I applied online. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at Panera Bread (Lake Mary, FL) in Sept 2018
Interview
It was so great and easy! I just came in (they gave me a drink and told me to sit in the cafe), had to wait a bit, then the manager sat down with me and asked me a few simple questions about availability and experience, and then told me I’d hear back on Wednesday (2 days after my interview). Then I heard back from them on Wednesday morning, around 10, and it told me I got the job and I was to come in the very next day for orientation. The email also included the dress code/uniform requirements which were quite strict (everyone recommends purchasing your uniform at Walmart because they have what you’ll need). Then I went in for orientation at 3pm, I was the only one there, and I sat down with the manager and she went through all of the rules, and then I gave her all of my information and she put it into the system. And then I have a big group orientation on Saturday (the same week as the interview) with planet bread and then I’ll start work! One thing I’ll add is that the interview was super short, it was about 15 minuets, so you don’t really have time to say a lot. But other than that my experience was absolutely wonderful. Also about the application process. I applied online and heard back in under 24 hours, and then I booked the earliest interview which was three days from the time I heard back from them.
They just gave me a tour of back of house, told me how it is for employees, and asked about my availability to get me scheduled. Very easy, but maybe easier than normal as I was a high schooler at the time.
You may get a phone call from a hiring manager or recruiter to confirm basic details like availability and interest.
Some stores skip the phone call and go straight to an in-person chat.
This step is usually short and casual.
In-Person Interview
This is the core part of the process for an associate role:
What to expect:
A one-on-one interview with a manager or shift leader at the café.
It’s often informal and brief—many candidates report it lasting about 10–20 minutes or less.
In some cases, a group interview might be used first, especially if hiring multiple people.
Typical interview topics:
Your availability and schedule.
Customer service and teamwork experience.
Why you want to work at Panera.
How you handle busy situations or customer issues.
Which part of the job appeals to you most.
Typical vibe: relaxed, conversational, and focused on personality and fit more than technical skills.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How you handle busy situations or customer issues.
my interview was a very very simple interview they just asked why you would wanted to work there, availability, cross training, what position you wanted, etc. It was very easy and kind people at panera bread