Taco Bell is one of the biggest fast-food restaurant chains in the United States. It specializes in Mexican-inspired foods such as nachos, tacos, and burritos. If you have been actively looking for a chance to work in this establishment, this article has something for you.
We will look at some of the questions you should expect in your upcoming interview to help you in your preparation. Keep in mind that such establishments will ask you a range of questions targeting different aspects, and therefore, the more you are prepared, the better. Take a look at the following:
1. Why Do You Want To Work For Us?
As an ardent customer, I find your customer service and general working environment appealing. I enjoy Mexican food and have been loyal to this establishment. I have never complained about the food or the customer service. I also find your culture fun and inspiring. This restaurant chain values teamwork, which can be openly seen in how your workers interact, making me believe that I will fit in well here.
2. What Do You Know About Us?
My love for your food pushed me to learn more about this establishment. I know that Taco Bell was founded in 1962 in California by Glen Bell. Sixteen years later, PepsiCo acquired it, which explains why Coca-Cola products are not offered on your menu. You have achieved a lot in the food industry and currently enjoy a wide yearly customer base of around 2 billion. Taco Bell was the first quick-serve restaurant to offer its customers quick refills. You launched Taco Gifter in 2020, allowing fans to enjoy free tacos provided that they have your application installed.
3. Why Should We Give You This Chance?
I have worked in several fast-paced environments before and understand how to work under pressure. I can take orders quickly and serve customers well without mixing orders. I have also served in establishments known for excellent customer service and had the chance to hone my customer service skills. Lastly, I am an excellent team worker based on my experiences in this field. I am, therefore, positive that I will do an excellent job given a chance.
4. What’s Your Availability?
I am still in college and will not be available round the clock. I have day classes, which end at 4. Afterward, I am available for any shift. I will also be available over the weekends since I normally have zero engagements and will be willing to take up day shifts during the holidays and once I am done with school as I await my awaiting graduation. I am sure that we will work well if given a chance.
5. What Will You Bring To Our Current Team?
After researching your company’s culture, I discovered that this establishment values teamwork. I am a good team worker who can also operate well under pressure and motivate my team members. I am pretty fast and will easily multitask without compromising on quality. Lastly, your team will get a diligent and hardworking colleague. I am pretty sure that I will fit in well in this workplace.
6. Mention Your Experience In This Industry?
I do not have any experience at the moment since this is my first attempt. However, I am an excellent communicator and team worker needed for this role. I have dealt with customers before in my retail jobs and possess the right attitude to serve your clients. I also have extensive interpersonal skills, which will come in handy when dealing with customers and colleagues. Therefore, I am confident that I will succeed in this industry despite having no tangible experience at the moment.
7. This Is A Fast-Paced Environment. Do You Think You Will Succeed Without Any Experience?
Yes. I have worked in several fast-paced environments, just not in the food industry. I know the pressure and expectations of such jobs, which my experience has prepared me for. I am normally at my best when busy. Such environments also give me the challenge I need in my jobs, and from experience, I believe that I will succeed here. Taco Bell also values teamwork, which I have vast experience in.
8. Are You Reliable?
Yes. My former employees and colleagues will tell you that I am always reliable and can be counted on at any time. I am normally punctual and find myself the first employee to report for shifts most of the time. I will come in early for work and step in for other employees if needed. It’s also worth mentioning that I have my car and know some of the best routes to follow to get here early. I will leave home early if I have to use public transport to avoid any inconveniences.
9. What Would You Do If You Were Running Late For A Shift?
Some events are inevitable, despite having a personal means of transport. I normally ensure that I have all my affairs to avoid such occurrences. However, if I realize that I am running out of time despite putting everything in place, I would ask a colleague to cover my shift for a few minutes. We normally cover for one another in the establishments I have worked in, and judging from how you value teamwork; I am sure that such arrangements exist here. However, I normally strive to be reliable, and therefore, such an occurrence rarely happens.
10. Do You Have Any Cash Handling Experience?
No. I haven’t used the cash register before. However, I am a fast learner who won’t need a lot of time to know everything involved in operating a cash register. Also, I am thorough in work, and therefore, a task such as giving change won’t be a problem when I land this cash handling job. I am also good with technology and machines, which will improve my mastery of the cash register. I am confident in myself.
11. How Flexible Are You?
Having worked in the hotel industry for some time, I understand the importance of flexibility. I am proud that I am flexible enough to handle any shift without breaking a sweat. I can also step in for another employee, provided I am notified a few hours before. I can work during the day and at night easily. I don’t also have a problem working during holiday seasons and over the weekends, provided I am compensated for my efforts. My flexibility is my greatest asset and will come in handy in my time with you if I get a chance.
12. How Will You Handle Customer Complaints?
After five years in customer service, I have always learned to give customers a listening ear. I take customer complaints seriously and find solutions for them. I will give the customer time to voice out their complaint, apologize without blaming anyone, and work as hard and fast as possible to provide a solution. However, if I am not in a position to do so, I will inform the shift supervisor or manager to deal with them. All in all, I normally ensure that every customer who walks into our establishment walks out happy.
13. What Is The Main Challenge That You Foresee In This Role?
The main challenge that I foresee in this role is mastering your menu. However, it won’t take long, probably a day or two. Even though I am your regular customer, I have never tried anything apart from burritos and tacos. I can’t, therefore, say that I know all your offerings and will need a few days to get accustomed to the whole menu. Fortunately, I am a fast learner and therefore mastering your menu won’t be a problem.
