Getting hired as a Shift Manager at Arby’s can be a competitive process You’ll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with the fast-food industry Preparing insightful answers to common Arby’s Shift Manager interview questions is key to standing out.
To help you have a winning interview, we’ve compiled this list of the top 25 Shift Manager questions you’re likely to face along with sample responses:
1. Why do you want to be a Shift Manager at Arby’s?
Highlight your interest in the brand, desire to advance your management career in the fast-food industry, and how your skills make you a great fit for the role.
Example: With 5 years of experience managing busy restaurant shifts, I’m drawn to the fast-paced environment at Arby’s. I’m passionate about leading teams to provide excellent guest experiences. My background in training, coaching, and operations management make me well-suited to be an Arby’s Shift Manager.
2. What experience do you have with scheduling and managing shifts?
Discuss your hands-on experience handling shift scheduling, accounting for staffing needs and adjusting as required.
Example As a Shift Supervisor at my current restaurant I create weekly schedules for a team of 15, factoring in availability seniority, and peak periods. When gaps arise, I consult our overstaffing list and arrange shift trades between employees. This balances our needs while keeping staff satisfied.
3. How would you handle an angry or difficult customer?
Show you can calmly resolve issues, turn frustrated customers into happy ones, and protect the Arby’s brand.
Example: I would listen patiently, apologize sincerely, and focus on finding a resolution. If needed, I’m empowered to offer coupons or free items to turn the situation around. My aim is getting a positive outcome while adhering to Arby’s policies.
4. What makes you a strong leader and role model for the team?
Share key attributes that make you an effective people manager – communication, accountability, positivity, etc.
Example: I lead by example – pitching in during rushes, adhering to rules, and guiding new hires. My goal is fostering teamwork and boosting morale. I encourage feedback, hold myself and staff accountable, and recognize achievements. This motivates and unifies my teams.
5. How would you respond if a customer complained about improperly prepared food?
Show you aim to immediately correct issues while keeping customers satisfied and protecting the Arby’s reputation.
Example: I would sincerely apologize for the issue and remake or replace the item promptly. I’d also try to learn why it happened to prevent future recurrences. My goal is turning a negative situation into a positive brand experience.
6. What safety procedures would you enforce in the kitchen?
Demonstrate your knowledge of critical safety protocols when prepping and cooking food in a fast-paced commercial kitchen.
Example: I would mandate non-slip shoes, hair nets, properly secured uniforms, and frequent hand washing. For equipment, guards must be in place, escapes routes clear, and hazards like hot surfaces clearly marked. Regular drills on emergency procedures from fires to injuries are essential too.
7. How would you ensure food quality and freshness are maintained?
Share proactive approaches to ingredient management, prep procedures, and final product assembly focused on delighting guests.
Example: Through first-in-first-out rotation, checking temps and expiry dates, and adhering to hold times. I’d oversee prep techniques for consistency and assemble sandwiches attractively per Arby’s presentation guidelines. Taste testing and visual inspections help catch any quality issues.
8. What steps would you take if a team member is underperforming?
Show you can address issues constructively while giving staff opportunities to improve before considering termination.
Example: I would schedule one-on-one coaching to understand why they are struggling and if more training could help. If not, I would issue verbal warnings outlining the consequences of continued underperformance, such as reduced hours. My goal is always giving them a chance to succeed.
9. How would you promote the new Smokehouse Brisket sandwich?
Share creative marketing ideas to generate buzz and increase sales of new products.
Example: I would leverage the digital menu boards and social media channels to highlight it. Staff would share taste samples to drive word of mouth. We could also offer special combo deals for a limited time to entice guests to try it.
10. What is your approach to managing inventory?
Highlight processes you would implement to maintain optimal stock levels, prevent waste, and track usage.
Example: I follow a robust system of min/max metrics, daily cycle counts of high-usage items, and inventory audits. Leveraging historical data helps forecast demand. I’d track ingredients from receiving through use on prep sheets. Accurate reporting allows us to optimize orders.
11. How would you build positive relationships with crew members?
Share methods for connecting with staff and developing camaraderie, trust, and team cohesion.
Example: I make an effort to know my team members personally and understand their career goals. I maintain an open door policy for feedback and advice. We celebrate wins together and I defend the team externally when needed. This fosters mutual respect.
