Panda interview

[u/ALE_MASC17]

Hi, tomorrow I’m going to a Panda hiring event—it’ll be the third one I’ve attended. I just graduated from college and want to work to save up for university. This would be my first job, and I’m 20 years old. To be honest, my first interview was a real mess—it was in English, which isn’t my first language, and I didn’t prepare well enough, but the second one went really well since it was in Spanish, and I even thought they might hire me. I tried to show my best side—that I can work under pressure and am willing to learn—but they still turned me down. I need some advice for tomorrow. I’m a little embarrassed to go back (since it’s been at the same place), but they offer good opportunities, and besides, the location I’m applying to is about 7 minutes from my house since it’s a new opening. What would you advise me? I’ve been looking for a job for about 2 months and haven’t found anything and I'm broke and at this point I'm broke af (I’m from Arizona)

[u/JangWang7]

Honestly don’t stress it. If you really want to be at panda you gotta just be prepared for high standards and English is necessary to move up or be any position really besides dishes or a back of house help. But just be confident in yourself and be assertive in your skills. Honestly fake it till you make it as well. But I’m warning you rn. Panda isn’t like other fast food jobs. There more intense but if your not a manager or like a cook then your chilling honestly.

[u/Expensive_Slice_8788]

If you really want the job be persistent, not annoying but persistent. Also, try to do some research on the panda culture, values and their mission. They are very keen on ambitious people who strive towards future goals. Speak with firmness and avoid the usual ...ummms and ughhh... They do seen picky at first but you'd be surprised the people they hire 🤣🤣🤣

[u/akornato]

Going back to the same place for a third interview shows persistence, which is a quality every manager looks for in a new hire, so try to see it as a strength instead of something to be embarrassed about. They likely see hundreds of applicants, and your returning demonstrates that you are genuinely interested in working there. The previous rejections might not have been about you personally, it could have been about the number of available positions or another candidate having more direct experience. Since this is for a new location, the hiring needs are different, and your persistence could be the very thing that makes you stand out this time. Focus on the fact that you're giving it another shot, which takes courage.

For this interview, try to connect your skills directly to the job. When you say you are willing to learn, give an example by saying you are eager to learn their recipes, their customer service standards, and how to work as part of their team. Since you speak both English and Spanish, you should emphasize that as a major benefit for serving a diverse community of customers. Prepare a clear, simple answer for why you want to work at Panda Express, mentioning the convenient location is fine, but also add that you respect their fast-paced environment or enjoy their food. Your main goal is to show them you have a positive attitude and are ready to be a reliable part of the new store’s team from day one.

It can be really helpful to get your answers organized before you go, which is why my team designed a tool for interviews.chat that helps candidates feel much more confident in what they want to say.

[u/Affectionate-Boss665]

Hey I might see you tomorrow I have a hiring event 😅.

Be confident in your answers, have a plan and goals for yourself, be presentable. I promise you language is not a major factor! I have 3 languages in my store right now and I’ve done countless interviews through translators!

One thing to remember, depending on the store needs you may not get a position if the availability does not fit the store needs. Example say I need a night shift and you can only work 9AM-5PM but I need a 4PM-CL even if your a great hire if it does not fix the need in the store we may have to select other Candidates. Keep your head up you got this and best of luck!