If you want to start your fast food career at an entry-level position, you will usually get a job application form at a fast food restaurant. Most managers of fast food restaurants, especially the restaurants with signs hanging in their windows saying that they are hiring now, want job applicants to come in and fill out the job application in the restaurant. This means that you need to walk in the door ready to fill out your application. You will not have time to look up the answers or ask someone to help. You should be prepared to provide the following information:
- Your name, address, and telephone number.
- The name, address, and telephone number of someone to contact in an emergency, usually a parent, spouse, or close relative.
- The name, address, and telephone number of one or more references. Be sure to first get the permission of anyone you name as a reference.
- Your social security number.
- Educational information: attendance dates and the names and addresses of schools attended.
- Your work history: dates of employment and names and addresses of the companies, including salary and supervisors' names.
- Your military record: service branch, initial and final rank, specialty and special training, and honors or awards.
- Salary requirements.
- Date available to start work.
- Hours and days available for shift work.
Look at the following job application. Obviously, not all fast food applications are the same. Some may be very short and simple while others can be quite lengthy. Get a piece of paper and try filling out the application. Could you do it? Did you know all the information that was necessary to complete the form? Does your application look neat? Is it legible? Would someone find it easy to read? Did you follow the directions? Did you write when you were asked to print? You may not think that neatness, legibility, and following directions matter; however, managers do take these points into consideration when they are looking over your application.
The Employment Interview
Getting a job is one of the hardest things that you have to do. First, you will have to find the fast food restaurant or chain that you want to apply to for a job, and then you will have to fill out an application or submit a resume. Finally, you have to be prepared for the interview, which will play such a big part in determining whether or not you get the job you want.
The interviewer wants to find out more about you and see if you would fit into a certain job. As the interviewee, you are trying to "sell'' yourself. Both of you are sharing information and receiving information. If you have any questions, this is the time to ask them. One question that you can expect to be asked is, "Why do you want to work for this company?" You need to gather information about the company so you can answer this question. Other questions that you should be prepared to answer are:
- Why should I hire you?
- Why do you want to work in the fast food industry?
- What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
- How would you describe yourself?
- What are your strong points and weak points?
- What are the two things that are most important to you about this job?
- How do you work under pressure?
- What qualifications do you have that will help you be successful in the fast food industry?
- Do you work well with others or do you prefer working by yourself?
You will want to be ready with some questions of your own because at some point during the interview, the interviewer is probably going to ask you if you have any questions. It is very important for you to take the time to write down your questions so that you will not forget them. The interviewer may provide the answers in the process of discussion. If not, you might want to ask questions like:
- What is the starting salary or wage?
- What would my duties be?
- What are my opportunities for advancement?
Applicant Evaluation Form: The interviewer is not sitting idle during an interview. The interviewer is busy taking notes or filling out an evaluation form.
