17 Wingstop Interview Questions (Know What to Expect)

Are you preparing for an interview at Wingstop, the popular aviation-themed restaurant chain specializing in chicken wings?

If so, you know how nerve-wracking it can be to walk into a room and face unfamiliar questions from the interviewer.

But what if you could walk into that interview with confidence and clarity, knowing exactly what to expect and how to respond?

In this blog post, we’ll reveal the most common Wingstop interview questions and sample responses to help you get the job offer you desire.

With these insider tips, you’ll have the advantage of anticipating how to convey why you’re the perfect fit for the position at Wingstop.

Let’s dive in…

Wingstop Company Information

As you prepare for your Wingstop job interview, doing research to understand the company and its business is crucial.

With a firm grasp of the company’s background and operations, you can speak with confidence and demonstrate a real passion for the role and brand.

Additional facts:

• Origin Insight: Founded by Antonio Swad, who also started the Dallas-area pizza restaurant Pizza Patrón, Wingstop was his solution to the saturated pizza market in the 1980s.
• Rapid Growth: From its inception in 1994, Wingstop has skyrocketed to approximately 1,500 U.S. locations today, ranking it amongst America’s largest chain restaurants.
• Public Affair: In 2015, Wingstop went public, allowing fans and investors to buy shares of the company.
• Star Endorsement: NFL legend Troy Aikman, apart from being a Wingstop spokesman, profited significantly when the company went public in 2015.
• Impressive Expansion: In 2020 alone, Wingstop added a staggering 153 stores, surpassing giants like Taco Bell and Wendy’s.
• Stellar Revenue: Witnessing a 31% sales surge in 2020, Wingstop’s total system-wide sales rocketed by over $600 million within two years.
• Global Vision: With aspirations of establishing 4,000 outlets in the U.S. and 3,000 internationally, Wingstop is on a relentless expansion spree.
• Canadian Invasion: Wingstop announced its plan to launch 100 locations in Canada over the next decade, starting with Toronto in 2022.
• Fan-Driven Flavors: In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Wingstop introduced six fan-inspired wing flavors, acknowledging the creative remixes shared by enthusiasts on social media.
• Rapper’s Delight: Rick Ross, beyond being a die-hard fan, owns a whopping 25 Wingstop franchises.
• Digital Ordering: Pioneering in its digital efforts, Wingstop enabled ordering through Twitter, Facebook Messenger, and even via SMS text.
• Innovative Offerings: Amidst a chicken wing shortage in 2021, Wingstop ingeniously launched “Thighstop”, promoting chicken thighs.
• Future Glimpse: Aiming for 100% digital transactions, Wingstop recently opened a “restaurant of the future” in Dallas, exclusively catering to delivery, takeout, and digital payments.

Read on to prepare for the upcoming interview questions to show Wingstop why you’re the perfect candidate to help advance their flavorful mission.

Wingstop Mission Statement

To Serve the World Flavor

Wingstop Interview Questions

Can you tell me about yourself and your background?

This open-ended question is an opportunity to highlight relevant experience, skills, and passions that would be valuable for the role and company.

Some key things to cover:

• Career Milestones: Discuss major achievements and relevant experience that resonate with the role.
• Skill Set: Elaborate on skills that make you stand out, like outstanding customer service or a consistent track record in achieving sales targets.
• Shared Passion: Speak about your alignment with Wingstop’s values, perhaps your love for fresh, zesty food, or the appeal of the brand’s youthful image.
• Reasons for Change: Clearly explain why you’re looking for a new opportunity and how Wingstop fits into that vision.
• Future Aspirations: Discuss where you see yourself in the future and how this role aligns with those ambitions.

🎯 Pro Tip: Think of this as your movie trailer. Give them just enough to want the full feature.

 

Why are you interested in working for Wingstop?

As a Wingstop job candidate, demonstrating a genuine passion for the company and role is key to winning the interviewer over. This question is your chance to highlight what specifically appeals to you about the brand and position.

Strategies to Ace This Question:

1. Know Your Facts: Familiarize yourself with Wingstop’s ethos, mission, and offerings.
2. Relevant Interests: Draw parallels between your past experiences or personal interests and the company. For instance, if you’ve been a part of the restaurant industry or are a fan of bold flavors, highlight that connection.
3. Career Path: Share how this position is a stepping stone to your broader career goals.
4. Be Genuine: Above all, ensure your enthusiasm is palpable and authentic.

