You’re looking for Chipotle interview questions, right?
No worries, this article will cover the most common interview questions, as well as provide some real sample answers you can build on.
Chipotle Interview Tips: How to Prepare for the Interview
Prior to any job interview, learning the company’s background, what to wear, and what to expect throughout the interview process is a crucial part of your preparation.
Not interested in Chipotle job interview tips? Skip ahead to the questions.
What to Research (Chipotle Facts)
We’ve put together a few good starting points but you should go the extra mile with your own research to make sure it’s fully up to date.
- Their headquarters is in Newport Beach, California.
- The restaurant was one of the first ‘fast-casual’ dining chains.
- In 2015, Chipotle had over 2,000 locations.
- The first Chipotle opened in Denver, Colorado in 1993.
- By 2018, Chipotle had 33 locations outside of the United States
- Their menu consists of five items that customers can then customize.
- They offer catering and group order options.
Sources: Chipotle ‘About’, Wikipedia
What to Wear (Chipotle Dress Code)
You’ll want to copy the Chipotle staff dress code as closely as possible, particularly for the position you’re applying for.
This will get you looking on-brand and help the interviewer see you as an employee (before you actually are one).
For an entry-level role such as crew member or apprentice, wear a black t-shirt or polo tucked into long, black pants.
For a supervisory or managerial role such as a service manager or general manager, wear a black button-down shirt tucked into long, black pants. Make sure to remove any distracting piercings and take off long acrylic nails.
Sources: Chipotle ‘Careers’, Indeed
What to Expect (Chipotle Hiring Process)
The Chipotle hiring process is straightforward. First, fill out the short, online application.
Next, you’ll receive a phone call to schedule the first interview with a manager and a crew member. Successful applicants then receive a second interview with the general manager.
Most applicants hear back within two weeks of their second interview.
Sources: Indeed
Chipotle Interview Questions and Answers
Below are the most common interview questions and example answers asked when applying for a job at Chipotle.
1. Why Do You Want to Work at Chipotle?
The interviewer wants to know what interests you about Chipotle and how that fits in with your career ambitions.
Sample answer:
“Chipotle appeals to me because of the care that’s put into the product offerings. I know that a professional chef actually came up with the streamlined menu and customization options the restaurant provides.
In the future, I want to work as a chef in the test kitchen for a fast-casual restaurant like Chipotle myself. My dream is to come up with quality dishes that people can enjoy across the world.
To get there, though, I need to put in my time actually serving people delicious food. Working on the serving line or in food preparation for Chipotle is a great place to start.”
Related: How to Answer: Why Do You Want to Work Here?
2. What Can You Tell Us About Chipotle?
The interviewer wants to know if you’re invested in the interview process and if you’ve done your research.
Sample answer:
“I’ve come across a few really interesting facts about Chipotle. For example, I read that the restaurant was founded in 1993 in Denver, Colorado and that it’s one of the most successful ‘fast-casual’ dining chains.
That’s really exciting to me because I think that customers are increasingly looking for a ‘fast-casual’ dining experience that offers them higher quality options than fast food. I’d be thrilled to help make that happen for people.
I’m sure that there’s still plenty I need to learn, though. Is there anything exciting on the horizon for Chipotle that you can tell me about?”
Related: How to Answer: What Do You Know About Us?
3. How Would You Describe Your Work Relationships?
The interviewer wants to know if you can get along with your coworkers and be a team player.
Sample answer:
“I think that the defining qualities in a lot of my past work relationships have been good communication and trust.
For example, I had a really good rapport with the shift leader at my last position. I took care to learn and understand her particular communication style. I also made sure to make myself someone she could trust to do what she asked. Doing those two simple things went a long way towards making our relationship great.
We still talk semi-regularly to catch up. If you’d like, I’m sure she’d be happy to talk to you as a reference.”
Related: How to Answer: How Would You Describe Your Work Relationships?
4. What Does Diversity Mean to You?
The interviewer wants to know if you’re empathetic and willing to learn from others.
Sample answer:
“I believe that diversity is all about learning from others, even people who have different lived experiences and identities from your own. Ultimately, diversity makes for a better workplace. It increases creativity and forces people to develop important interpersonal skills.
Diversity can sometimes present challenges, but it’s also a learning opportunity. I remember, at my last job we had a coworker who never joined us for after-work get-togethers at a local bar. Eventually, we learned that he didn’t join us because his religious beliefs discouraged the consumption of alcohol.
It was a great learning experience that brought all of us closer together. We made the next get-together an alcohol-free event at a karaoke bar. My coworker came and turned out to be the life of the party!”
Related: How to Answer: What Does Diversity Mean to You?
5. What Do You Enjoy Doing In Your Free Time?
The interviewer wants to know about your interests and if you’ll fit into the company culture.
Sample answer:
“I absolutely love spending time in the garden and growing my own flowers and vegetables.
It’s just so rewarding to take care of living things and then enjoy the fruits of my labor. Plus, I find gardening tasks very calming and soothing for their own sake. Sometimes, it’s a challenge to stay patient and committed, but I find that the end results are well worth the effort.
Right now, my big goal is to grow a giant cabbage. Cabbage takes a long time and a lot of diligent care to form its head–especially when it’s the giant variety–but I know that I can put in the work.”
Related: How to Answer: What Do You Enjoy Doing In Your Free Time?
Other Questions to Expect
All job interviews leverage a variety of questions, so you can expect a few other questions that aren’t targeted at the company or even the role itself.
Here are a few of the most popular:
- Give an example of great customer service.
- What qualifies you for this position?
- What’s your philosophy towards work?
- How well do you adapt to change?
- What’s an adjective you would use to describe your personality?
- How did you first hear about this position?
- Describe your food service experience.
- What would you say to an impatient customer?
- What’s your favorite Chipotle menu item?
- What are your salary expectations?
Don’t Give Up!
Taking the time to understand the most common Chipotle job interview questions doesn’t always guarantee that you’ll land the position.
Fortunately, there are many similar fast-casual dining restaurants such as Freebirds, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and Smashburger with available opportunities.