Love this Chick fil-A interview technique

[JJZMgailey]

I'm finding it so fascinating that so many of you are interpreting the article linked in the first post as the manager playing games or being sneaky.

I realize different strokes and all, but I always like to learn the different strategies people have because you never know what kind of a personality the next person interviewing YOU might have.

 

[sam_gordon]

There is always more to it than a quick snapshot in time.

Unfortunately, all you get of a potential hire is "a quick snapshot in time". Candidates need to find someway to standout to the hiring managers. Employers are looking for someone that's "different" then everyone else. Picking up a piece of paper off the floor (whether you're responsible for it or not) or talking to a group of people is a way to standout. I've recently had to hire people. Part of the interview process was letting them talk to employees outside of my hearing. Then I found out if the employee was engaging, asking the "right" questions, and genuinely seemed excited about the opportunity, but not overwhelmed. When you go for an interview, you should be "on" as soon as you walk through the door (before the interview even starts).

 

[nugov2]

Fair enough. But it's not an accurate way to judge who will become a valuable team member.
I find people who like to dazzle but don't deliver annoying both as a customer and fellow employee. There is always more to it than a quick snapshot in time.

Unfortunately a job interview is just that, a snapshot of that person in time and adding additional opportunities to observe a candidate is great to see more of that person than just the snapshot they get speaking one on one. Maybe someone is nervous and doesn't interview well because of it, but these extra opportunities or games as some want to call it give the manager a better overall picture of the candidate and hires someone they wouldn't have just based off of the one on one interview.

I just really don't see the big deal of wanting to observe candidates and see how they react to situations when they think nobody is looking. No person is only using this, but using it in addition to it.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

I think most 16 yo's are able to pick up trash. Whether a manager should stage a situation and expect the best teenage job candidates will do trash duty is another thing.
I believe managers should model good workplace behavior, especially with teens new to the workplace. Games aren't part of that, but JMO.

Any working in a fast paced environment (as fast food can be- especially at chik fil a) needs to be self driven individual. If I were a hiring manager, I would want to be sure that I was hiring a person who could be counoted on to do what needs done without having to be asked. I would not want to hire mommy's special snowflake that doesn't realize restaurant employees should be responsible for cleaning up. And I certainly wouldn't want to have have to hold their hand and teach them basic things such as keeping your workplace clean.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

I remember my first job interview when I was 16. It was at a mall stoee called Rave that sold cheap trend clothes. After the typical interview process, the manager handed me a pair of hideous shoes and said " I really love these shoes but I'm just not sure what they go with, can you help me find an outfit?" And I took her around the store and picked some things out, as if she were a real customer. I got the job, and was so proud of my $5.25/hr, because it was a dime more than minimum wage.
My point is that it is not unreasonable to put teens on the spot and judge them by how they respond during a job interview.

 

[nugov2]

I remember my first job interview when I was 16. It was at a mall stoee called Rave that sold cheap trend clothes. After the typical interview process, the manager handed me a pair of hideous shoes and said " I really love these shoes but I'm just not sure what they go with, can you help me find an outfit?" And I took her around the store and picked some things out, as if she were a real customer. I got the job, and was so proud of my $5.25/hr, because it was a dime more than minimum wage.
My point is that it is not unreasonable to put teens on the spot and judge them by how they respond during a job interview.

Rave kept my friends and I clothed in our poor college days. Ahhh, memories

 

[wvjules]

Any working in a fast paced environment (as fast food can be- especially at chik fil a) needs to be self driven individual. If I were a hiring manager, I would want to be sure that I was hiring a person who could be counoted on to do what needs done without having to be asked. I would not want to hire mommy's special snowflake that doesn't realize restaurant employees should be responsible for cleaning up. And I certainly wouldn't want to have have to hold their hand and teach them basic things such as keeping your workplace clean.

Employee is the keyword. Someone coming in for an interview is not an employee and should not be expected to act as such.

 

[Micca]

I'm finding it so fascinating that so many of you are interpreting the article linked in the first post as the manager playing games or being sneaky.

I realize different strokes and all, but I always like to learn the different strategies people have because you never know what kind of a personality the next person interviewing YOU might have.

Agree! And on a more global level, CFA is a huge success story in the world of fast food. Around here, the service from the workers rivals that of the servers at the casual chain places like Applebees, Chili's, etc. Whatever their means, they've done a good job selecting and training their employees. I have a hunch they treat their employees better than most fast food chain restaurants do(They get Sundays off for starters.) If these workers chose to do so, they could likely land jobs at more upscale eateries where they could earn tips. If the "trash test" is a piece of the puzzle for CFA, you can debate whether it's "sneaky" but it's one of the tools that works great for the company.

