It’s safe to say no one likes the interview process. As an applicant, you must take the application and actual interview as seriously as possible. For those interested in working at Taco Bell, the Mexican-themed fast-food restaurant, being informed about the company and the specific job you’re applying for will show your potential employer you’ve done your due diligence.
Based on past answers from former employees, the interview process is straightforward. Many have described the interview as short and relaxed, with workers either applying at the restaurant or speaking directly to a manager. However, every Taco Bell is slightly different, and walking into an interview overly confident could be the reason you will not get the position of your choice. A major step in acing your interview is taking the time to learn about the company to which you are applying to.
How to Pass Taco Bell Interview & Get Hired!
Things to know about Taco Bell before your job interview
Founded by Glen Bell, the first Taco Bell opened its doors on March 21st, 1962, in Downey, California. Bell (who first opened a hot dog stand called Bell’s Drive-In in San Bernardino, California) first came up with the idea for Taco Bell after watching long lines of customers at a Mexican restaurant called Mitla Cafe. Bell ate at the cafe regularly and attempted to figure out the taco recipes. Once he gained the confidence of the owners of the café, they showed him how the tacos were prepared. After much back-and-forth, Taco Bell was opened.
From the outset, Taco Bell was a hit, and from 1962 to 1967, over 100 locations were opened and established. By 1968, Taco Bell opened its first franchise location east of the Mississippi River, and by 1970, 325 restaurants had opened. Fast forward to the present day, and Taco Bell has over 7,000 locations worldwide.
With a signature mix of Tex-Mex flavoring and quick composition, this restaurant has become one of the most recognizable fast-food brands in the world. With its signature purple and white bell, they now serve over 2 billion customers each year and continue to grow.
Even more incredible is Taco Bell’s charitable efforts to help youth achieve their dreams. Established in 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation invests in American Youth, ages 16 to 24, to help them achieve and pursue their educational goals and career aspirations. Since its inception, the foundation has reached over 3.5 million young people across the country and has rewarded over 72 million dollars in grants and scholarships.
Taco Bell Interview Questions With Answers
Now that you scored an interview at Taco Bell, it’s important to make sure you practice answering a couple of mock questions that may be asked. Below are a few questions that may be asked depending on the position you have applied for.
Taco Bell Shift Manager Interview Questions
Why Should We Hire You?
Regardless of the position applied, this question will undoubtedly be asked during your interview. For this question, highlight qualities about yourself that align with the job description. Since a shift manager will constantly have to interact with employees and customers, being someone that is outgoing and loves to serve others are great qualities to point out when this question is asked. Also, if you enjoy hard work, this is a time to highlight this quality about yourself.
What Experience Do You Have Working in a Fast-Food Environment?
If you have experience working in the fast-food industry, this is where you would highlight those experiences and what type of job you did when at that restaurant. If you do not have experience working in a fast-food restaurant, highlight a leadership position and then tie it back to how those skills can translate into being a Taco Bell shift manager.
Taco Bell Cashier Interview Questions
Why Do You Want to Work at Taco Bell?
To answer this question, research the company and speak about the company culture and highlight the values that Taco Bell stands for. Also, if you’re a fan of the food they serve, talk about that and maybe tie it back to wanting to learn more about this restaurant and the other career opportunities that could come from working as a cashier.
If a Customer Complains about Their Order, How Would You Handle the Situation?
Conflict resolution is a very important aspect of any customer service-based position. If a customer is complaining about food being cold or their order not being correct, it is the cashier that has to deal with this problem. To answer this question, you could tell the hiring manager you would apologize and then provide the customer with a new order, free, of course.
Taco Bell Crew Member Interview Questions
Why Do You Believe You Are Right for This Job?
To answer this question, highlight your positive attributes and qualities that others would say define you the best. If you’re someone that’s always been described as a hard worker or intelligent, these are attributes you should use when answering this question. If you are passionate about the Taco Bell brand, also speak about your intentions within the company and how you wish to grow.
What Makes You a Great Team Member?
This is another question where you can highlight your positive attributes. If you consider yourself flexible, state this and have past examples of how your flexibility makes you a great team member.
Taco Bell Interview Tips
Make Sure to Dress Professionally
Though this might seem obvious, when preparing for your interview, always look presentable. While Taco Bell often appears very relaxed, you should not show up to your interview in open-toed shoes, a short-sleeve shirt, or a crop top. Make sure to iron your clothes and get a haircut a few days before the interview.
Dress Code for Taco Bell Job Interview
Regarding clothing (for females), formal attire is unnecessary, but wear a nice dress or black slacks with a tucked-in shirt to show the hiring manager you are taking this interview seriously.
For males, shave down your beard so that your facial hair is not unruly. While you do not have to be fully shaven, keeping a clean face is important, considering the fact that you will be working around other people’s food. Regarding clothing, khaki, navy, or black pants with a nice ironed button-up shirt will show the hiring manager you took the time to pick out an outfit you believed was your best.
Practice Is Key
As with most interviews, this interview will be a mixture of job-specific questions and general questions. The general questions could range from your hobbies to your previous work experience to whatever education you may have had up to that point. Being able to eloquently express your thoughts is important because of the fast pace and constant interactions the Taco Bell employees have with customers and among the team members.
When practicing your interview skills, it is best to try out a mock interview with a close friend or family member. While practicing in front of a mirror could be helpful, when someone else observes you, they can notice certain things you do that could make a hiring manager question your capabilities for the position. If you’re someone who looks down a lot or uses several vocal fillers when speaking, a close friend or family member could point that out, and you can use that feedback to work on before stepping into the interview room.
Arrive Early
Just like when you were in school, being tardy is something that a hiring manager will frown upon. People who are tardy are often seen as unreliable, so you should make a concerted effort to arrive at least 15 minutes early for your interview. Because cars always seem to break down at the most inopportune times, make sure you give yourself enough time to call a cab or take a bus in case something happens to your vehicle. While we’ve all had accidents, even if you had the best intentions, a hiring manager will not appreciate being left waiting when they could have been helping an employee with an inventory.
How to Make a Great First Impression at Taco Bell Interviews?
The first impression is the most important one, and it can make or break your chances of getting the job. You must show confidence and enthusiasm and be ready to work hard.
- Be confident in your skills and abilities
- Show enthusiasm for the position
- Demonstrate that you are ready to take on a challenge
Conclusion
Because several of these restaurants are filled with high school students or young professionals with little work experience, many of the interview questions will focus more on work availability and general information about the candidate.
That said, ensuring you know the company’s history and your career trajectory is a great way to show the hiring manager you are serious about this position. Winging an interview is never a good idea because it will only take one question to throw you off. Remember to practice these mock interview questions and also follow the tips provided.
Finally, (as stated before), arrive early, so you give yourself time with your thoughts before entering the interview. Taking a few moments before the interview to take deep breaths and mentally prepare yourself can go a long way. Rehearsing the answers to the questions discussed above and following the tips we’ve outlined here is a surefire way to score a position you’re applying for. Best of luck!