Getting hired at Long John Silver’s can be competitive, but going in prepared with knowledge of the top interview questions will give you a leg up. With nearly 1,200 locations across the United States, Long John Silver’s is one of the largest quick-service seafood chains around. They are all about delivering delicious, affordable seafood to their customers in a fast, friendly manner.
As a Long John Silver’s employee, you’ll need to embody their commitment to quality, speed, and hospitality That means being able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, build rapport with customers, and ensure food safety and cleanliness standards are met. The interview aims to assess if you have the right skills, attitude and fit for the brand
In this article, we’ll cover the 20 most common Long John Silver’s interview questions so you can confidently ace your interview and land the job.
Overview of the Long John Silver’s Interview Process
The Long John Silver’s hiring process typically involves:
- Online application or in-person inquiry.
- Phone or in-store preliminary interview.
- One or two in-person interviews.
The in-person interviews tend to be relatively short and casual, with the manager aiming to get a feel for your personality and fit with the team. Some locations may make hiring decisions on the spot if they need to fill positions urgently.
The questions focus on assessing your availability, customer service attitude, capability to multi-task, and basic competency for the role. Being friendly and expressing genuine interest in the brand go a long way.
20 Common Long John Silver’s Interview Questions and Answers
Here are the top 20 most frequently asked interview questions at Long John Silver’s with tips on how to best answer them:
1. Why do you want to work at Long John Silver’s?
This opening question aims to gauge your interest in the company and the role. The interviewer wants to see enthusiasm and knowledge about the brand.
- Do your research on Long John Silver’s history, values, and menu offerings.
- Share specific reasons you’re interested, such as their focus on seafood, fast-paced environment, or friendly culture.
- Convey how your skills would be a good match for the open position.
Example: “I’m excited to apply my customer service skills at Long John Silver’s. I’ve always enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and delicious food here. Long John Silver’s commitment to serving quality seafood and giving back to local communities are values I really appreciate. I think my ability to multitask and stay cheerful under pressure would make me a great fit for this role and team.”
2. What do you know about our company?
This question further probes your knowledge of and passion for the Long John Silver’s brand. Be sure to do your research ahead of time.
- Highlight facts about their history, core values, leadership, community initiatives, and menu offerings.
- Share what makes their brand stand out from competitors in the quick-service seafood space.
- Convey your admiration for their success and growth over the years.
Example: “Long John Silver’s was founded in 1969 and has grown to almost 1,200 locations nationwide today. You’re the largest quick-service seafood chain in the country with a focus on delicious battered fish, chicken, sides, and hushpuppies. Quality ingredients, compassion for your employees, and commitment to the community are cornerstones of your brand. I love that you offer affordable seafood options in a welcoming pirate-themed atmosphere unlike any other restaurant.”
3. Why do you want to work in fast food?
This question tests your understanding of the quick service environment. Be honest while highlighting your relevant skills.
- Share that you enjoy the fast pace and high energy.
- Mention you appreciate the opportunity to build relationships with customers.
- Discuss relevant skills like multitasking, efficiency, positivity, and composure under pressure.
Example: “I’m drawn to the fast-paced nature and high energy of quick service. I thrive in busy environments where I can engage with customers and be on my feet. I’m an optimistic, chatty person so I will enjoy the customer-facing aspects. My ability to juggle multiple tasks, stay focused under pressure, and keep our quality standards high would make me a great fit for this role.”
4. What do you know about the job responsibilities for this role?
This question gauges how much you understand about the day-to-day duties of the open position. Make sure to review the job description thoroughly before the interview.
- Demonstrate knowledge of core tasks like taking orders, prepping food, running the drive-thru, cleaning, stocking, etc.
- Ask clarifying questions if any responsibilities are unclear to you.
- Convey your confidence in being able to fulfill all aspects of the role.
Example: “From what I understand, this crew member role involves taking customer orders, prepping food like battering fish and fries, maintaining cleanliness standards, running the drive-thru station, stocking, and assisting with closing duties. I’m comfortable with all of these responsibilities and eager to learn more hands-on if I have any knowledge gaps. My past food service experience has prepared me well for this type of fast-paced, customer-focused role.”
5. How would you describe great customer service?
This behavioral question allows you to share your customer service philosophy. Emphasize friendliness, patience, and commitment to quality.
- Discuss interacting with customers in a warm, attentive manner.