Here’s a sample answer:

 

What are your strengths and what unique skills would you bring to Wingstop?

This interview question asks you to sell yourself and demonstrate why you’re a great fit for the role and the company. But a common mistake is giving generic answers like “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m detail-oriented.”

To stand out, you need to specifically relate your skills to Wingstop and the requirements of the job. Do your homework to understand Wingstop’s brand, culture, and key initiatives. Then, reflect on your relevant experience and strengths, tying them back to what would benefit Wingstop.

Recommendations to Frame Your Answer:

1. Evidence-Based: Back up your claims with solid evidence. If you’re pitching your management skills, demonstrate it with a success story.
2. Soft Skills: Shed light on the soft skills you bring to the table, like your knack for problem-solving or creativity. Explain how you’ve honed these skills and how they would help you thrive in Wingstop’s environment. For example, you might say you’re an adept communicator who can bring leadership teams and frontline crew together.
3. Brand Alignment: Discuss your genuine appreciation for Wingstop and how it aligns with your personal and professional values.
4. Stay Focused: Stick to 2-3 main strengths that tie back to Wingstop’s needs.

Here’s an example:

 

What are some of your weaknesses?

It’s natural to tread lightly here, but with a strategic approach, you can turn this tricky question into an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness and maturity.

Guidelines for Addressing This Question:

1. Be Genuine: Opt for an authentic, minor weakness. For instance, “I can sometimes be a tad impatient, striving for quick results. However, I’ve been focusing on balancing efficiency with thoroughness.” OR “I’m still working on strengthening my public speaking skills. I continue to take opportunities to present in meetings at my current job and participate in Toastmasters to build my confidence and effectiveness.”
2. Continuous Improvement: Explain what you’re doing to address it. The key is to show you’re self-aware and proactively working to improve. Discuss any steps you’re taking, like additional training, setting goals, or practicing a new approach.
3. Reiterate Strengths: Conclude by bringing the conversation back to your strengths and your enthusiasm for the role at Wingstop.

Sample Answer:

 

How would you effectively lead and manage a team of fellow crew members? Describe your leadership style.

Navigating leadership roles in fast-casual establishments like Wingstop requires a combination of hands-on and strategic approaches.

When posed with such a question, your answer should exhibit the following elements:

• A service-oriented mindset: Begin by stressing the importance of fostering a service-centric ethos in the team, emphasizing Wingstop’s commitment to swift, amiable service.
• A practical, hands-on style: Express that, while now in a leadership role, you’re not averse to diving into frontline tasks, providing real-time coaching and acknowledging standout performances.
• Communication and accountability: Elaborate on your approach to maintaining clarity in communication, ensuring everyone knows the day’s objectives. This also includes regular feedback sessions, celebrating wins, and proactive problem-solving.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Given the dynamic, fast-casual nature of the role and business, convey that you are flexible in how you lead and adapt your style based on team and customer needs. Your answer should show that you can thrive in a changing work environment and lead the team to do the same.

Here’s an example answer:

 

Which Wingstop wing flavor do you like the most and why?

This may seem like a casual question about personal taste, but it’s actually a strategic question to assess a few key things:

• Your understanding of Wingstop’s brand and flavors. Mentioning flavor profiles shows you did your homework on the concept.
• Your ability to make a reasonable choice and back it up. Randomly picking a flavor won’t cut it. Explain your preferences and reasoning.
• Your personality and “fit” for the brand. Wingstop wants someone passionate who can speak authentically to the flavors and experience. Let your personality shine through in your answer.

To tackle this, here’s what we would recommend:

• Do your research. Check out Wingstop’s website and social media to see how they describe their flavors. Note the profiles of at least 3-4 favorites as potential options.
• Choose a flavor you genuinely enjoy and can speak to personally. Don’t just pick one at random. Whether it’s the heat of Atomic or the Garlic Parmesan, pick one you have tried and can talk about.
• Explain your reasoning and speak enthusiastically. Share what you like about the flavor profile and any memories around that flavor. Show your passion for the taste and experience. Keep things concise but authentic.

