervisor Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Wendy’s Shift Supervisor: My job title at Wendy’s was… I was a shift supervisor on nights. So mainly, I closed the store and ran the whole, entire shift. I had a crew of maybe seven people on nights. So, basically just closing the store down and maintaining my shift.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Wendy’s Shift Supervisor: I loved it because I worked with a bunch of kids, so I was the adult in the situation. Basically, I was the big sister through the whole time. So, it was fun.
Interviewer: Please describe a typical day as an employee.
Wendy’s Shift Supervisor: Depending on the night… our busiest nights were on the weekends because we were open later, but Monday through Friday – well, Monday through Thursday was pretty slow. You had your regulars that came in, your older people that you already knew what they wanted or already knew their order. Basically, just getting everybody in and out. Sometimes, we would get buses and it was all hands on deck at that time.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
Wendy’s Shift Supervisor: It was very easy because I came from a manager position at a different job. The main thing that they wanted to know was the hours I would be able to work and if I would be able to just basically get the hang of their operations. So, if I was able to get through their operations and do the shifts they needed, they were fine with me being in that position.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Wendy’s Shift Supervisor: They always ask you, “What makes you think you are the person for this job?” It never fails. “What makes you think you can do this job?”
Interviewer: Did you earn any benefits or other job perks?
Wendy’s Shift Supervisor: Yes, you get benefits: basically insurance, and I think they had some type of retirement plan, but I wasn’t on it.
Interviewer: What set you apart from other candidates?
Wendy’s Shift Supervisor: I had open availability. So, if you have open availability, most of the time it sets you apart from everyone because most people say they can’t work weekends or can’t work on this day or can’t work on that day. So, open availability is a good thing to have.
Martin says:
How long will the interview take?
What should I wear?
How do Impress the interviewer?
admin says:
its hard to say how long the interview will take but you should be prepared for at least an hour. Wear your best clothes and dress to impress – thats always a good idea
Larry says:
Did you go trough the interview already? how was it? what did they ask you? did you get the job? thanks
Aljerria says:
How do i present myself?
What is the best way to answer the questions?
Peppe says:
You have to present yourself in the best way possible, wear nice clothes (if possible a suit and tie), always smisle and be clear on all your answers. Always describe yourself in a positive way.
Gloria says:
What should i say if asked teh reason i am leaving my current employer, i wouldn’t want to tell them its because of money. how should i respond if asked about my weaknesses?
ROGER DUELL says:
i worked for Wendys for 2yrs and 8 months back in Aug. 2005 thru April 2008), i got fired because someone informed corporate office that i had a third degree felony back in 2003, i paid my fines and did my probation and have had my cilvil rights restored , but when i filled out my application i didn’t admit i was ever convicted of a felony, can i reapply to Wendy again, this time being honest….Wendy down here in Florida has been bought by a different company than the one i worked for when i was hired and fired.
Dajah says:
how do i show i want the job without seeming so desperate and unprofessinal?
falesha says:
going to the interview tomarrow not sure what they will ask could you help me out on some tips
Caroliina says:
when they ask about your weaknesses!
just simply respond
my weakness’s will never interfere with my job i am am really good at kepping my private from public…
=]
there is a other word for it like my professional to my personal….
something like that and also add that your strengths defeat your weaknesses
Caroliina says:
impress by the way you talk…
remeber your not with your friends on a saturday night your with the person that is gonna make you bank !lol
Caroliina says:
!i didnt really respond to the weakness one but just say
my weaknesses are that once im on the move i just wanna keep on going cause i am a fast pace worker and if it slows down i will start to lose the motivation BUT i am really enthusiastic and energetic so its not hard to get motivated…
Taylor says:
The interview questions at any fast food joint, I’m going to guess, are virtually the same.
When I went to KFC for an interview, I already had my online application printed and filled out, which they liked.
