I applied online. The process took 2 days. I interviewed at Panera Bread (Sanford, FL) in Aug 2012
Interview
I filled out an online application after speaking to the manager about potential openings. She said she really needed people. I was called in immediately. Expecting an interview, I dressed nicely. I arrived with a group of 6 other people, all of which had been expecting an interview. Instead, we were handed a stack of paperwork and were told that we were hired. There were excessive amounts of tedious policies, most of which would result in immediate dismissal if broken... things like forgetting your hat or belt at home, taking your hair out of a tight bun while on the clock or having nail polish. The manager told us this while wearing nail polish, wearing her hair down, and having no belt on. I could see where the hypocrisy, negativity and the multiple ultimatums would create an unpleasant work environment. We weren't supposed to have any visible tattoos either but she told one guy with a eye tattooed on his hand that they'd work something out, but that he had to keep it a secret or she could get fired.
I filled out the paperwork, but was unimpressed with the lack of manager/employee communication. I tried to call 4 times during the following week to decline the position. Once I was put on hold for 30 minutes and twice (during non-busy hours) the phone was never answered.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Lack of questions... and the lack of opportunity to ask questions.
You get a call to interview In person with one manager and then if you pass that round you interview with the store manager might depend on store to store
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What was it like working with a difficult co worker
I applied in-person. The process took 2 days. I interviewed at Panera Bread (Charlotte, NC)
Interview
I walked into the store in the morning maybe an hour before lunch rush on a weekday and was pretty much immediately able to meet with a manager and review my application.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Preferred hours and pay (though this is more courtesy it seemed than actually paying attention — the manager was ALWAYS upset abt people asking for select hours off even when asking weeks in advance)
very quick and easy. I applied online and then went in person to have an interview with the general manager. Just a couple of questions about availability and experience (I had none but they trained me and it was pretty easy)