Here’s an example:

 

Do you have any previous food service or cooking experience?

The key is to interpret this experience broadly and highlight relevant skills, even if you don’t have direct experience in the food industry.

Your answer should provide an inclusive view of your experience, emphasizing transferable skills.

• Broad Service Experience: Discuss any customer service experience you have, like in retail or hospitality. Focus on skills that apply to Wingstop, such as taking complex orders, handling complaints, or working well as part of a team during busy periods.
• Cooking Insights: Highlight cooking or kitchen experience you have, even if informal. Maybe you regularly cook for family or friends and can discuss skills and safety practices that would apply to working at Wingstop. Mention how you can quickly learn their particular recipes or processes.

A sample answer might be:

 

Can you give us an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer?

This a common one, and for good reason. Employers want to hire candidates who will truly care about the customer experience and be willing to go the extra mile.

As an interviewee, this is your opportunity to share a story that showcases your customer service skills and passion for delivering wow experiences.

For a role at Wingstop, you’ll want to focus your story on food service.

Maybe you noticed a regular customer waiting a long time for their order due to a problem in the kitchen, so you jumped in to help cook and expedite their food so they could get their meal quickly and save them from a poor experience.

Or perhaps a customer had a complaint about their order and you swiftly remade it or offered them a courtesy discount or free item to remedy the situation.

Show how you took initiative to resolve issues and leave a lasting positive impression.

Here’s a sample story you could share:

 

Will you be able to perform well in a busy, fast-paced work environment?

Wingstop restaurants are fast-casual, high-volume operations. The interviewer wants to know if you can handle the intense, action-packed atmosphere.

• Highlight relevant experience. If you have experience in food service or retail, mention how you’ve worked efficiently and accurately during busy rushes. Discuss how you stayed organized and didn’t get frazzled. If you don’t have direct experience, discuss times you’ve thrived under tight deadlines or fast work paces in other roles.
• Emphasize a strong work ethic. Explain that you’re someone who is dedicated, diligent, and able to push yourself when needed. Highlight that you don’t get overwhelmed easily and you’re able to tune out distractions and focus on the task at hand. Mention that you’re able to take directions well and won’t need constant hand-holding.
• Commit to delivering great experiences. Note that you understand how important quick, friendly service is to the Wingstop experience. Explain that you’re committed to a high-quality experience for every customer, even during the busiest periods. Your goal would be to work hard to ensure no one is waiting or wanting for anything.

Here’s an example:

 

How would you handle a mistake you made on the job?

If you’ve been to a job interview before, there’s a good chance you’ve been hit with this curveball. So why do interviewers keep on asking it? 🤔

Here’s the deal:

Interviewers aren’t just trying to trip you up. They genuinely want to get a sneak peek into your mindset, and more importantly, your problem-solving skills. In other words, they want to see if you:

1. Own up to your mistakes.
2. Learn and grow from your errors.
3. Strategize to ensure the same mistakes don’t happen again.

But here’s the kicker when it comes to Wingstop:

Wingstop isn’t just any other place to work. Given the fast-paced nature and the intense focus on customer service, your answer needs a little extra spice 🌶️.

So, if you’re aiming to nail that role at Wingstop, here’s how to season your answer:

• Stay Cool Under Pressure: Let them know that no matter how heated things get in the kitchen (or the front of the house), you keep your composure.
• Be Solutions-Focused: It’s not just about admitting the mistake. It’s about what you do next. Do you find a way to quickly rectify the situation? Or do you melt down like cheese on a hot wing?
• Customer is King: The bottom line? Always, always prioritize the customer experience. Whether that means replacing an order or throwing in an extra side of fries, it’s all about making the customer happy.

In short? Mistakes happen. But if you can show you’re the kind of person who learns, adapts, and keeps the customer at the heart of everything? That’s golden. 🌟

Here’s a sample answer:

 

Can you give an example of a time when you had to work as part of a team to resolve a problem?

The Wingstop interviewer is looking for examples of how you collaborate with others to solve complex challenges.

You could give a generic answer. Or, you could serve up an answer that sizzles.

