The famed American fast food chain, Whataburger, known for its distinctive A-framed, orange and white-striped buildings is not only an iconic dining spot, but also a prominent employer across the Southern states and beyond.
If you’re interested in getting a job at Whataburger, this guide is for you. In this guide, I’ll go over everything you need to know about working at Whataburger, including the variety of job opportunities, the requirements for each role, how to ace the application process, and what to expect during the hiring process.
We’ll also review potential interview questions and gain insights into what Whataburger looks for in potential employees. On top of that, we will discuss potential earnings, the myriad of benefits that Whataburger offers, and why countless employees have made their careers under the orange and white roof.
So, whether you’re a high school student looking for your first job, a college graduate ready to start your career, or a seasoned professional seeking a new field, let’s jump in. Here’s what you need to know about getting a job at Whataburger.
Job Opportunities at Whataburger
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of a company that offers growth and progression. And, even though it’s a fast food chain, Whataburger fits this description perfectly, providing opportunities for both entry-level applicants and individuals looking to advance their management careers.
Here are a couple of the positions you can apply for if you want to work at Whataburger.
Team Members
For those just embarking on their career journey or looking for a job that fits perfectly into their high school or college schedule, Whataburger has roles such as:
- Cashier
- Team Member
- Cook
Team Members are the backbone of every Whataburger outlet, showcasing their skills in customer service, food preparation, and creating a welcoming environment. One thing to note is that this company operates 24/7. So, you can have quite a bit of flexibility as to which shift you pick up.
Team Leaders
If you show drive and commitment, there’s plenty of room to grow at Whataburger. Team Leaders are the next step up from Team Member positions, leading a small team while also building their skills in leadership and management.
Assistant Manager and General Manager Roles
Managers play an essential role in overseeing the restaurant operations and ensuring the team stays motivated, consistent, and focused on delivering excellent customer service and delicious meals with every order.
Area Manager and Director of Operations
If you’re a seasoned professional with an eye for macro-level strategy, these may be positions to aspire to. These roles require not only strong leadership skills but also a knack for business planning, employee development, and overall operational oversight of multiple restaurants in an area.
Requirements for a Job at Whataburger
Beginning your job search, whether it’s at Whataburger or another company, can feel a bit daunting, especially when navigating the requirements of each potential employer. When it comes to securing a position at Whataburger, there are a few common prerequisites across the board, as well as role-specific criteria.
No matter what position you’re aiming for, remember that these requirements are primarily there to ensure that both you and the company find a perfect match.
Let’s take a look at a few of these requirements so that you can start working at this fast-food chain.
Minimum Age Requirement
First things first: you need to be at least 16 years old to work at Whataburger. This entry-level age requirement is relatively standard in the fast food industry and ensures the company maintains compliance with child labor laws while offering valuable job opportunities to young people.
Just remember that some states have higher minimum working ages than 16. If you live in one of these states, even though Whataburger hires people as young as 16, you won’t be able to start a job at this company.
Job-Specific Requirements
Depending on the position you’re seeking, there might be additional requirements. For instance, in management roles, a high school diploma is typically required, along with previous experience in a similar role.
Signing up for a management position also means taking on responsibilities that include inventory management, scheduling shifts, training new employees, and ensuring regular maintenance and cleaning tasks are completed. So, you may need to have some training experience under your belt or be able to showcase other evidence of managerial understanding.
Whataburger Hiring Process
As an aspiring Whataburger employee, it is important that you understand the hiring process.
From the moment you submit your application to the time you receive a job offer, the process is simple and straightforward but calls for your commitment and preparation.
Here’s what the hiring process at Whataburger typically looks like.
Submission and Review of Application by Hiring Manager
The first thing that happens in the Whataburger hiring process is that candidates have to submit an application for a job. We’ll go into more detail about how to do this later.
After submission, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager. This process may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, so it’s important to stay patient.
Screening Interview
Next, if your application catches the eye of the hiring manager, you’ll be invited for a screening interview. This is typically over the phone and involves initial questions to gauge your interest and qualifications.
In-person Interview
Assuming all goes well with the screening, you’ll be invited for an in-person interview at the location you applied. Here you’ll meet with the hiring manager and potentially other leadership team members.
During the interview, you can expect more detailed questions about your skills, customer service abilities, and commitment to food hygiene and safety.
Job Offer
The final step of the hiring process is the job offer. You’ll be presented with a formal job offer inclusive of your position, compensation, and benefits package.
How to Apply for a Job at Whataburger
As you can see, the hiring process is pretty straightforward at Whataburger. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge, the next step is to apply for a job.
Taking the first step towards beginning a career at Whataburger is fairly straightforward and user-friendly. The process is conducted entirely online through their official website. Here’s how to apply for a job at Whataburger.
Visit the Whataburger Website
The initial step requires you to visit the Careers page of Whataburger’s website. Here, you’ll find a list of all open positions.
Choose a Position
Look through the variety of job listings to find one that suits your skills and interests. Each position includes a detailed description of the job role, responsibilities, working hours, and prerequisites.
Whether you’re interested in a team member role, a managerial position, or even a corporate job, there’s a spectrum of opportunities to choose from.
Create an Account
Before beginning your application, you’ll need to create an account on the website. This allows you to save your progress, making the application process more manageable.
Fill in the Application Form
After creating an account, you can dive into the application form. This involves entering your personal information, educational background, and work experience.
To give you an example, for the position of a Team Member, you would need to provide your contact details including your full name, address, email, and phone number. Next, you would enter your educational details and your work experience, if any.
Review and Submit
Once you’re satisfied with your answers, take one more thorough glance to ensure accuracy and completion, then hit the submit button.
That’s it! Now the waiting game begins, and if you’re lucky, you’ll hear back in a few days to a few weeks for a job interview.
Common Job Interview Questions at Whataburger
Let’s say that you submit your application and you’re called in for an interview. To make sure you ace this part of the hiring process, you’ll need to prepare properly.
One great way to prepare is by going over potential interview questions. Familiarizing yourself with some potential interview questions can go a long way in impressing your future employers.
Remember, the key to doing well in interviews is to showcase your skills and share how you can contribute to Whataburger’s success. Your potential employer wants to see not only that you have the skills to do the job well, but also that you are a good fit for their team. So, be authentic, stay confident, and you will shine in your job interview at Whataburger.
Let’s check out a couple of common job interview questions at Whataburger.
“Can you tell me about yourself?”
This is typically the first question you get asked in a job interview, and it’s not just a casual ice-breaker. It’s a chance for you to succinctly highlight what strengths and experiences make you a suitable candidate. Mention your past jobs, unique skills, and why you’re interested in the food industry.
“Why do you want to work for Whataburger?”
Employers love to see candidates who are genuinely interested in their company. Speak about what attracts you to Whataburger – it could be their commitment to serving high-quality food, their company culture, or opportunities for career growth.
“How would you handle a difficult customer?”
Customer service is key in the food industry. With this question, hiring managers want to see your problem-solving skills and how well you can keep your cool under stress. Provide a specific example from your past experiences, if possible. You can use the STAR interview method to fully answer this question.
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
This question assesses your long-term career aspirations. It’s okay if you don’t have a detailed plan yet, but make sure to tie in how working at Whataburger will contribute to your career growth.
“Can you describe a situation where you had to work as part of a team?”
At Whataburger, teamwork is important. Use this opportunity to speak about your experiences working in a team and how you contributed to your team’s success.
What Whataburger Looks for in Potential Employees
When hiring, Whataburger places a substantial emphasis on certain key qualities that align with their values and work culture. They are not just looking for employees; they’re looking for team members who will bring their own unique flavor to the iconic fast food chain.
Embodying these specific qualities can really increase your chances of landing a job in this prestigious fast food chain. Plus, adopting these qualities will tremendously support your personal and professional growth during your time at Whataburger.
Let’s check out what exactly these qualities are and how they relate to a job at Whataburger.