12. What strategies would you use to upsell items and increase average guest checks?
Show you can boost revenues without being overly pushy.
Example: I would focus on staff training so they can share the benefits of adding items versus just listing prices. Using suggestive selling techniques like “Would you like to make that a large?” also works well. Menu boards should highlight profitable combo meals too.
13. Why do you want to work at Arby’s versus another fast food chain?
Show you have researched the brand and are excited by its unique attributes and mission.
Example: I’m drawn to Arby’s dedication to quality ingredients and signature roast beef. The brand has an admired history yet is still growing and innovating. I’m passionate about delivering exceptional hospitality and see an opportunity to advance my career in management at Arby’s.
14. How would you help drive higher sales at our location?
Share ideas focused on increasing traffic, average guest spend, and repeat business.
Example: I would start by analyzing our sales trends to identify opportunities – are we slower mid-week for instance? From there we could implement targeted promotions like special deals on Tuesdays. Training staff on suggestive selling is another revenue boosting tactic, as is creating an exceptional guest experience to drive loyalty.
15. What is your philosophy regarding guest satisfaction?
Show you recognize its critical importance in the fast food business and have clear principles to maintain high standards.
Example: Exceptional service and top-quality food make guests satisfied customers and brand ambassadors. My philosophy is ensuring every guest feels welcomed and valued at Arby’s. To achieve this, I empower staff to resolve issues promptly, listen to feedback, and continuously improve our execution.
16. How would you respond if a team member reported harassment or discrimination by another employee?
Demonstrate you take these issues seriously and follow proper protocols to resolve them.
Example: I would immediately document the complaint per Arby’s policy and notify HR. With discretion, I would assure the team member I take their concerns very seriously and will investigate thoroughly by getting statements from all involved. My goal is always ensuring a respectful workplace.
17. What are some ways you would minimize waste and food costs in the restaurant?
Highlight tactical solutions focused on reducing spoilage, overproduction, and controlling portion sizes.
Example: Accurate production planning, following prep recipes precisely, and monitoring plate waste data help minimize overproduction. Proper ingredient storage techniques and rotating stock prevent spoilage. Standardizing serving sizes for consistency also helps manage food costs.
18. How do you prioritize tasks when handling multiple responsibilities? Give an example.
Share your time management process and ability to multitask effectively under pressure.
Example: When the lunch rush starts, taking and inputting orders is my top priority to get guests served promptly. Secondary tasks like restocking get pushed until slower periods. I make checklists and reminders of obligations to stay organized when juggling many duties.
19. What qualities do you believe are most important in a Shift Manager?
Keep your response aligned with Arby’s leadership competencies and the role’s duties.
Example: Foremost is operating with integrity and accountability. You also need unwavering service mentality, development skills to grow your team, and the ability to perform under pressure. A problem-solver mindset is critical too in a fast-paced environment like Arby’s.
20. How do you typically motivate crew members and boost morale?
Share your people
Arby’s Interview – Shift Manager Job
FAQ
How do I prepare for a shift manager interview?
What does a shift manager do at Arby’s?
Why do you want to be a shift manager?
What is the interview process like at Arbys?
30 minute interview process with a series of questions pertaining to myself, that would enable the staff to learn more about myself and wether or not I qualify as a potential canidate. My manager keeps changing my schedule for no reason. I love my job at Arbys, compared to my last job its truly a blessing and I actually like working there.
How many interview questions does Arby’s have?
Glassdoor has millions of jobs plus salary information, company reviews, and interview questions from people on the inside making it easy to find a job that’s right for you. Arby’s interview details: 386 interview questions and 349 interview reviews posted anonymously by Arby’s interview candidates.
What questions should a shift manager ask?
Staying informed is essential for a shift manager, as it helps ensure smooth operations, maintain compliance, and create a positive work environment. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your dedication to self-improvement, how well you can adapt to change, and your ability to communicate new information to your team.
What does a shift manager do?
As a shift manager, you’re not only responsible for your team’s performance and efficiency, but also for ensuring that the customers have a positive experience. Your answer will help demonstrate your ability to balance team management with customer needs and, ultimately, contribute to the company’s success.