Here’s how to make your answer as tasty as Wingstop’s Lemon Pepper wings:

1. Choose the Perfect Story: Just like picking the juiciest wing, start with a relevant example. Maybe it’s that time you collaborated during a hectic lunch rush at a previous food service job. Or when you teamed up during a college project under tight deadlines. If it feels like something you might experience at a bustling Wingstop, you’re on the right track.
2. Zoom in on Your Role: Were you the one stirring the pot, aka the leader? Or perhaps you played peacemaker, ironing out team disagreements? Or maybe you were the detailed-oriented one, ensuring orders were precise. Outline your role clearly – it’s the seasoning that adds flavor to your story.
3. Spice it up with Challenges: Every great story has conflict. What roadblocks did the team encounter? Did you face a sudden equipment breakdown or a miscommunication about who’s doing what? Delving into these challenges showcases that you’re no stranger to the heat of the kitchen (or teamwork challenges).
4. Deliver the Delicious Outcome: Like the satisfying crunch of a perfectly cooked wing, focus on the results. Did the team end up delivering orders on time? Perhaps you found a more efficient system to handle rushes. By emphasizing the positive impact on customers or the business, you’re showing your commitment to results.
5. And Finally, Serve with Enthusiasm: Just as Wingstop’s wings are best served hot, deliver your answer with confidence and a splash of zest. Your energy can be just as compelling as the story itself.

Here’s an example of a strong response:

 

Where do you see yourself in your career in 5 years?

This is like the spicy buffalo wing of interview questions: tricky for some, but oh-so-satisfying when tackled right.

Here’s how to sauce up your answer for a position at Wingstop:

1. Know the Wingstop Way: Before diving in, make sure you’ve researched the lay of the Wingstop land. Are there specific roles or departments that catch your eye? Perhaps a progression from a team member to a shift manager, or even towards a franchise support role? Use this knowledge to tailor your answer. It’ll show you’re not only serious about the job, but also about your growth within Wingstop.
2. Build on What You’ve Got: Every wing starts with a juicy, tender piece of chicken. In the same vein, your future aspirations should be based on your current skills. Maybe you’ve dabbled in marketing, or you’ve a knack for operations management. Discuss how you plan to nurture these talents, ultimately benefiting Wingstop. Demonstrating a growth mindset is key.
3. Bring the Flavor with Passion: A wing without flavor is…well, plain. If you’ve been a fan of Wingstop’s Mango Habanero or their classic Lemon Pepper, say it! Connecting your answer to your personal experiences and passion for the brand takes your response from basic to bold.
4. Sprinkle with Humility: It’s one thing to be confident; it’s another to come off as overcooked. Talk about your ambitions with enthusiasm but remember to season it with modesty. Highlight that while you have goals, you’re fully aware of the hard work and dedication needed to achieve them.

Think of this answer as your own personal recipe. Combine your research, skills, passion, and humility to cook up a response that not only answers the question but leaves a lasting impression. After all, it’s the aftertaste that counts. 🍗🌟

Here’s an example:

 

Why is customer service so important in this industry?

Why is customer service so pivotal for Wingstop and restaurants? A few key reasons:

• It’s a competitive industry. There are plenty of other fast casual and quick serve restaurants vying for customers. Providing great service is a key way to differentiate and build loyalty.
• Word-of-mouth marketing. Whether it’s rave reviews or harsh complaints, what customers say about their experience carries a lot of weight. Service that wows leads to referrals and return visits. Lackluster service does the opposite.
• The experience matters more. These days, customers increasingly value the experience, not just the food. Being served promptly with a smile and attentive assistance enhances the experience and builds satisfaction and allegiance.

 

How would you deliver great service to Wingstop customers?

In your Wingstop interview, you NEED to show that you understand the crux of the business: world-class customer service.

How do you do that? Here’s the exact blueprint:

1. Friendly & Fast Greetings: As soon as customers walk in, hit them with that friendly smile and make sure they feel welcome. Think about having menus at the ready and being swift with taking orders.
2. Always On-The-Ball: This isn’t just about speed. It’s about accuracy too. Break down the menu items for them, jot down orders without missing a beat, and address any concerns without a delay.
3. Make It Personal: Want to win a customer over? Remember their name. Recall their last order. Build a genuine connection. And if you can infuse your passion for Wingstop’s offerings in the conversation, that’s golden.
4. Own It: Mistakes happen. It’s how you handle them that sets you apart. Ensure order accuracy and, if things do go south, step up and set them right. And always, always thank customers for choosing Wingstop.

