Top 21 KFC Interview Questions (+ Sample Answers)

If you have an upcoming KFC interview coming up, don’t worry. We have the top the KFC interview questions to prepare for.

Our comprehensive overview guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the overall interview process, to how to prepare, and most importantly, what KFC interview questions you should prepare for and how you can answer them. 

Everything You Should Know About the KFC Interview Process

KFC is one of the most well-known fast food chains. In fact, this restaurant has been featured in everything from “South Park” to “Stranger Things.”

There are a few restaurant roles you can apply to, including positions like:

• Cook
• Customer service team member
• Shift supervisor
• Assistant manager
• General manager

If you have an interview coming up, knowing a bit more about the KFC interview process can help put your mind at ease. 

How long does it take to get a KFC interview?

The amount of time it takes to get a KFC interview totally depends. The factors that can change the timeline include:

• Whether you applied in-store or online
• The location
• The position
• Other aspects specific to that store. 

For example, for people who apply in-store, they often receive an interview request shortly after, even that same day. For those who apply online, it usually takes a little longer. 

Overall though, people report that the entire KFC interview process start to finish lasts a week or so. 

What should I expect at a KFC interview?

KFC interviews are like any other interview, really. You can expect to be asked specific KFC interview questions to gauge your experience, attitude about the job, and your skill set. 

The interviewer might also ask about your availability. This could include when you could potentially start, if you can work on the weekends, and other related queries. 

What skills is KFC looking for?

The skills KFC is looking for in its candidates depends in part on the actual position you apply for. While some skills are universally important and useful, others are more role-specific. 

For example, if you apply for a cook position, skills the interviewer might find especially useful include being able to: 

• Operate restaurant equipment, specifically fryers and ovens
• Use the right kitchen tools to prep, cook, and present food
• Serve food
• Keep the kitchen clean, neat, and well-stocked
• Cook quickly and efficiently 

For managerial positions like assistant manager or shift supervisor, the most essential skills include being able to:

• Close the restaurant at least two nights per week
• Show around 1-2 years of experience supervising in either retail or food service settings (which also includes profit and loss responsibility)
• Lift objects up to 50 pounds
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and customers
• Walk and stand constantly for the entire shift
• Operate restaurant equipment
• Safely move through compact spaces 

What is the dress code for KFC?

The dress code for a KFC interview should be business casual. You don’t want to necessarily wear jeans and a T-shirt to the interview. However, an outfit like dark-wash jeans and a button-down shirt or blouse could be a nice option. 

If you get hired at KFC, the dress code revolves around the uniform you’ll be provided and expected to wear. Other aspects of the KFC dress code includes that:

• You wear non-slip, black shoes
• The KFC logo is visible on your outfit
• Your hair is neat (if you have facial hair, it should be neat and kept short)

Does KFC drug test?

Yes, KFC does drug test. However, the exact rules around drug testing are usually location-specific. Many people — especially cashiers and drive-through associates — report that they were never tested. On the other hand, people working in roles like cook or in a management position have reported pre-employment drug tests. 

Also, if you or another person gets injured on the job and you were involved, there’s a good chance you’ll be drug tested and terminated if your drug test isn’t clear. 

How to Prepare to Answer KFC Interview Questions

If you want the best chance of acing your interview and scoring the position, you should practice KFC interview questions. Not only will it set you apart from other candidates, but it’ll also make you more comfortable and self-confident going into the conversation. 

Here are some easy ways to prepare to answer KFC interview questions and get the job. 

1. Get familiar with your role and how that’ll affect your interview.

Keep in mind that your interviewer will expect you to be familiar with not only the role you applied for, but also what it entails. Be sure to take the time to review the position, its description, the requirements, and the expectations. These will vary slightly depending on the role. 

This is key with regard to preparing to answer the KFC interview questions you’ll be asked. You can tailor your answers to these questions by calling out your experience and skills that directly relate to the position. 

For example, if you interview for a cashier role, it wouldn’t make sense to explain your experience coding with Java. Instead, you might mention that you’ve been able to hone in on your customer service skills by volunteering at a community cookout. 

It’s a good idea to write down the responsibilities of the job and jot down a few notes by each responsibility, including any skills and experience you have that could relate to the qualities KFC is looking for. 

2. Practice answering KFC interview questions beforehand. 

Regardless of what position you’re interviewing for, you should absolutely practice some common KFC interview questions before your interview. Perhaps the simplest way to practice and improve your abilities is through an online interview simulation like Yoodli.  

Yoodli is a free, virtual communication coach known in part for its extensive interview simulation tool. It presents you with interview questions that you can then answer. As you answer the questions, Yoodli analyzes your speaking and speech patterns to identify specific areas in which you need to improve. 

For example, if you tend to use filler words often, Yoodli will show you how many fillers you used and when you used them. This communication technology tool goes a step further by providing you with actionable feedback you can use to boost your chances of success. If you have trouble with filler words, this speech coach might recommend you slow your speaking pace or practice implementing some natural pauses as you speak. 

Plus, the interview simulation is completely customizable. Although you can always choose a few questions to practice with using Yoodli’s interview question bank, you can also practice your own, more specific questions, like KFC interview questions. You can also completely change the tone of the interview from friendly to serious to behavioral, if you’d prefer to work on those types of questions. You can also practice answering relevant follow up questions, created by Yoodli using generative AI.

When you’re ready to knock out a few KFC interview questions, check out how you can use Yoodli to practice:

3. Be ready to show your enthusiasm for customer service.

In a work environment like KFC, your customer service skills are everything. Even if you’re applying for a position like a cook, you still need to have above average customer service skills. 

Plan to emphasize your abilities in this area while you practice answering these KFC interview questions. 

