It’s no secret that Kentucky Fried Chicken, better known as KFC, has the best chicken recipe around, with a blend of 11 herbs and spices. That mouth-watering crunch of your first bite will have you returning for more!
The lip-smacking chicken at this multinational quick-service restaurant isn’t the only thing that makes this restaurant stand out; it’s also known for providing stimulating and supportive working environments. With competitive pay and benefits, KFC offers rewarding careers in customer service, management, and more.
So, how do you go about securing a job with KFC? This is where I can be helpful because I will provide all the information you need to ensure you will be a strong candidate.
We’ll discuss KFC’s various jobs and the requirements, skills, application, and hiring processes with some special tips for good measure, potential salaries, and some enticing benefits waiting for you.
How about we begin?
KFC Job Roles
Team Member
If you enjoy meeting new folks, this may be your spot on the team. Sometimes, you will greet new customers or prepare some tasty fried chicken for the customers. Don’t be surprised if you pick up teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills along the way.
Cook
If you’re looking to hone your quick-service culinary skills, consider the role of a cook. Whipping up those delicious menu items will not only sharpen your skills, but you will also learn a thing or two about food hygiene and quality control.
Customer Service Associate
A Customer Service Associate position might be right for you if you like to talk to people. Here, you would be responsible for taking orders, answering questions, and ensuring KFC customers have a positive experience.
Management Roles
If you are a leader, consider a managerial position. Shift Supervisors have a scheduled time to oversee operations, direct staff members, and ensure customers are happy. Managers are key in providing leadership, managing logistics, and achieving key sales targets.
Corporate Roles
In KFC’s corporate offices, various roles exist in marketing, finance, human resources, and more. These positions offer opportunities to influence the strategic direction of the company.
Maintenance and Technical Roles
In these roles, you will ensure restaurant cleanliness and equipment maintenance to keep the place running smoothly and effectively.
- Age requirement – 16 for entry-level jobs. Managerial roles typically are higher plus require experience
- Legal work eligibility – Need proof to work in the United States. i.e., a Social Security number, a work permit, or a work visa
- Physical capabilities – Some positions require long periods of standing, the ability to lift a fair amount of weight, plus other physical demands
Skills for Success at KFC
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
KFC is a customer-centric business. Therefore, its employees best have excellent customer service interaction and communication skills regardless of their role.
Team members need to understand customer orders clearly, and managers need to take it up even a notch further because they serve as the liaison between the team, customers, corporate levels, and vendors.
Problem-Solving Skills
There are bound to be unexpected situations in a fast-food restaurant’s dynamic environment. Therefore, resolving issues proactively, including taking charge of a situation, such as a mix-up in an order, a breakdown in equipment, or a shortage of supplies, shows initiative and can be a great asset to a team.
Customer Service Skills
You must ensure that customers have a superb dining experience, address their problems quickly, and have your complete attention.
Organizational Skills (for Management Roles)
An effective manager keeps track of inventories, schedules employees’ shifts, maintains cleanliness and safety standards, and ensures all operations run smoothly. Having the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively can enhance your chances of advancing to management.
Application and Hiring Process at KFC
- Submitting your application – You may apply online at KFC’s website or in person by completing a hard copy of the application form. Double-check your application to ensure everything is complete and correct.
- Telephone Screening – A phone interview will occur next if your application is short-listed. The screener will verify your information, interest, and availability.
- In-Person Interview – You will meet with a manager or supervisor who will ask you a series of questions. For more detailed information regarding interview questions with KFC, please see Interview Questions at KFC Done the Right Way.
- Job Offer – If all goes well with the interview, you will receive a job offer! Remember, the time frame from interview to receiving a job offer may be only a few days, or it could span into a few weeks. Patience is needed, and follow-up is highly recommended.
KFC Job Tips
Tailor Your Application
When crafting your cover letter and resume, tailor it to the job description. Highlight your areas of expertise that are important for the role. For a customer service role, let your skills shine where you went the extra mile for a customer, for example.
Prepare for Your Interview
At KFC, you’re likely to be asked situational and behavioral questions that show how you’ve handled similar situations in the past. For instance:
“Tell me about a time when you delivered excellent customer service.”
“Describe a situation where you had to handle a difficult customer.”
Make sure you prepare impactful, real-life examples for these questions.
Understand the KFC Brand
Research the company well before going to the interview. Knowing their brand, mission, values, and customer service standards will serve you well, proving your sincerity for the position.
Follow-up
Within a day after your interview, email the interviewer politely thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the job.
Demonstrate Your Availability
KFC is open on weekends, holidays, and evenings in addition to regular hours. If your schedule is flexible, this can work to your advantage.
Positive Attitude
KFC’s priority is to create a positive, friendly environment for customers. Your positive attitude will make a positive difference in this environment.
Salary of a KFC Employee
Show me the money, right? Of course, compensation is vitally important when deciding on a job. Just keep in mind that your role, location, size of the restaurant, and experience can vary the pay for each position.
Entry Level – Team members, Cashiers, or Cooks – $12.36 per hour
Supervisory Role – Team lead or Shift Supervisor – $16.08 per hour
Managerial Role – Assistant Manager – $33,607 annually – Manager – $50,025 annually
Potential for Raises and Bonuses
A KFC employee’s earnings are boosted if they perform well, and store managers may receive bonuses based on the restaurant’s performance.
KFC Employee Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision plans
- Paid time off – Vacations, personal days, and sick days
- Meal discounts -Yum!
- Training programs and professional growth opportunities
Good Luck to You!
As an encouraging career guide, I emphasize that each professional journey is distinct and filled with obstacles and triumphs. Regardless of your route, there is always potential for personal and professional development. So, bolster your confidence, embrace your skills, and navigate toward your ideal job because you possess the capability, and the perfect job awaits you!
If you’re aspiring to join the KFC team, leverage the expertise of our career coaches.
With personalized guidance, we are here to assist you in tailoring your application, highlighting your inherent strengths and relevant skills to make you stand out.
This crucial step can significantly enhance your prospects of securing the position; let’s embark on this journey towards your ambitious career at KFC.