Recently I had the occasion to hear an owner/operator of Chick-fil-A speak about customer service and what separates them from all other fast food restaurants.  “Our people make the difference!”  Because Chick-fil-A places tremendous emphasis on making customers “feel like family,” they are extremely careful and meticulous about what they look for in potential customer service associates.  It doesn’t matter if you are 15 or 80 years of age, there are 7 characteristics you must possess in order to be considered for hire:

1.  A SMILE on your face.

A smile on your face indicates that you have a “serving spirit” and a love for helping others.  When a customer walks in the door of Chick-fil-A, it is understood that this could very well be the first time that customer has ever been into their restaurant.  They want that customer to be greeted with a warm smile that makes them feel at home.

2.  Enthusiasm

Chick-fil-A believes that having a positive attitude is a choice that all of its associates must make.  Enthusiasm is contagious and employees feed off of each other creating an exciting atmosphere to work in.  Their team’s energy creates an unforgettable experience for the customer.

3.  Eye Contact

When you look someone in the eye it shows you have a high level of attentiveness to their needs.   One of Chick-fil-A’s priorities is to make emotional connections with its customers, and eye contact is necessary to make this happen.  When you ask for the application and meet with the manager, make sure you make appropriate, tasteful eye contact.  If you can make an emotional connection with the manager, then you are one step closer to hearing, “You’re hired!”.

4.  Good Grades and Decisions

Chick-fil-A expects their employees to work hard and grades are reflection of the effort you are willing to put in when you are on the clock.  Making good choices shows you are interested in protecting your personal brand and implies you will protect Chick-fil-A’s brand as well.

5.  “Coachability”

Your ability to accept and apply the training and instruction provided will be critical to your success.  Student applicants are often asked, “What is
some of the best criticism you have received?”  Be prepared to share feedback you have received and how you implemented it to make improvements.

6.  Personal Development

“What do you do in your free time?” is a common question asked of students who apply at Chick-fil-A.  They want to know you are goal oriented and interested in developing as a person and employee.   It is important that your free time activities are closely tied to the goals you have set for yourself.

7.  Community Involvement

Your level of involvement in your neighborhood and community shows you are concerned about others and want to make a difference.   “Tell me about a time when you helped someone else?”  Your ability to effectively answer this question will display your compassion for others and indicate how you will potentially treat and serve customers.

If you possess these 7 characteristics then you are well on your way to gainful employment at Chick-fil-A or any company that prides itself in providing exemplary customer service.  Learn more about setting yourself apart.

“There are three types of students: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who say ‘what happened?‘,” Brooks Harper told an audience of freshmen and sophomores at Manning High School on Thursday, Dec.15…… CLICK HERE  to read article.