I applied online. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at Chipotle (Chicago, IL) in Aug 2013
Interview
They are building a new Chipotle and had a sign saying apply online. I applied on a Friday and received an email on Saturday telling me to come in the following Mon between 1-5. Chipotle has a 3 interview "rule"; basically its with whomever is in charge first, then the general manger and finally the crew. I figured it would be group interviews since the time was so open and when I got there it was me and another person. At 1pm no one was there, the general manager and apprentice showed up later, closer to 1:30. By that time there was 7 of us; one person was there for a 2nd interview so I was placed with the other 5. The interview lasted over an hour and things were going well because I knew a lot about the Chipotle culture, plus I was the most experienced; everyone else was under 21 with either no experience or 1 prior job. Maybe 3 hours after the 1st interview I was called in for a 2nd interview 2 days later. I got there early and was then mostly interviewed by the general manager, who must of thought I was boring because she was not at all focused on what I had to say. The interview lasted maybe 30 mins with a promise, because she did not say MIGHT but you WILL get an email telling you when to come in for a 2nd interview. I knew I wouldn't get the job because I was too old (I am only 29) and that they really only wanted young inexperience employees to mold into the perfect cult. Sure enough almost a week later I got an email saying i was not what they were looking for.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
They ask why they shouldn't hire you....do not be honest and list a fault. I believed honesty is always the best policy and I told them i was a bit shy around coworkers. This company is not really about the customers but about how much fun you can have at work.
Easy, straight forward questions. Started as a group interview and ended up being offered the job along with 2 other people. It was very casual and no pressure. Interviewer was friendly.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Explain a time when you handled an upset customer?
Asked questions about what positions work best for you, why you want to work there, what makes you a good fit there, where you see yourself in 5 years. Very simple and open to answer any questions I had
I applied online. I interviewed at Chipotle (Los Angeles, CA) in May 2026
Interview
Very brief, was only asked a few questions. I felt a decision about not hiring me was made before the interviewer even sat down. I suspect the interviewer was not accustomed to interviewing and may actually only standing in for a manager that was not working that day