A complete guide to a career at Aramark

Aramark Corporation is a company that works closely with the hospitality industry. It provides support in a few key areas, including food services, uniforms, and facilities. Aramark is a large, growing company that's always looking for new employees. If you're interested in a long-term career in food services, sales, or administration, a job at Aramark will get your foot in the door. Before you apply, take some time to learn more about the company. In this ultimate Aramark careers guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know. We'll take you through the application process and the minimum requirements. Plus, we'll chat about benefits, salary, and background checks. Let's dive in.

What is Aramark?

Aramark Corporation operates in 19 countries across four continents. In the United States, it's a large employer with over 11,000 open opportunities. The company was founded in 1959. Its headquarters are in Philadelphia, and its current CEO is John J. Zillmer. Aramark provides food services, facilities, and uniform services to companies in a range of industries. These include educational institutions, healthcare settings, corporations, prisons, and stadiums. The Aramark brand strives to create a positive impact and gives back to the community. For example, it has a health engagement program called Feed Your Potential 365, and it supports the American Heart Association. Aramark is an equal-opportunity employer with a diverse workforce. Jobs are hourly or salaried, and there are some seasonal roles available.

What are the minimum hiring requirements?

If you want to work at Aramark, you'll need to be at least 18 years old. The company doesn't always require a high school diploma. However, specific education or experience may be needed for some roles. You'll also need to share your Social Security number to prove you're allowed to work in the United States. Aramark prides itself on its supportive team environment. To be successful, you should be a team player with excellent communication skills. You should also be able to provide exceptional customer service and have time management and organizational skills. If you have experience in food services, sales, or retail, that'll be an advantage. Remember to read the job description to discover each job's unique requirements. For example, if you want to work as a driver, you'll need to be confident on the road. If you'd prefer to work in administration, office skills will make your resume stand out. And if you're interested in food services, you should be comfortable spending long hours on your feet.

What are the top Aramark benefits?

Aramark employees receive a range of benefits. The types of perks can vary, but most part-time workers get similar benefits to full-time ones. Health insurance is part of the benefits mix. This type of insurance covers medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and reduced-cost prescriptions. And even more good news: your health insurance package can be used for both you and your dependents. You can also expect life insurance coverage and, if you're a parent, up to 12 weeks of maternity or paternity leave. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can take advantage of up to two weeks of paid time off (PTO) each year. There's also family medical leave if you need to care for someone, military leave, and commuter's checks and assistance. And there are education benefits, such as tuition assistance and opportunities for professional growth. It's never too early to start planning for your retirement. When you get a job at Aramark, you can take advantage of the 401(k) retirement plan with a company match. Plus, there are employee meal discounts, free gym memberships, and mobile phone discounts. If you work hard, you may also receive service awards for meeting specific milestones. Want to know more? Read our Aramark employee benefits guide for more details.

What jobs are available at Aramark?

Now that you know more about the company, let's take a look at some of the most popular Aramark jobs.

1. Cashier

Aramark cashiers work behind the register. They process cash and credit card payments and manage the point-of-sale (POS) system. They provide exceptional customer service, answer questions, and offer shopping suggestions. Some cashiers also process returns and exchanges. To work as a cashier, you'll need basic math skills. You should be approachable, friendly, and happy standing on your feet for long hours. For some roles, experience in retail or sales will be an advantage. However, on-the-job training will be provided for the right candidate. Cashiers are usually hourly team members, but seasonal positions may also be available. The average salary for an Aramark cashier in the US is $10.00 per hour.

2. Food service worker

Food service workers play an important role at Aramark. They help with food preparation while following kitchen safety practices. They prepare food quickly and to a high standard. For example, they make sure meals are well presented and add garnishes as required. Food service workers are part of a team. They write reports with detailed meal transactions and maintain receipts. These workers make sure the kitchen is clean, tidy, and hygienic. Sweeping, mopping, and emptying the garbage can also be part of the job description. To work in this role, you'll need a food service certificate. You should be comfortable working under pressure and have excellent listening skills. Time management, attention to detail, and organization are also important. The average salary for an Aramark food service worker in the US is $11.00 per hour.

3. Route driver

Route drivers are another hourly position at Aramark. These team members transport goods across their own routes or territories. Some of the most common job responsibilities of route drivers include loading and unloading trucks and keeping accurate records. Route drivers need to keep the vehicle clean and check for any maintenance issues. They work closely with management and share customer feedback. To work as an Aramark driver, you'll need a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. You should also be comfortable working independently and have excellent communication skills. Some lifting and bending will be required. The average salary for an Aramark driver in the US is $14.00 per hour.

4. Barista

Another type of job in Aramark's food service department is a barista. Baristas serve customers and take orders. They use their listening skills to memorize complex orders to meet customers' preferences or even specific dietary requirements. For example, some customers may ask for soy or almond milk instead of regular milk. Baristas prepare coffees, teas, and other beverages with efficiency and accuracy. Baristas are also responsible for handling cash. They operate the point-of-sale system and process cash and credit card payments. Most baristas need a food handling certificate. To get this job, you should also have strong communication skills, manual dexterity, and attention to detail. If you have experience serving coffee, that'll be an advantage. The average salary for an Aramark barista is $9.58 per hour.

5. Retail sales worker

Retail sales workers keep track of inventory and restock shelves. They greet customers, answer their questions, and show them where to find what they're looking for. Additionally, retail sales workers keep the store clean and tidy and make sure any spills or garbage are cleaned up. Depending on the merchandise type, retail sales workers may also create product displays. In some settings, retail sales workers use the cash register to process payments. To be successful in this position, you'll need exceptional customer service skills. You should also have a positive attitude, attention to detail, basic math skills, and teamwork skills. You should be happy working independently and ready to take on any task. The average salary for an Aramark retail sales worker in the US is $11.00 per hour.

