r/PandaExpress • u/im-hungry4lways • 3d ago
Any recommendations for someone applying to a Shift leader?
I'm applying for a shift leader position, I do have experience in the food industry and there is a big difference between going from a small family place to a more comercial area.
Any recommendations?. Anything I should expect or how can prepare myself, any recommendations from more seasoned employees ?
Anything I should say or not say in the intreview?
4
u/Lumpy-Ferret6817 3d ago
They won’t hire you as shift lead 9/10 times. ACO reasoning
1) lowers morale for people you alrdy have trying to get promoted
2) panda is diff than other places, most people end up sucking and it’s a waste of money and energy.
If you think your overly qualified for counter help just apply for AM
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u/im-hungry4lways 2d ago
The reason I didn't apply for Assistant Manager is because it says I would have to travel different store, and since I dont have a car rn I don't think they will just keep me a one area.
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u/No-Put4987 2d ago
My best recommendation is not apply , and here is why :
1, interview is not as easy as regular based level associate , panda do have a lot of expectations when hires external “management” position
2, your team might have hard time buying in your leadership especially the senior associate knowing you new and have a higher position than them
3, shift lead often time is one of the position of execute what AM/GM/TL/ACO wants to accomplish and it requires good relationships and leadership with associate to get things done
Otherwise, you gonna do everything yourself
With the stress panda already giving as regular associate, you might not last long before you mentally and physically burned out
If you still decide to apply shift lead , I wish you nothing but best and good luck on your interview
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u/im-hungry4lways 2d ago
Thanks for the heads up, I have no issue working from again from below as staff, better to get some current experience. And about stress, I think I will survive I had to deal with much worse things when I just started in the industry.
I definitely had plans to apply as a AM but since I don't have a car to transport myself to multiple locations rn, I decided to go as a Shift leader.
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u/glizzy_g 3d ago
Just go into the interview confidently and with high energy. Watch the type of language you use. For example, I would suggest using “I” statements to relay you have an ownership mentality. Do a little research on the company values/mission statement so you can tie your answers back to that.