Applebee’s is a restaurant chain that serves American food in a casual environment. In this Applebee’s job application and careers guide, you’ll have all the information you need to put your best foot forward in trying to get hired.
The company hires for all levels of employment, from entry-level to management positions. The application process includes filling out the online job application with potential candidates’ personal information, uploading a resume, and then taking an online personality test before meeting Applebee’s hiring managers in person.
A job application for Applebee’s is not best suited for people who just want a job. This company wants people who are serious about their career, and it wants you to become part of their family.
Applebee’s job application is a process is one where the applicant will need to create an account on the main career website. Then, they’ll go through the necessary steps of completing their profile to apply for jobs that they are qualified for at their local restaurant or find other employment opportunities available at other Applebee’s locations nationwide.
Working at Applebee’s
Applebee’s has a very clear vision for its future. It wants to be the “most fun place in America.” The company is focused on well-being, happiness, and teamwork.
However, it can be challenging to work at Applebee’s because of the demanding hours for servers, who need to maintain a fast pace during both lunchtime and dinner rush periods. However, working at this restaurant is rewarding if you like the atmosphere created by the customers who come for a delicious meal or drink after a long day at work.
It is very common for Applebee’s employees to be teenagers who are looking for summer jobs or part-time jobs to help with their finances while they are in high school.
The atmosphere at Applebee’s can be described as friendly and family-oriented. The food is not the healthiest option, but it is very affordable for families to eat there on a regular basis.
Pros
- Applebee’s is a family-friendly restaurant chain, so the atmosphere is pleasant
- The fact that they are open at all hours, seven days a week, makes it convenient for those who work non-traditional hours or have odd jobs
- It offers flexible scheduling, free meals for staff, and competitive pay
- There are great opportunities to be promoted to management
Cons
- They are sometimes not very flexible with their schedules, which can be difficult for some people to work around
- It is not an easy place to work because of their strict dress code and low wages
- A strict disciplinary policy that can lead to termination if employees are late or miss too many days
Applebee’s Pay
Applebee’s pays its employees hourly wages and salaries at varying ranges. There are no set pay scales at Applebee’s for hourly or salary-based employees.
Employees can find out what they will be paid by talking to their managers or reviewing the company’s career opportunities pages on the main website.
It offers competitive wages to all its employees, with management positions starting at around $12/hour. The restaurant also provides benefits to full-time employees, which include health coverage for their dependents.
According to Glassdoor reviews, Applebee’s pay is very competitive compared to other restaurants in the same category. Many reviews mention that they are paid well above the minimum wage but are expected to work hard and be on their feet most of the time on busy days.
Applebee’s pays its employees average hourly wages of approximately $10.25 per hour before tips, depending on your store’s location. Entry-level managers can make up to $30,000 annually, while top executives can make over $100,000.
Applebee’s Careers to Choose From
Applebee’s offers a large variety of careers, and these are all part-time or full-time positions that are available in restaurants across the country.
The positions available range from hosts, servers, sanitation specialists, cooks, bartenders, line cooks, dishwashers, and cashiers.
Applebee’s also hires workers at all levels of management, from assistant managers to general managers, who are responsible for running the daily operations. These professionals have input in departmental budgets, staffing needs, marketing campaigns, annual budgets, and training programs.
Jobs at Applebee’s include servers, cooks, bartenders, hosts, prep cooks, line cooks, dishwashers, car side team members, food expos, and more.
Applebee’s Host
As an Applebee’s host, you are responsible for providing a warm welcome to all guests entering the restaurants while managing the flow of traffic to ensure an enjoyable experience. In addition, you’ll help set the atmosphere by being attentive and friendly with customers while maintaining a neat appearance.
You’ll also take care of every detail from greeting guests to providing them with menus and assisting them with questions about beverages, desserts, appetizers, and entrées.
This job also requires you to ensure cleanliness while keeping the restaurant looking its best.
Applebee’s Server
Applebee’s is constantly seeking enthusiastic individuals to fill their server positions. You will be responsible for presenting guests with menus, taking food and beverage orders, serving food and beverages to guests at their tables.
You’ll also be answering any guest questions about menu items or specials, making sure guests have all the modern conveniences they need during their time at the restaurant (e.g., additional condiments or napkins). Not only that, but you’ll also be responsible for clearing tables.
Applebee’s Sanitation Specialist
Applebee’s is always looking for sanitation specialists to be part of their team. These employees will ensure all kitchen equipment, surfaces, and utensils are clean and safe to use.
This worker will also keep the dining room and bar area, including dishwashing areas, stocked with necessary items like plates, silverware, glasses, napkins, etc.
The job description includes the following:
- Inspecting food equipment and facilities to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
- Assisting the general manager in overseeing sanitation operations during the kitchen opening process
- Cleaning kitchen work surfaces, cooking pots and pans, ovens, refrigerators, and freezers as assigned
- Maintaining a clean work environment for employees by sweeping floors or washing them down as needed
- Cleaning sinks, urinals, and toilet areas to remove any biological materials
- Emptying garbage receptacles throughout the restaurant as needed
Applebee’s Dishwasher
Applebee’s is hiring dishwashers to do the dishes during specified times, so some of these jobs are part-time. Of course, some restaurants hire these workers on a full-time basis, too.