6. Administrative clerk

Want to work as an administrative clerk? Aramark is hiring at a variety of locations. These team members work in an office setting. They perform a range of office duties, including answering phones, filing paperwork, and printing documents. They also support management with bookkeeping. For example, they create invoices, enter data, process payroll, and follow up on overdue accounts. Administrative clerks manage schedules and set up meetings. To get hired in this position, you'll need communication and organizational skills. Strong computer skills are also required, and you should be confident using common software such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Depending on the position, office experience may be required. The average salary for an Aramark administrative clerk in the US is $16.48 per hour.

7. Cook

Cooks are part of the Aramark culinary team. They prepare and cook a range of different foods and experiment with new recipes. Cooks use their organizational skills to set up all the required ingredients. They follow safe food handling and storage practices and keep their work areas clean and hygienic. They're confident using different cooking equipment, including ovens and knives. Cooks make sure meals are fresh and served on time. To work as a cook, you should have some experience in a similar role. You should also be willing to get a food safety certification. Cooks need to be good communicators and passionate about food. They also need the ability to pay close attention to detail. The average salary for an Aramark cook in the US is $13.65 per hour.

How to apply for a job at Aramark

If you want to work at Aramark, you should look at the different job descriptions. What type of role would you enjoy, and what would fit with your existing skills and experience? You can browse Aramark positions on our job board or visit the Aramark careers page to see what's available now. Once you've decided, it's time to start your application. For each job vacancy, there's an "apply now" button. When you click on this link, you'll be asked to create an Aramark job seeker account. The first step to making an account is to enter your email address, password, full name, country, and phone number. You'll also need to agree to the terms and conditions. Remember to check your details to confirm their accuracy because that is how Aramark will contact you. Next, you'll need to upload a copy of your resume and provide a few additional details, including your driver's license and work history. The company will want details about your education, and you'll need to consent to a background check. There's also an optional questionnaire that gathers information about your gender, race, and ethnicity. You'll need to read the privacy statement, which discusses how the company will use the application information. When you're ready, you can sign your agreement using a digital signature. If the Aramark hiring team wants to know more about you, they'll invite you to a job interview.

Aramark interview questions

Before you get a job at Aramark, you'll go through an interview process. Make sure you're prepared for your interview by practicing your answers before the day. Here are some of the most common Aramark interview questions:

• Why do you want to work for Aramark?
• Do you have any experience in food services?
• Share an example of a time when you gave excellent customer service.
• How would you maintain quality standards in a food services environment?
• Are you comfortable working on your feet?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Do you have any questions? Discover more Aramark interview questions with answers.

Aramark resume tips

During the application process, you'll need to upload a resume. If you don't have one, you can use our free resume builder. Read the job description carefully, and customize your resume to suit. For example, if you're going for a food service role, highlight any restaurant experience you have and your customer service skills. If you want to be part of the sales team, talk about your retail or sales experience and your communication skills. You should also double-check that your resume is up to date. Are your address and phone number current? And make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. List your work history in order, from the most recent working your way back. Save your resume in a common format, such as a PDF, and avoid using images or borders. Finally, keep your resume to one page, if you can — or a maximum of two pages.

Does Aramark do a background check?

Once you've gone through the Aramark interview process, you may be offered a provisional offer of employment. This means you'll get the job as long as you pass a background check. The background check, which usually goes back at least seven years, verifies your personal information, work history, and education. Plus, it looks at your criminal background. Aramark uses a third-party company to check local, state, and national databases. Any misdemeanors or felonies will show up and be included in the background check report. For those applying for a driving position, there may also be a driving background check. If you have any traffic incidents or DUIs, those will be a red flag. The company won't automatically say no if there's something on your record. The final decision will depend on the type of issue and whether you've made any lifestyle changes since the issue occurred. For example, you may have been through rehabilitation, or the incident may have been many years ago. If you do have a history, you can explain the circumstances behind it during the job interview. Aramark does these checks to keep its employees, clients, and customers safe.

Does Aramark do a drug screening check?

In addition to the background check, Aramark does a drug screening check. They have zero tolerance for drug and alcohol use in the workplace. The most common drug test the company uses is a urine test. A third-party laboratory processes the collected sample. Keep in mind that the results may take a few days. There may also be random drug tests throughout your employment. For example, if an employee's behavior changes or there's a workplace accident, a drug test may be requested. If you're taking any prescription medications, we recommend discussing this with your doctor before the drug test.

Where to get an Aramark job

Does Aramark sound like a company you want to work for? There are job vacancies in a range of departments, including food service, administration, culinary, retail, and nutrition. To see what's available in your area, you can browse Aramark positions on our job board. You can create a free account to set up job alerts, chat with like-minded individuals in our community discussions, or use our professional resume builder. Alternatively, you can head over to the Aramark careers page on the company's website and search for a specific position using a keyword and your location. Or you can browse by department type.

All about Aramark careers

Aramark is a large employer in the United States. The company is currently on the lookout for new team members who are interested in the food service industry. If you want a challenge, some of the top jobs include cashiers, food service workers, route drivers, baristas, retail sales workers, administrative clerks, and cooks. The application process is online, and if the hiring manager likes your resume, you'll be invited to a job interview. If you pass the interview, you'll undergo a background check and a drug test as conditions of employment. If you get hired, you'll get a number of benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, and parental leave. Are you a job seeker? Jump over to our job board to see what's available in your area. Don’t forget to check out our resource center for more hints and tips.