 

[wvjules]

I didn't realize this was a universal CFA thing. I thought it was just this one manager in this one store?

 

[Juliet25]

Fair enough, I guess this makes sense if you're looking for somebody who is always on.

I still think it's one of those "clever" techniques that may rule out some very good people. Being rude or having a specifically bad attitude is one thing, but there are many people who can be on for their job, but not necessarily always play to a room.

I'm obviously not the type of candidate you would want because I can't think of a situation where I would really interact with people in a waiting room situation. I don't always find interacting with a room full of people the most appropriate thing to do.

But if my job required public or customer interactions (and it does) you'd think I love to engage people and am a talk to anybody type.

You've described me as well. My recent job evaluation stressed my "friendly and approachable" demeanor. I had to chuckle to myself, because I'm very introverted and don't do the small talk thing, but when my job requires interacting with the public I can turn on the necessary components when needed. But you won't find me chatting up a waiting room.

 

[KathyTX]

It's fascinating to see that some are pulling out the "it's not my job" reasoning even in this discussion- that's exactly what they are weeding out!

 

[wvjules]

But it is literally NOT my job. I don't' even have a job. When it is my job I will be a good, faithful employee that picks up random pieces of paper and trash from the floor of the place of my employment. Until then, no it's not my job.

 

[JJZMgailey]

But it is literally NOT my job. I don't' even have a job. When it is my job I will be a good, faithful employee that picks up random pieces of paper and trash from the floor of the place of my employment. Until then, no it's not my job.

Okay, I've held off for a while, but I've just GOT to ask you - and this is obviously hypothetical - put yourself in that interviewee's place; what would you say to that Chick-fil-A manager when he asked you about the trash like it says in the article?

 

[Wendy31]

But it is literally NOT my job. I don't' even have a job. When it is my job I will be a good, faithful employee that picks up random pieces of paper and trash from the floor of the place of my employment. Until then, no it's not my job.

Right.

There are people that have a "it's not my job" attitude, & there are people who have a "I see something that needs to be done, & I do it regardless of whether it's my job or not" attitude.

Chik-Fil-A is interested in hiring the 2nd type of person.

It's not their only criteria in the interview process, of course, but, again, 2 candidates equal in everything else, they might be more interested in the guy who picked up the straw paper.

And, according to the article, the manager does give the interviewee a chance to answer why he or she did or did not pick up the trash - too germy, didn't notice it, nervous, whatever... However, I'm sure "It's not my job" is NOT the answer for which is manager is looking.

When I'm out & about, I don't go out of my way to pick up trash, but, if there's a noticeable piece of trash in my path, rather than step over it, I might pick it up & throw it away. Not every time of course, & not in restrooms... but I have done it before.

 

[wvjules]

Good question. lol I'm not sure what I would say. Probably something along the lines of I didn't want to be seen as brown-nosing by picking up trash from the store, or that I didn't want to pick up trash then shake hands with my interviewer, or that "IT'S NOT MY JOB!"

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Okay, I've held off for a while, but I've just GOT to ask you - and this is obviously hypothetical - put yourself in that interviewee's place; what would you say to that Chick-fil-A manager when he asked you about the trash like it says in the article?

"I didn't want to draw attention to the fact that your restaurant was dirty. I also didn't want to get myself dirty before my interview. I also didn't want to look like I was sucking up."

 

[sunshinehighway]

"I didn't watch to draw attention to the fact that your restaurant was dirty. I also didn't want to get myself dirty before my interview. I also didn't want to look like I was sucking up."

I thought you wanted it there since I watched you put it there.

 

[sam_gordon]

I also didn't want to get myself dirty before my interview.

How many of you folks use your left hand to shake with?

 

[hereyago]

How about: You should hire me, because your employees didnt pick it up either, lol

 

[luvsJack]

Ya'll are making an awful lot of fuss about a straw paper or a clean napkin on the floor. He wants to see how they react. Its not that complicated or is it even that unusual.

A child care center is going to want to see how a applicant interacts with children.

An office manager--how a secretary answers the phone or produces and proofs a document

A sales manager wants to know he is hiring a people person.

And a fast food place that is known for its cleanliness and good service is going to want someone that is up to their high standards.

It is not unfair or unethical and really, is pretty darn smart, imho. Most hiring managers know that an interview is really the last place to look for quality employees. Some people stress out and interview horribly but are wonderful employees and others know how to interview wonderfully but make horrible employees. Most have ways or come up with little ways to see more than those minutes they spend listening to the answers to mostly inane questions.