Getting hired at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is no easy feat. As one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in America, they receive thousands of applications every year. But with the right preparation and knowledge, you can ace your Raising Cane’s interview and land your dream job at this iconic fast food brand.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the top 25 most common Raising Cane’s interview questions and provide tips on how to best answer each one. From questions about your customer service skills to situational scenarios, you’ll gain insights into exactly what Cane’s interviewers want to hear.
Whether you’re applying for a Crew Member, Shift Leader, or Management role, use this list to get ready for the big day and wow your future bosses!
Overview of the Raising Cane’s Interview Process
Before we dive into the specific questions, let’s do a quick rundown of what to expect during the interview process at Raising Cane’s:
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Initial Phone Screening: For most entry-level positions like Crew Member, you’ll first have a short 10-15 minute phone interview to briefly assess your availability, interests, and basic qualifications.
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In-Person Interview If you pass the phone screening, you’ll be invited for an in-person interview which is usually conducted by the Restaurant General Manager. This is your chance to make an impression!
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Group Interview: For Shift Leader and Management positions, there is often a second round group interview where you’ll be assessed on leadership potential and teamwork skills.
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Follow Up Interviews: For higher level roles, additional interviews with upper management may be required before a final hiring decision is made.
Now let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions:
1. Why do you want to work at Raising Cane’s?
This is one of the most common interview questions you’ll face. Interviewers want to assess your genuine interest and motivations.
Tips:
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Express your admiration for their company values, quality products, and customer service.
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Share specific details on what appeals to you rather than generic answers.
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Convey passion and enthusiasm for the brand.
Example: “I’m excited to work at Raising Cane’s because I’ve always loved your focus on quality ingredients and exceptional customer service. Your company values really resonate with me, especially prioritizing your crew members and giving back to local communities. I tried Cane’s for the first time two years ago and have been hooked ever since! I’d love to be able to share my passion for Cane’s chicken fingers and become part of such a dynamic team.”
2. What do you know about Raising Cane’s?
Interviewers want to gauge how familiar you are with the company and why it stands out. Make sure you’ve done your research beforehand!
Tips:
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Mention key facts like year founded, number of locations, core menu items, etc.
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Highlight unique attributes like streamlined menu, focus on quality and hospitality.
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Share interesting details that make the brand special.
Example: “Raising Cane’s was founded in Baton Rouge in 1996 and has grown to over 500 locations across the U.S. and abroad. You’re known for keeping your menu simple, serving only chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and Cane’s sauce. Everything is made fresh daily with quality ingredients. I really admire your commitment to community involvement and creating a positive crew culture. Little things like the ” comeback cards” for free chicken after lost sports games make Raising Cane’s special.”
3. Why do you want to be a crew member/shift leader?
For entry-level positions, interviewers want to understand why you’re interested in that particular role. Show them you’ve given serious thought to your motivations.
Tips:
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Talk about wanting exposure to the restaurant industry and gaining hands-on experience.
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For Shift Leader, highlight interest in developing leadership skills.
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Emphasize eagerness to learn and grow at Cane’s.
Example: “I’m excited to be considered for a crew member position because it would allow me to gain valuable experience in the restaurant industry while working for a reputable brand like Cane’s. Starting as a crew member is the perfect way to learn the operations of a thriving quick service chain. I’m eager to master responsibilities like food prep, cleaning, and most importantly, providing exceptional customer service. My goal is to keep growing my skills so I can eventually move up into leadership roles with Cane’s.”
4. What qualities make a good crew member/shift leader?
This question tests if you understand the key attributes and skills needed to succeed in the role. Make sure you highlight the right qualities they look for.
Tips for Crew Member:
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Enthusiasm and energy
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Reliability, punctuality
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Teamwork and communication skills
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Ability to handle fast-paced environment
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Focus on cleanliness, organization
Tips for Shift Leader:
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Leadership and motivational abilities
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Problem-solving skills
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Ability to delegate tasks effectively
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Commitment to quality and standards
-Conflict management skills
Example: “Some of the top qualities a successful shift leader needs are strong leadership skills, the ability to motivate crew members, and excellent problem-solving abilities. Shift leaders need to be able to delegate tasks effectively based on team members’ strengths. They should also feel comfortable resolving any conflicts that arise and have a firm grasp of restaurant operations and standards. Above all, a good shift leader will lead by example, promote teamwork, and foster a positive culture that keeps crew members engaged.”