By focusing on these core principles, you’re not just answering a question. You’re demonstrating your readiness to be an integral part of the Wingstop family. And trust us: that’s a HUGE step towards standing out as the ideal candidate.

 

How would you deal with a challenging customer situation? Share an example from your past experience.

Look, every Wingstop interview is going to dive into how you deal with the not-so-happy customers.

Why? Because every restaurant has its fair share of challenging situations, and they want to make sure you’re equipped to handle them.

Here’s how to ace this question:

1. Pick a Real-World Example: Dive deep into your memory bank. Ideally, something from the food or retail sector. Paint a brief picture of the situation, so they know what you were up against.
2. Keep Your Cool: Emphasize this. Interviewers want to hear that even when the world (or the customer) was on fire, you were the picture of calm.
3. Master of Active Listening: Drop in details about how you didn’t just hear, but listened to the customer. Maybe even mention how you mirrored their concerns back to them, ensuring they felt understood.
4. Own It, Apologize, & Resolve: Highlight this trifecta. First, you owned up. Then, delivered a genuine apology. And finally, rolled up those sleeves and got to work fixing the situation.
5. Seal The Deal: It’s not just about handling the situation. It’s about ensuring a win at the end. Talk about how your efforts turned things around and left the customer satisfied.

For example:

 

What’s your availability for work? Are you available to work nights/weekends if needed?

When you’re eyeing a role at a place like Wingstop, they’re likely going to grill you (pun intended) about your working hours.

They want to know if you have the flexibility to meet the needs of the business, which for many restaurants like Wingstop means working nights and weekends.

Your answer to this question can make or break your chances of getting the job.

Here’s a roadmap to craft your answer:

1. Do The Groundwork: Don’t wing it (okay, last pun, promise). Know Wingstop’s hours. Mention you’re well aware of their late nights and weekend bustle. A little homework can set you apart.
2. Sync with The Role: Ask the interviewer about the typical shifts or hours for this specific position. Then emphasize how you can meet or exceed those needs. If the role regularly requires nights/weekends, affirm that you are available and willing to work those hours. Being open and flexible is highly valued.
3. A Pinch of Your Personal Situation: Got other commitments? Briefly touch on them, but follow up with your flexible slots. Example: “While mornings work best due to family, I’m ready to serve up wings on nights and weekends.”
4. Service-First Approach: Drive home that you’re there for the customer. Stress on availability during peak times, because, well, wings wait for no one.

For example:

 

What is your understanding of Wingstop’s brand and menu?

This interview question evaluates if you’ve done your homework to understand the company and role, as well as your ability to articulate a strategic, customer-focused perspective.

To prepare, do research on Wingstop’s brand positioning, key menu items, and company story.

Some things to understand:

1. Wingstop’s Brand Essence: At its core, Wingstop champions the art of the authentic wing. It’s not just food, it’s an experience: easy-going, fresh, and flavored to perfection.
2. Dive into the Menu: Wings dominate, but there’s more. Recall those tempting sides like crispy fries and the signature flavors: Original Hot and Lemon Pepper, just to name a few.
3. A Brand On The Move: Grasp the growth story. Wingstop isn’t resting on its wings. They’re soaring through franchising and digital realms to reach more famished fans.

With this context, here’s a sample answer:

 

Questions to Ask the Interviewer in Wingstop Interview

So, you’ve navigated the Wingstop interview minefield and think you’re out of the woods? Think again.

At the tail end of almost every interview, you’ll likely hear: “Do you have any questions for us?” This is not a throwaway moment. It’s an opportunity to not only show your genuine interest but also that you came prepared.

To showcase your proactive mindset, consider asking these insightful questions:

• What career growth opportunities are there for this position at Wingstop?
• What’s the typical career path for someone in this role?
• What are some of the current challenges facing this role/department/Wingstop?
• What’s the company culture like at Wingstop?
• What’s most important to the company in terms of values and work ethic?
• Can you describe the key values that define the company culture at Wingstop, and how they influence daily operations?
• How has Wingstop’s expansion strategy evolved over the past few years, especially with the push into digital?
• Could you walk me through a typical day for someone in this role? What are the main challenges they might face?
• How does the team typically collaborate, especially during peak hours?
• How does feedback work here? Are there regular performance reviews or touchpoints?
• Where do you see Wingstop in the next 5 years, especially with changing consumer preferences?
• What kind of training and development opportunities does Wingstop provide for its employees to grow?
• What are the next steps in the interview process?
• When can I expect to hear back from you?