- Talk about going above-and-beyond to satisfy customer needs.
- Provide an example of how you calmed an upset customer or exceeded expectations.
Example: “Great customer service involves approaching each customer interaction with friendliness, patience, and a commitment to their satisfaction. It means truly listening and paying attention to pick up on unstated needs. For me, going above-and-beyond could be as simple as double-checking an order for accuracy or slipping in an extra hushpuppy to turn a customer’s day around. I believe in treating everyone with kindness and consistently delivering on our quality standards.”
6. How would you handle an unhappy customer?
This scenario question allows you to demonstrate your approach to conflict resolution. Stay solution-focused.
- Emphasize listening without interruption to understand their complaint.
- Validate their frustration and apologize for the experience.
- Remain calm and polite, and focus on how you can resolve the issue.
- Share how you might offer a replacement meal or coupon to make amends.
Example: “If a customer was unhappy, I would first listen carefully to their complaint to understand where things went wrong. I would apologize sincerely for their experience and thank them for bringing it to my attention. Staying polite and calm, I would focus on what I could do to make it right, whether that meant replacing their meal or offering a coupon for their next visit. My priority would be turning their frustration into satisfaction with our brand.”
7. How do you handle pressure or stress?
This question probes your ability to stay cool under pressure, an essential skill for this fast-paced environment.
- Share stress management tactics like taking deep breaths or having an upbeat internal dialogue.
- Describe focusing your energy on the task at hand rather than the emotion.
- Provide an example of when you stayed calm and effective despite chaos around you.
Example: “I handle pressure by focusing my energy solely on the task at hand rather than getting caught up in emotion. If I feel stressed, I’ll take a few deep breaths or pause for a moment to recenter. Having an optimistic inner dialogue helps too – I tell myself I’ve got this! I think my ability to block out distractions and channel nervous energy into productivity was demonstrated well at my last job when I kept my cool as a server during a huge restaurant rush.”
8. What are your availability and scheduling needs?
This logistical question aims to determine your flexibility and compatibility with their open shifts.
- Highlight your open availability, especially for peak hours like weekends and evenings.
- If your schedule is more limited, frame your needs positively.
- Assure the interviewer you can adhere to any schedule once set.
Example: “I’m glad to say I have completely open availability at this point. I can work mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends – whatever best fits your needs. I’m reliable at adhering to my set schedule. And I’m happy to cover occasional shifts for colleagues as needed too.”
9. What job skills or qualities make you a great fit for Long John Silver’s?
This is your chance to highlight your most relevant qualifications. Pull from their job description and your research.
- Share skills like customer service, multitasking, efficiency, positivity, adaptability, etc.
- Mention any food service experience preparing you for this fast-paced environment.
- Highlight your reliability, teamwork, and commitment to their brand.
Example: *”My upbeat attitude and customer service skills enable me to engage guests and create a welcoming experience. My adaptability and ability to efficiently juggle multiple tasks would help me thrive in the busy restaurant environment. My previous experience as a server and bar
Long John Silver’s Cook Interview Video
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties. Long John Silver’s Cook: Was the cook, cooking all the fish, all the chicken, all our shrimp. Whatever had to be cooked, that was pretty much what I did.
What would you say about the application and interview process? Long John Silver’s Cook: It was the usual “go in, fill out the paper application, and talk to the manager” process.
What questions did the interviewer ask you during the job interview? Long John Silver’s Cook: He asked me if I had cooked before. He asked if I had any fast-paced notes. You have to be able to go get them and do them quickly to make it through the lunch rush. He asked me if it was okay for me to clean the bathrooms and do the parking lot outside. I told him it was fine. ”.
Interviewer: What else would you tell someone looking for work? Long John Silver’s Cook: They would need to be able to do a lot of different things. You’d have to come in and cook some days. If they’re short-staffed, they might put you on the register, just like at any fast food place. Don’t get fixated and stuck on one thing. You have to be able to do a lot of different jobs if you’re a cook and they need someone to clean the bathrooms because they’re short-staffed. No more saying, “I’m a cook, that’s all I’m going to do,” when you walk in the door. Someone needs to be willing to clean the bathrooms, dump the trash, and wipe down the tables. Whatever it is, just don’t complain, do it. That’s what they’re looking for.
Long John Silver’s Interview – Cook
FAQ
What is a classic interview question?