5. How would you deal with an unhappy or difficult customer?
Since you’ll be interacting with customers daily, they want to see you can handle challenges professionally. Share your best strategies for diffusing tense situations.
Tips:
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Express empathy and active listening.
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Take responsibility for resolving issue.
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Remain calm and patient at all times.
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Know when to involve a manager.
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Follow up to ensure satisfaction.
Example: “If faced with an unhappy or difficult customer, I would first listen attentively to understand their concerns without getting defensive. I’d apologize sincerely for any mistakes and assure them I will do everything to make things right. My priority would be finding a reasonable solution to address their needs, whether that’s remaking an order or offering a discount on their next visit. Throughout the interaction, I’d maintain a calm and patient tone, while involving a manager if the situation escalates further. Once the issue is resolved, I’d follow up to ensure they left fully satisfied with the service.”
6. How do you handle pressure or stressful situations at work?
Since the restaurant industry can be high-pressure, they want to see you’re able to cope well under stress. Share strategies you use to stay cool under fire.
Tips:
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Talk about remaining calm and focused on solutions.
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Give examples of how you multitask and prioritize when needed.
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Highlight any stress management techniques you use.
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Emphasize asking colleagues for help when appropriate.
Example: “Working in a busy restaurant environment inevitably involves handling stressful situations. When pressure builds, I find it helpful to take a moment, breathe, and collect my thoughts before responding. This helps me stay focused on constructive solutions rather than panicking. Prioritizing tasks and having clear action plans is crucial to managing my time effectively when things get hectic. I’d also ensure that the team communicates and supports each other through challenges. Most importantly, I recognize when to step aside and ask a supervisor for guidance if I ever feel too overwhelmed.”
7. Are you comfortable working holidays, weekends, and irregular hours?
Given the nature of the business, they want to confirm you can work a flexible schedule before hiring. Be clear about your availability.
Tips:
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Answer directly yes, you can work varied hours and shifts.
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Highlight your reliability and willingness to pitch in when needed.
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If your availability is limited, be upfront so expectations are clear.
Example: “Yes, I’m able to work irregular shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. In my previous jobs, I’ve often helped cover busy shifts and picked up additional hours when needed to support the team. My friends say I have a habit of always being on time, if not early, so reliability is something I take pride in. I understand the restaurant business involves pitching in whenever I’m required to keep operations running smoothly, especially on peak days. I have no restrictions on hours and enjoy the fast-paced nature of the work.”
8. How do you work under close supervision?
They want team players who can take direction and feedback without getting offended. Demonstrate your humility and willingness to learn.
Tips:
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Emphasize you appreciate guidance from more experienced colleagues.
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Share how you’ve implemented manager feedback to improve performance.
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Highlight that you ask questions when unsure rather than make mistakes.
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Convey how feedback makes you grow.
**Example
Raising Cane’s Interview – Crew Member
FAQ
What interview questions does Raising Cane’s ask?
Why do you want to work at Raising Canes?
What should I wear to Raising Cane’s interview?
How long is a Canes interview?
What questions do you get asked at Raising Cane’s?
Here are the most common questions we get asked. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, Contact Us for further assistance. What is Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers? What is the vision of Raising Cane’s? What is the corporate phone number and address of Raising Cane’s? What does the ONE LOVE stand for?
What is it like working at Raising Cane’s?
Working at Raising Cane’s is fun and cool as they have and promote a good culture. But it does require a lot of physical work that requires a lot of standing and long shifts. Was this review helpful? Thank you for working hard and having fun with us in Pharr! We appreciate the review! Easy fast paced job.
How long does it take to interview at Raising Cane’s?
The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Raising Cane’s It felt like the primary focus was on culture and company fit which was refreshing. Two Director interviews and one VP interview. Be yourself and make sure you have done your company research. Situational questions and scenarios. Somewhat of a timeline of experience and random questions.
How does Raising Cane’s tell a story?
Raising Cane’s typically tells its story through the eyes of its employees. When you visit the company’s YouTube channel, you’re just as likely to learn about the uplifting, fun culture as you are its food. As discussed in Quick Service Restaurant magazine, Raising Cane’s was one of many national restaurant chains rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic.