How to apply for a job at Aramark and nail the interview
Aramark Corporation, known commonly as Aramark, is an American food service, facilities, and uniform services provider to clients, including those in education, healthcare, business, prisons, and leisure. Founded in 1959, the company currently staffs as many as 216,000 employees and is one of the most trusted American employers. The company regularly employs part-time workers, but there are times when full-time positions become available. These full-time positions tend to be for large sporting venues and public structures like aquariums and stadiums.
How to apply for a job at Aramark
The basics
- The Aramark application process is conducted on the company’s online employment portal and can be accessed at careers.aramark.com.
- You must be at least 18 years old to be considered eligible (younger applicants will be immediately excluded from the employment process).
- You will need to list your Social Security number and provide proof of your authorization to work in the US
- You should expect to spend 15-20 minutes filling out the Aramark application form
Resume
- This is the first section of the Aramark application form. You are required to attach your resume either by uploading them from your computer, or via Dropbox or Google Drive. Please note that this is one of the mandatory sections of the form.
Click here to learn more about tips on getting past the ATS!
Enter your information
- Provide your contact information, including your complete address, phone number, and email address
- Include your driver’s license (a driver’s license is only needed for jobs that require driving a vehicle)
- Provide information on whether you have ever been convicted of a crime (misdemeanor or felony)
Work history
8 You are required to provide detailed information about the most important and/or relevant positions you may have had throughout your career. Please note that this section is mandatory.
Highest level of education completed
- You are asked to provide information about the highest level of education you have completed.
- You are asked to include the name and the address of any schools you attended and the degrees you earned upon completing the programs. (Note: Aramark will still hire you if you don’t have a high school diploma or GED.)
Background check
- Pre-employment drug screening/background checks are required.
Applicant signature
- You are required to go through the company’s privacy statement and you are asked to include your electronic signature to validate the document.
EEO questionnaire
You are asked to provide information about your race, gender, and ethnicity.
Please note that you have to select an answer for each question featured here, but you are not obligated to disclose any information you do not wish to.
Preparing for the interview
You should spend time preparing for your interview at Aramark. Not only should you learn as much as possible about the company and the main services it offers, but you should also research the type of location that is connected to your chosen Aramark job.
The Aramark hiring specialists appreciate candidates who are thoroughly prepared, so you should invest a significant amount of effort in your interview research process.
Below, take a look at some Aramark interview question examples, as well as suggestions for answers.
Sample Aramark interview questions and answers
Q: How important is schedule flexibility to you?
A: When it comes to scheduling, I am very flexible. One of the things I like most about this position is that it allows me the opportunity to work evenings. I also understand that there are times when my shift can be extended due to business reasons.
Q: Are you available to work an extended range of shifts included late nights and weekends?
A: I have little to no scheduling limitations. Due to my experiences at Applebee’s and Olive Garden, I am quite used to working late nights and early mornings. I understand that food service work tends to require a great deal of schedule flexibility.
Q: Will you be available to work beyond your scheduled shift occasionally?
A: I will. I am accustomed to shift times running slightly over in my career as a server. Similar to this position, my shift did not end until the last guest finished and my designated area was cleaned.
Q: Are you comfortable working in cramped and hot working conditions?
A: I have no issues working in a hot or tight environment. I have over two years of experience working in kitchens for food service companies. In addition, I’ve also had to help with cold areas like coolers and freezers.
Q: Are you comfortable with standing for long periods of time?
A: I definitely am. My previous employment as a server regularly required that I work extended shifts ranging from six to eight hours in length. During that time, I stayed on my feet for the entire shift.
Q: How important is customer satisfaction to you?
A: I believe that customer satisfaction is one of the most important parts of your day. You should always do your best to make sure the customer is satisfied with their purchase to help ensure that they will keep coming back in the future.
Q: How would you solve a difficult customer service situation?
A: I would start by allowing the customer to fully express their concerns. Once I had the complete story, I would offer a solution that is within my power at the company. If I was unable to solve it on my own, I would request a manager’s assistance to help satisfy the guest.
Q: Do you have any food handling experience?
A: Yes. I worked as a prep cook for two years at Olive Garden and was hired on as a line cook at Applebee’s. My position there lasted for three years and I learned to make several different types of dishes.
Q: How strongly would you rate your food safety knowledge on a scale of one to 10?
A: I think that my rating would be around an eight. I understand the concepts of first in and first out holding practices well. In addition, my previous jobs required me to frequently test meals to ensure that they were being prepared to the appropriate temperature to kill bacteria. I also tested the dishwashing sanitizer to ensure it was the proper concentration.