The Applebee’s dishwasher is a person who is responsible for cleaning the dishes, pots and pans, and other kitchenware, so they are clean and ready to use. They must also remove any excess food from dishes before they wash them. Dishwashers do this by scraping off the food with their hands or using brushes to scrub away the debris.
The job also includes cleaning equipment and removing trash from restaurant grounds.
Applebee’s Carside
Applebee’s is looking for a great team player to be part of their Carside team. The idea behind the Carside job is that customers will be able to order their food online and then pick it up from a designated spot, allowing them to avoid the wait at the restaurant.
As an Applebee’s carside crew member, you are responsible for helping maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the car-side dining environment. You are also responsible for greeting guests with enthusiasm and ensuring that all orders are accurate and delivered promptly.
Applebee’s Bartender
Applebee’s Bartender is a full-time position that makes you responsible for working the bar and ensuring that guests have a great experience. This can be an entry-level job and this company will provide training for the right candidates.
A person who works as a bartender at this restaurant typically has to be at least 18 years old. A bartender also should be knowledgeable about alcoholic beverages and mix different types of drinks.
Responsibilities include:
- Serve drinks, prepare beer, wine, and liquor to customers awaiting orders or to those seated at tables
- Maintain an accurate count of the number of drinks served per shift
- Monitor inventories of food items and alcohol to ensure storeroom levels are maintained or adjusted as needed
Applebee’s Food Expediter
Applebee’s is always looking for workers to expedite food orders. In this job, you will be responsible for expediting food for guests at tables, bussing tables, and assisting the wait staff in the dining room.
The Food Expediter will:
- Take customer orders and relay them to the kitchen via a hand-held computer device
- Keep the line moving by expediting food orders and making sure all necessary tasks are completed in a timely manner
- Perform accurate calculations of food items, including cost, weight, volume, etc.
Applebee’s Line Cook
Applebee’s Line Cooks are responsible for preparing all the food that goes out to our guests. This role is primarily focused on preparing food for customers by performing duties such as cooking entrées, slicing vegetables, grilling meats, assembling sandwiches or wraps, and other related tasks.
You’ll work in an environment where it is fast-paced and everyone is working together to get the job done. The line cook must be able to work well in a team, have good customer service skills, and enjoy working with people.
Applebee’s Shift Supervisor
This Applebee’s team leader provides supervision of the restaurant during their shift and assists general managers in daily operations during their absence. Working closely with their fellow team members, these team leaders ensure that each shift’s operational targets are met or exceeded, including customer service, cost control, and food service.
The Applebee’s shift supervisor is also responsible for supervising employees, executing company procedures, and ensuring the profitability of the restaurant.
Applebee’s Assistant Manager
In this position, you will help manage the restaurant, which includes leading the team in achieving and maintaining operational excellence by following safety and sanitation standards. You’ll oversee customer service, food safety, operations, and any other responsibilities delegated by the General Manager.
This is a fast-paced role that requires a person who can multitask in a demanding environment while balancing the needs of both employees and guests.
Responsibilities will include:
- Leading your team in achieving operational excellence in food safety and sanitation standards
- Ensuring customer service is provided to each guest
- Maintaining open communication with the general Manager about daily operations to ensure they are running smoothly
- Conducting periodic inventory checks of all
- Ensuring food quality standards are met through inventory management of menu items
Applebee’s General Manager
The Applebee’s general manager is responsible for ensuring that all company standards and processes are properly implemented and executed. They are responsible for assuring that all employees, customers, and guests enjoy a superior dining experience.
These managers work with restaurant teams to execute the business plan and manage the financial performance of their restaurants. They also oversee the restaurant’s operations and execution of marketing objectives for their restaurants.
It’s also important for these employees to effectively supervise their management team to deliver a great guest experience. In this job, you’ll also be responsible for maintaining and improving profitability through effective cost control, supply management, and pricing decisions.
How to Apply at Applebee’s
To apply at Applebee’s, you will need to make sure that you have the following:
- A completed application
- Resume
- An up-to-date reference list
- Social Security number or verification of citizenship and immigration status (if applicable)
To begin, visit the careers page on their website and then follow the online instructions. You can also download Applebee’s job applications PDF from here and present them in person.
The requirements to apply for a job at Applebee’s are listed below:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Have valid identification
- You need consent of parents or guardians if under the age of 18 years old
- Be able to speak English fluently in order to communicate with co-workers and guests
- Have the ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
- Reliable transportation to work within the designated territory
Don’t forget that:
- The company provides job opportunities for people of various backgrounds and employment statuses
- You can apply online or in person at one of the Applebee’s locations
Applebee’s Application Process
The hiring process starts with submitting an online job application. After the submission, the company will contact you to set up an interview if they are interested in hiring you. The application process varies with the position.
For example, if you are applying for a management position where experience is required, you may have to wait more than a week before they can get back to you on your application. But if you applied to be a server where no experience is required, they will usually get back to you within 2 days.
Applebee’s employment application process is a 3-step process. The first step is to make sure you have the right resume and cover letter. The second step is to complete the online application, which will include questions about your availability, education, and work experience.
And the last step is to show up at a job fair or at an Applebee’s restaurant for an interview. If you’re not able to go in person, video interviews are also available on the main career website.
The entire process typically takes a couple of weeks from start to finish if all goes smoothly with no issues. If you need to check on your Applebee’s job application status, you can check in your online profile or, even better, visit the store you applied to and inquire.
Applebee’s Interview Questions
Applebee’s interview questions are mainly aimed at getting to know the candidates better. They might ask about your general skills, previous work experience, strengths and weaknesses, salary expectations, and why you want to work there. They also ask for your availability for the position.
There are many interview questions asked during the interview process. Here are some examples:
- What can you tell me about Applebee’s?
- Why do you want to work at Applebee’s?
- What qualities do you think make a good manager?
- How do you plan to use your skills at Applebee’s?
- What is your favorite food?
- Tell me about your past job experiences.
- What time management strategies do you use?
Minimum Age to Work at Applebee’s
Applebee’s has a minimum hiring age of 16 years old. This is the lowest age requirement among the big restaurant chains.
There are many jobs for teenagers in the restaurant industry, but Applebee’s requires that you be at least 16 years old to work as a server. Though some companies allow 14 or 15-year-olds to serve, this company made the decision to set the age at 16 so that they would be able to provide better service.
Applebee’s Background Check
In order to wait on customers at Applebee’s, the store conducts a background check of its employees. They can do this by looking up their criminal records, or background, if they have any. This company has a number of criteria for employees they hire.
In the past, Applebee’s has been accused of hiring convicted criminals. In response to these allegations, the company has stated that they do a background check on all potential employees.
Employers typically access a candidate’s criminal background by requesting a copy of their state-issued identification card or driver’s license and conducting an online search (e.g., Google), or by using a reputable background check service.
If the individual does not have either type of identification, employers may request a record of their complete criminal history report from the state in which they live or work. This report includes information such as arrests and convictions, probation, and parole.
Does Applebee’s drug test?
Drug testing is a common practice in the restaurant industry.
Applebee’s does not have an official policy on drug testing. However, some employees have reported that they were told that they would be drug tested when they were being hired.
The company does not regularly drug test their employees, but they will be conducting random tests over the next year at various locations around the country. They will also conduct periodic screenings for alcohol consumption and tobacco use with permission from the employee.
If you are applying for a job at Applebee’s, it is best to ask what their policy is before you accept the position.
Does Applebee’s hire felons?
Applebee’s has been in the news for hiring felons as a means of second chances. Therefore, a felon can submit an Applebee’s job application online and have a chance to get hired.
In a recent article, Applebee’s emphasizes that they are not hiring felons as a means of getting their company cheaper labor.
Company executives said they have no intention of lowering wages or compromising any part of their business model. Rather, their goal is to give people who have made mistakes a chance at a new life.
Restaurant History
The company was founded by Bill and T. J. Palmer in November 1980 in Atlanta, Georgia. It specializes in various styles of American cuisine, including traditional American dishes, seafood, Italian dishes, and Mexican dishes.
It has over 2,000 locations around the world and over 28,000 employees, and it operates the restaurants under different names depending on the location. For example, locations outside North America are known as Applebee’s International or Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill while restaurants within North America are known as Applebee’s American Grille or just Applebee’s Grill & Bar.
Applebee’s Benefits
Applebee’s provides their employees with a number of benefits, such as competitive pay rates, medical and dental insurance, and vacation and holiday benefits.
Here is a list of the employee perks:
- Competitive wages: Employees can always count on a competitive wage that exceeds Applebee’s competitors. They also provide the opportunity for raises every six months based on performance review.
- Medical and dental insurance: The company offers medical and dental insurance, as well as supplementary coverage for prescription drugs.
- Vacation and holiday benefits: Employees receive six paid holidays per year.
- Paid Time Off: Applebee’s employees receive 3 paid time off days per month for any situation they may need it for.
- Sick Days: Applebee’s provides 1 sick day per month to their employees, which they can use as needed.
Final Thoughts
Applebee’s is a fair place to work at. The company offers a competitive salary, benefits, and career opportunities for its employees.
The company has approximately 2,000 restaurants and the number of restaurants continues to grow as they enter new markets. Applebee’s also offers opportunities for advancement within the company.
According to Glassdoor, the average Applebee’s employee’s rating is 3.2 out of 5 stars. This is a little below the national average of 3.5 stars, but not too bad.
With an above-average rating in most areas, this company scores poorly when it comes to compensation and benefits. For instance, only 34% of employees would recommend working at this restaurant chain to a friend.
Working at Applebee’s is not an easy job, and the work can be challenging to manage.
Featured image courtesy of Anthony92931, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
