What is the most appealing part of working in the quick serve food industry to you?

Answer 1

As an interview question, your answer will give a lot of indirect information about your interests in working in a "quick serve food industry". Starting from the counter front of the store, let's consider each area so you can focus on which one you like the most:

• Greeting customers at counter and placing orders. This typically includes working the cash register and making change. You need to be personable/friendly, strong in math, and be fast. You'll need to recognize if a problem occurs, and also be able to mentally figure out change. Employees at the front counter typically work under the store manager.
• Cooks need to know or quickly learn how to operate machinery. They need to be fast, accurate, and pay attention to details (example: hold mayo; use mustard, extra pickles; no tomato; no lettuce). A cook must stay calm and cool even when business gets 'hot' and furious.
• Drive Thru - Much like the front counter, drive through clerks must be able to do math quickly and accurately; be able to use the cash register and some machines. Must communicate well and clearly, and be personable while taking and delivering orders accurately.
• Support staff - Some people enjoy doing maintenance. This would include mopping, cleaning bathrooms, clearing and cleaning tables, etc.
• Supervisors - Normally have had prior experience and worked their way up the command structure.

Be able to give at least one reason that you prefer the area you name. You can state your dislike of another area and why, but you'll need to give clear reasons you might be best in a particular role. For example: Though I have strong math skills, I get rattled when working with new cash register systems. I would do fine at the front counter during slow periods, but I believe I would do much better working as a cook. I also have a stuttering problem which gets worse when I'm under pressure or nervous. As a cook, I would not stutter in front of customers. I have 2 years prior experience as a short order cook, have operated a variety of cookers and deep fryers.... etc.