The key for all questions is to listen thoughtfully to the answers and ask follow-up questions. Feel free to adapt these suggestions to your unique experience and what you want to get out of the role.

 

Wingstop Hiring Process

Knowing what to expect during the Wingstop hiring process can help calm those pre-interview jitters and give you the confidence boost you need to put your best foot forward.

Here’s an inside scoop on the Wingstop hiring process:

1. Job Application

The first step is submitting an application online or in-person with your resume.

2. Pre-screening

Within a few days, you may get a call or email to come in for an initial interview.

3. Interview

Don’t be nervous! Wingstop interviews are low-pressure and focused on getting to know you. The store manager or franchise owner will spend 15-30 minutes asking about your availability, customer service skills, and basic qualifications. You’ll chat right there in the restaurant so they can show you around and give you a feel for the workplace environment.

For corporate or higher level roles, there may be multiple interviews required over several weeks.

4. Same Day Hiring

The best part? Many candidates are hired on the spot or within the same day. If you wow them in the interview, you could walk out with a new job. Pretty sweet deal.

5. Background Check

Of course, you’ll still need to provide IDs for a routine background check before formally joining the team. But the manager will give you all those details during the hiring discussion.

6. Onboarding

Once hired, you may start as early as the next day! The training is primarily on-the-job, so you’ll learn as you go. Just come ready to work hard and provide top-notch service.

 

Wingstop Interview Tips

When interviewing with Wingstop, be your friendly, enthusiastic self. Smile, make eye contact, and express your passion for serving delicious food and providing great customer experiences. Share examples of how you’ve gone above and beyond for customers in past jobs. Ask questions to show your interest in the company.

 

What to Wear to Wingstop Interview

Now comes the pivotal question we all ask before an interview – what do I wear?

The key to selecting the perfect attire? Embrace the golden rule of interview dressing: Mirror the company’s dress code to resonate with their professional vibe.

Let’s delve into what this means for your Wingstop interview.

The dress code at Wingstop is a uniform shirt and a black hat provided by the company, jeans, and black, non-slip shoes. Facial piercings are prohibited, but two earrings per ear are allowed. Gauges have a length restriction, and unconventional hair colors need managerial approval.

Let’s figure out how to translate this into interview attire that makes a statement.

For roles like Team Member, Crew Member, Cashier, Cook, and Shift Leader, you’re safe sticking to a casual or business casual ensemble. Think clean jeans or khakis paired with a neat polo or blouse.

If you’re vying for a position as an Assistant Manager or General Manager, it’s time to elevate your attire to business casual. A crisp pair of trousers paired with a well-fitted shirt or blouse can strike the right balance of professionalism and approachability.

For those of you with your sights set on a role in the Corporate Office, embrace business formal attire. We’re talking tailored suits, pristine blouses or shirts, and polished shoes.

With these guidelines in hand, you’re not just prepared – you’re set to shine!

 

Conclusion

By understanding the core Wingstop interview questions, you are well-prepared to highlight your relevant experience and perspectives. However, the key to any successful interview is authenticity—allow your genuine passion and personality to shine through in your responses.

This inside look at Wingstop’s interview is intended as an empowering glimpse behind the curtain, not a trick or a template. The questions are a starting point for getting to know you, not boxes to check off. So walk into your next interview with the assurance that being your authentic self is what will lead to the best mutual fit and opportunity.

And even after a successful interview with Wingstop, it’s wise to continue applying to other companies that align with your career goals and values. For example, companies like Zaxby’s, Popeyes, Buffalo Wild Wings, Wings Over, Wing Zone, Hooters, and KFC may also be worth considering.

Beyond one particular interview, maintain determination and perseverance in your broader job-seeking process. Submitting multiple applications and going through several interview rounds is often required to land the right opportunity.

Remember, the interview is just one step on your journey towards a fulfilling and successful career. So, keep sending out those applications and never give up on your dreams.