4. Take a deep dive into KFC’s history and mission.

One thing that can set you apart from other candidates is having a solid foundation of knowledge surrounding KFC, its history, and its mission. This can both impress the interviewer and also give you some valuable context as you answer KFC interview questions. 

Checking out KFC’s website can be a great place to start. You should plan to get familiar with their menu items, rewards program, and company as a whole. In particular, check out KFC’s page that explains how the franchise makes its chicken and the steps involved. No matter what position you’re interviewing for, this is certainly useful information. 

Top 21 KFC Interview Questions (+ Sample Answers)

Even though each interview is different, there are definitely some very common KFC interview questions you should expect. 

Here are the top five KFC interview questions you can get, along with some sample answers. 

1. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult customer. How did you approach the situation?

With this KFC interview question, the interview is trying to get an idea of how you’d react during a high-stress situation involving a customer. 

A good answer to this question could be something like: “At my previous job as a cashier, a customer approached the counter and told me their food was completely cold. They were understandably upset and angry. To help and ensure they knew their concerns were heard, I apologized for the cold food and offered to remake their food and personally make sure that it was fresh and hot. The customer was relieved and satisfied with that response and left the restaurant with hot food.” 

Whatever you do, don’t tell the interview an anecdote that involves you getting upset or angry with the customer. This is a red flag for KFC interviewers. 

2. What would be your strategy to boost customer satisfaction ratings at KFC?

This question judges your ability to ideate and brainstorm ways to improve the overall business.

An appropriate response could be something like: “I think one of the best ways to hone in on customer satisfaction starts with the overall customer dining experience. Focusing on ways to improve our dining experience — namely things like keeping the restaurant clean, being friendly and helpful for customers, making sure to have effective communication among our staff, and providing hot, fresh food — would be my plan. Implementing other tools, like customer feedback surveys, could give us more specific areas where we could improve and boost customer satisfaction ratings.” 

3. Let’s say you notice a potential safety or health concern in the restaurant’s kitchen. How would you handle that? 

If an interviewer asks you this question, they’re trying to gauge your ability to step up to the plate and ensure the work environment is not only functional, but safe for both employees and customers. 

A good response to this question could be something along the lines of: “Health and safety are extremely important, especially when it comes to KFC staff and customers. If I had a concern, I’d be sure to follow KFC’s safety regulations and speak with a manager to raise my concerns. Afterwards, I’d work with the manager to make sure everyone else involved knows about not only the initial concern, but also the appropriate ways to move forward and avoid this in the future.”

4. Can you give me a situation where you went above and beyond to assist a customer?

To get a better idea of your customer service skills, an interviewer might ask about a time where you went out of your way to help a customer. 

For example, a good answer could be something like: “We had a customer come up to the counter to explain that they were a vegetarian, and asked if we had an Impossible burger. Instead of just telling her ‘no’ and leaving it at that, I gave her some alternative options that were vegetarian-friendly, such as our side salads, fries, or hashbrowns. I could tell the customer was pleased with the response and she ended up ordering a few of those options and leaving the store satisfied.”

5. Tell me about a time when you worked as part of a team toward a common goal. 

Teamwork is extremely important at KFC, and this KFC interview question aims to see how well you work in a team setting. 

An appropriate response to this question could be something along the lines of: “One day, my previous restaurant employer was running a limited time promotion. As such, this day’s lunch rush was particularly overwhelming. I worked together with the team to not only ensure that the customers’ needs were met, but also that the kitchen was completely stocked and functional so that customers didn’t have to wait long for orders and that the food was hot and fresh.” 

Other KFC interview questions

Here are some other common KFC interview questions you should consider practicing:

1. How do you handle and overcome obstacles at work?
2. What motivates you to show up to work and do your best job?
3. Think about the delivery and takeout services at KFC. What would be your first steps to improve customer satisfaction in these areas specifically?
4. Let’s say a customer was having trouble with the online ordering system or with our KFC app. How would you handle that situation?
5. Can you tell me about some of the key principles of sanitation and food safety in a restaurant that’s as fast-paced as KFC?
6. Why do you think it’s important for employees to know our products and menu inside and out? 
7. What do you know about preparation, storage, and food handling regulations? 
8. Let’s say a customer approaches you to voice concerns about KFC’s environmental impact, specifically regarding the way the restaurant disposes of waste or its food packaging. What would you say to them? 
9. If a customer told you they had concerns about our chicken ingredients and whether or not they were ethically sourced, how would you explain KFC’s policies on animal welfare?
10. If you had the chance to ideate and create a brand new item for the KFC menu, what would it be? Why? 
11. Let’s say you were asked to create and implement a plan to improve the order fulfillment and food prep processes to make them both more efficient. What would you do and where would you start? 
12. What are the various types of cooking methods and equipment we use here at KFC?
13. With regard to how our restaurant operates, what do you know about how we used order management software and POS, or other customer service tech?
14. The holiday season can affect KFC’s customer demand. How would you create and implement a marketing campaign to explain the catering services we offer? 
15. Imagine that the KFC franchise executives are considering expanding into another market, one with different dietary restrictions or cultural preferences. How would you go about evaluating the potential opportunities and risks of expanding into this market?
16. Let’s say KFC needs to improve its employee retention and satisfaction rates. How would you create a plan to ensure that KFC isn’t a toxic work environment?

The Bottom Line 

KFC is a famous and recognizable fast-food chain that’s often hiring. If your goal is to work at the restaurant, there are plenty of great ways to prepare, especially when it comes to answering KFC interview questions. 

Just make sure to practice beforehand and remain calm, collected, and confident during your interview. 

Sources

• KFC: “JOIN OUR KFC FAMILY.”
• Zippia: “What is the hiring process at KFC?,” “Working At KFC: Company Overview and Culture.”