Enthusiasm for Customer Service
This is a key quality for Whataburger. If you genuinely enjoy engaging with people and have a knack for making someone’s day better, you’re already one step closer to being part of the team.
Team Players with Strong Communication Skills
Many employees commend the collaborative atmosphere at Whataburger. It’s vital for the smooth running of each restaurant that staff can work together effectively, relay information clearly, and positively contribute to the team dynamic.
Strong Work Ethic
This quality helps candidates stand out. Dedication, diligence, and a genuine desire to contribute to the company’s success are highly valued. Whataburger appreciates employees who can hold themselves accountable and strive for consistent growth in their roles.
Flexibility
Fast-paced environments like Whataburger require individuals who can adapt to changing situations, respond effectively to challenges, and multitask efficiently.
Whataburger Employee Salary
Every potential employee is curious about the financial aspect of landing a job at Whataburger, and rightly so! It’s essential to understand how much you can potentially earn when considering pursuing a career at Whataburger.
Just remember that the exact compensation can vary depending on the specific role, work experience, and region.
It’s also good to remember that salary is just part of the story when it comes to compensation. Whataburger also offers a range of bonus opportunities, including profit-sharing bonuses for its managers. So, the better your restaurant performs, the more you stand to gain. It’s a great incentive that aligns the interests of the company and its employees.
With that in mind, let’s go over what to expect in terms of compensation at Whataburger.
Entry-Level Compensation
A Team Member at Whataburger likely starts at a wage higher than the federal minimum wage. Don’t underestimate this role – it’s a crucial part of the Whataburger experience!
Team Members are usually earning around $7.50-$13 per hour to start and have the potential to earn more with time and experience.
Team Leader Compensation
Moving up the ladder, Team Leaders make a higher wage. On average, they can expect to earn anywhere from $14-$16 per hour. That definitely highlights the advantage of growing and advancing your career within the company.
Management Role Compensation
Here, we’re heading into a different earnings bracket. An Assistant Manager could expect a salary of around $21 per hour. And a General Manager? They stand to make over $60,000 a year, depending on the specific location of the restaurant and their level of experience.
Benefits of Working at Whataburger
Besides the salary it offers, Whataburger has a rewarding work environment filled with benefits and opportunities that genuinely enhance your job satisfaction and personal growth.
Let’s explore some of these benefits in greater detail.
Flexible Work Schedules
Whataburger understands the importance of work-life balance and provides flexible schedules that can accommodate your personal needs or commitments. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just someone with personal pursuits outside work, Whataburger is more than willing to help you maintain a healthy balance.
Competitive Employee Perks and Benefits
For instance, as a full-time employee, you’re eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance. In addition, Whataburger offers performance-based bonuses, letting you reap the monetary rewards of your hard work and dedication. The company also offers a 401(k) savings plan, meaning it’s never too early to start planning for your retirement.
Tuition Assistance Program
Amid the current rising costs of education, Whataburger shines as a beacon of hope with its tuition assistance program, providing financial aid for its employees’ educational pursuits. This exemplifies the company’s commitment to personal growth and development.
Career Growth and Development Opportunities
With concepts like Whataburger University, the company offers an array of training and development programs. Many employees progress from crew members to managerial positions and beyond, thanks to the company’s commitment to nurturing and promoting talent from within.
Diverse and Inclusive Work Environment
Whataburger promotes a warm and inclusive work environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone’s views are valued. This makes it an ideal place to meet new people, gain valuable experience, learn, and grow personally and professionally.
Next Steps
The range of jobs available at Whataburger is large and impressive, with positions to suit people at various stages of their career journey. Whether you’re just getting started and looking for a good solid launch pad like a Team Member Role, or if you’re a seasoned professional aiming to take on responsibilities in a managerial capacity, Whataburger provides a nurturing ground for all.
To wrap up, if you’re seeking a supportive work environment that offers competitive pay, ample opportunities for growth and development, and a scope to truly make an impact, then consider a career at Whataburger.
And, if taking the next step in your career still feels daunting, get personalized advice from one of our career coaches. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our career coaches are here to give you guidance to succeed in your Whataburger job interview and beyond.