I’ve been waiting to post this, but I feel the time is now. And I debated using the company’s name, but this is information widely available online, and Chipotle stands behind these hiring practices, so I figure it’s fair game. All summer I searched and searched for a part time “summer” job. It would have been ideal to work from the last week of May to the first week of August. But things didn’t work out that way at all. With my very specialized experience it was VERY difficult to secure any non-animal work. At all. Cleaning, restaurant, warehouse, service, laundry. I tried to apply for anything, and wasn’t picky–except that it be actual part time (we are NOT talking 35 hour Wal-Mart part time, but more like half of full time). Also, I didn’t want a night job–other then I guess, my cleaning position at Cat’s Meow which sometimes started as early as 3AM. But that was MY choice and my sleep schedule, not imposed and consistent. Anyhow, one of few (5 our of what felt like thousands of apps?) jobs that extended an interview offer to me was Chipotle.
And I felt like finally I was a shoe-in for something. The ad said “entry-level” and “part-time.” And with my animal science DEGREE and one job at Campus Dining Services I thought I would be an obvious choice. Plus, I like their food, and it is really close to school and home. So I did a lot of research on their website. Which was off-putting because I don’t really believe in “natural” marketing or organic or cage free–any of those jargon-y terms meant to evoke an emotional response from consumers who know very little about agriculture. But I do strongly believe in ethics and it seemed like Chipotle (for stock numbers, or not) cared–or at least wanted to portray they did. But I researched, researched, researched, putting aside my application to do so.
My story is the 2nd review. You can see I’m not the only one that was annoyed. Needless to say, I was unimpressed. Job searching can be L-A-M-E.
1.
No Offer
Negative Experience
Average Interview
Crew Member Interview
I applied online and the process took 4+ weeks – interviewed at Chipotle in May 2013.
Interview Details – I applied online and did not think much of it. A few months later I received an e-mail telling me that I had an interview the next week.
Upon arriving it was clear that this would be a group interview as one was already in the process. I sat with a few other girls until it was our interview time. We were offered drink cups but none of us took the offer.
The interview itself was strange. It felt like we were competing to see who would answer first and who would answer the best. The questions were basic though. Why chipotle? What do you know about Chipotle? Etc. The manager then told us a lot of background about Chipotle.
After the interview, he said he would call us if he wanted us to come back for a 2nd interview. Not even an hour later, I received a call from him asking me to come back the next day.
The next day, I was on my way to the interview when I saw I had a voicemail. It was the manager. He evidently was not aware before the 1st interview that I am 17 and you must be 18 to work at Chipotle. He basically was telling me not to come in so I wouldn’t waste my time. I do not believe this is professional whatsoever. They should really check the ages of the people they interview before hand.
Interview Question – What do you know about Chipotle? Do some research before the interview Answer Question
2. Crew Member Interview
Crew Member
Spokane, WA
I applied online and the process took 5 weeks – interviewed at Chipotle in July 2014.
Interview Details – The whole process seemed unorganized, and a little excessive for a fast food restaurant. It took 33 days from the time my application confirmation arrived to the e-mail invitation to an interview. They do not disclose the fact it will be a group interview, or inform you how many positions are available to fill. The manager met my group (of 6) 10-15 minutes later then the stated time, and took us outside in 89F to commence the interview. Literally one question was asked: “Introduce yourselves, tell us about what you like to do for fun, and oh by the way, why you’re interested in Chipotle.” We went around the table with answers then the rest of the time the manager talked about the company, himself, and hiring policies. He said he would look at our applications after this interview to check availability (ummm, shouldn’t this have been done first–like during the 4+ weeks between my application and interview??!) and call us probably tomorrow for a 2nd interview. Despite answering the only question well, two and a half hours post-interview I got an e-mail rejecting me. So I assume something on my application immediately disqualified me–something that should have been checked prior to wasting my time!
Interview Question – Just a basic introduction–but remember to bring in info about the company in your answer! Answer Question
3.
No Offer
Negative Experience
Very Easy Interview
Crew Member/Line Person Interview
I applied online – interviewed at Chipotle in July 2014.
Interview Details – I applied to Chipotle online and got an email a few days later saying I had an interview with them that Saturday. After extreme research on the company and reviewing all possible interview questions I felt very prepared. I went in and saw it was a group interview which I was not at all surprised considering I read other interview reviews on here. When I walked in they ere finishing up on another group interview so we sat their patiently. Then we went outside and talked. He asked everybody to write down our names and numbers on a sheet then asked everyone to answer what they knew about chipotle, what they like to do for fun, and what they were passionate about. After we all answered he just explained a lot about chipotle and asked an open question to the whole group of what we thought was the most important to the company: Food, Business, or People. I was the first to answer this question. He then talked more about the company and at the end asked if anyone had any questions. I asked how many open positions there were and no body else asked any questions. about 3 hours later I got an email telling me I didn't get the job.
Interview Question – There was only one real question. "What do you know about Chipotle, what are you passionate about, and what do you do on your free time. View Answer
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