14. Mention A Time That You Failed In This Role And The Lesson You Learned
I once mixed a customer’s orders and brought the wrong food. He, however, went ahead and tried it but later on had a bad allergic reaction as it contained soy. Even though he said it was okay, I felt guilty since it wouldn’t have happened had I been more thorough in my job. This experience taught me to note customers’ requests whenever taking orders. I am glad that such an occurrence has never happened to me again. I normally note down everything a client wants before working on their orders.
15. How Do You Normally Handle Customer Feedback?
I respect customer feedback because it helps me grow. I have taught myself to take nothing personally but instead use such feedback to improve my service delivery and customer service. Whenever a customer complains about something or commends me, I find ways of improving and getting better respectively. I, therefore, settle on the constructive part of the feedback. However, I also understand that some feedback may be malicious, and I never allow them to get to me. I am glad that most of the feedback I have obtained from customers is positive.
16. Why Do You Love Doing Outside Work?
I have several hobbies that I explore and get better at outside work. I have been taking drawing and dancing classes for a while now since I have been interested in the two from a young age. I also love hanging out with friends who form my inner circle. I am glad that I have a supportive and amazing network. All in all, I usually ensure that I have the perfect life-work balance.
17. Can You Clean Surfaces?
I am a clean freak and cannot, therefore, stay in a dirty place. I will be more than willing to clean surfaces since hygiene is one of the selling points of restaurants. I will also ensure that everything in and around the establishment is well organized. In my last job, my job description included cleaning surfaces, which I did to the best of my ability. The place was always clean and appealing to customers. I am ready to do the same in this establishment. I am sure that you have all the right detergents and disinfectants.
18. Tell Me Something Interesting About You?
My love for martial arts made me pursue karate and judo at a young age. I am a martial arts expert with several belts under my name. I started a martial arts center in my neighborhood where I teach kids and anyone interested in self-defense how to protect themselves. It is still running, just that my younger brother took over. I also tried boxing but quit after breaking two fingers. My martial arts mastery has given me lots of personal discipline and determination, which have helped me in my jobs. I am sure that this interesting fact may come in handy at some point.
19. Do You Think The Quality Of Food Is More Important Than The Service?
That’s a tough question. However, I believe that none is better than the other, and the two go hand in hand. The food quality can be excellent, but a restaurant cannot build a loyal following without the right customer service, which also applies to excellent service but poor-quality food. People value what they eat, and therefore, no one will ever go back to a restaurant that offers poor-quality food. Most restaurants offer excellent food quality and customer service, and therefore, customers will have better options one way or the other.
20. Why Do You Believe That You Are The Best Candidate For This Role?
This is my fifth year working in the food industry. I have offered my services in different restaurants and environments, including some of your competitors. I, therefore, have lots of experience in this field that makes me a good fit for this job. I know how to work well under pressure, deal with different types of customers and manage any set expectations. I am also a good team worker who will go out of my way to ensure that all team members are in their best state. I am positive that I will succeed in this job given a chance.
21. What Do You Want In Your Next Working Environment?
First of all, I know that Taco Bell has everything I need in my next work environment. I am looking for a fast-paced environment that will challenge me to explore my potential. I also need somewhere that values teamwork and customer service, which Taco Bell does. Lastly, my next work environment should value employees and give them a chance to work freely, which happens here. I hope that I will get an opportunity to work with you.
22. What Would You Do If Your Supervisor Asked You To Do Something You Are Not Comfortable With?
I normally stand by my principles, and therefore whenever I am told to do something that I am not comfortable with and is not included in my job description, I politely turn down the request. I will mention why I cannot do it to the supervisor and ask that they understand. However, if they insist and I have no choice, I will take it up with the manager, who will be in a better place to help.
23. How Would You Handle A Drunk Violent Client?
I believe in treating everyone equally at the restaurant, provided that they do not threaten other customers. A violent drunk customer is bad for business, and therefore I will ask the security guard to throw them out at the first sign of violence. I believe in ensuring that everyone is safe in the workplace and will expeditiously deal with anyone who threatens peace. I am glad that I haven’t found myself in such a situation.
24. What Are Your Favorite Items On Our Menu?
I love the $5 and $10 special box offerings. In the former, one combines a range of foods such as the hard and soft taco, bean burrito and beef burrito, nacho cheese and chips or regular fries, a 20-ounce drink, and cinnamon twists or caramel apple empanada. The $10 is only available in select stores. It has four crunchy tacos and beefy five-layer burritos: nacho cheese sauce, beans, sour cream, and cheese. I also enjoy your desserts and snackaritos.
25. How Do You Normally Solve Disagreements In The Workplace?
I understand what working in team settings means and entails. As much as one may strive to avoid conflicts, some are inevitable. I normally ensure that workplace disagreements are solved as quickly as possible to prevent their negative effect on productivity. If I find myself in such a situation, I will call the other party afterward, let them speak their mind before speaking mine, and work on a solution together. I am glad that I have prevented many disagreements from weighing down the team’s efforts.
Conclusion
We have concluded our article, which should act as a guide when preparing for your upcoming Taco Bell Interview. Ensure that you are conversant with the questions before interacting with the interview panel. We also advise you to groom yourself well since the first impression plays a big role in interviews. All the best.