I’m not sure why but they took them an hour (in not very busy conditions) to get around to the interview. I was so tired of waiting I got less motivated and didn’t anticipate the questions. I tensed up when she started asking them and couldn’t think about my answers.
but it was stuff like,
“Do you consider yourself a loyal person?.. Give one example of how you’ve shown loyalty”
“What other kind fo jobs have you held?.. What were the worst parts of each of those jobs?”
Basically, I was so unprepared cause I had no idea what they were gonna ask.
Why do we look for jobs?
To get money right? So honestly, I’ve been super broke lately and not to mention bored so I’ve been trying to get motivated, but if I dont feel motivated on any given day, I don’t feel confident. And you have to show them you are confident as well as able to adapt, which requires a certain level of comfort with your interviewer.
I’m thinking, during my next interview, I’m not going to think like “this would be my co-worker”
but rather that the interviewer is someone I’ve known for a long time, yet without really knowing who they are, but whom I have ultimate respect for. Ya know what Im sayin?
Anyway,
They said they’d call back for a second interview, but they never did.
Soo, on to the next one.
Jacqueline says:
What should I bring to the interview?
What questions do they ask?
What should I wear, or how should I dress?
For restaurants, do you get free food (sandwich, burger, drinks, etc) or lunch if you work there?
How much do they pay? Will they ask about salary expectations, if so what should I say?
Is it hard to get the job?
How to manage second interviews?
When to expect a call?
Brii says:
Hi I have an interveiw tomarrow with wendys but dont know what questions to ask so im asking..What Questions would I ask the person interviewing me so I can seem ingaged and wanting to know more about the job? because I heard that its good to always ask questions.
chris20 says:
its important not to over dress a nice button up shirt and dress pants work just fine not to flashy make sure u speak clearly.Ask them ? About whats its like working here make sure u know what u can bring to the table (knowing what ur good at and not so good at) show respect give eye contact,shake hands with a firm grip but not to hard to feel uncomfortable
chris20 says:
Wendys does not drug test they may do a backround checks theo just 2 be safe when u go for ur interview make sure its a job you want to have because if get it you will wasteing your time and the person that hired you time wendys is fast paced work and can be demanding sometimes just like any job u get just keep this in mind……
Demitra says:
When i had my interview it was only like 5 minutes i was hired on the spot. She asked me where did i work, when can i start, and tell me about yourself that was it. But i would NEVER go back to that place
Patrick Stafford says:
I have an interview this coming Thursday. I’m 25 years old and have been receiving unemployment benefits for quite some time. Having just bombed an interview at Bed, Bath & Beyond, I’m looking for some tips on how to overcome nerves and the adverse impression that being on unemployment for so long may leave on the interviewer. Suggestions?
Patrick Stafford says:
Hello again! I feel like I nailed my Wendy’s interview today, but for some reason I’m still worried that I won’t get the job. The hiring manager that interviewed me really seemed to like me. There was a lot of smiling, laughter, and a general laid back feeling during the process. My question is, when can I expect to hear back from them?
Merce says:
Well I work for Wendy’s now!! I have been there for about 6 months. I recently applied for a shift manager. I am in Florida. The company is Meritage Hospitality group. I have two felonies and a few follow up charges ranging over 14 years. However, I also have a college degree in psychology and a list of references ranging from police seargents, counseling therapist to former employees who all wrote references for me sayin I am dependable and trust worthy. I also recorded a presentation like I was the weather man with all of the wendy’s “welearn” courses I completed. Welearn is a online learning course to learn all the functions in the store. From the grill to the register and all that. I put on an amazing interview performance with my Macbook pro presentation. I am now waiting on a response from my District Manager. If I can move up to management anyone can. With the right focus it can be done. However, if they deny me…..its on to the next one. Minimum wage is not enough to raise a family!
Kaitlyn says:
Does Wendy’s do a drug test at the interview? Or at all?
Arianna says:
I am currently trying to find a job and I am looking into Wendy’s. What should i wear to an interview?
Ruth Teague says:
I got hired where I go to do the w2 from?
Yvie says:
I have an interview on Tuesday and am kinda nervous. I really hope i pass this interview cause i need this job. I have no experience in the food industry. Any tips on how to prepare?