Pinkberry Interview Questions
& Process

As a regular customer, I was always interested in working at Pinkberry. I applied online via snagajob.com and then called them. I was invited to an open interview on Saturday. It turned out to be a group interview with about 13 candidates. We started by introducing ourselves and sharing our summer plans. After refilling out applications, we were given blank paper and asked to create a poem, rap, song, poster, or skit about Pinkberry. Most people drew pictures and described it as a healthy snack. I mentioned it seems like a happy and enjoyable workplace due to its vibrant colors. Then, we were divided into groups of three. Each group received a plastic cup and was tasked with finding multiple uses for it without any modifications. It was a fun activity, despite one group member not contributing. Finally, candidates were called individually for some factual questions. Most attendees were college students, with only a few other 17-year-olds like me. The pay is $8.50/hr, which is $0.50 above minimum wage, and everyone shares closing shifts on Fridays or Saturdays.

I saw an ad on Craigslist for Pinkberry and applied for a Shift Leader role. I sent my resume and explained I knew about Pinkberry because of its popularity with stars. Ten days later, I got an email with a .doc application attached. After I sent it, they called the next day to set up an interview, but I missed it. I tried calling back, but no answer. I emailed them, and they set up an interview. The interview was like an "audition" in a group of about 20 people. The managers said it would be "American Idol-esque." We were given a sample of the yogurt, information about its health benefits and history. Then, we had 15 minutes to prepare a 30-second commercial about Pinkberry and present it individually. Most commercials focused on healthiness. After that, they split us into two groups and dismissed one. I was in the dismissed group. The group they kept seemed to be younger people looking for their first job and one older lady. I was okay with not getting the job because I didn't like the yogurt, the store felt cramped, and they had already hired shift leads, offering swirler positions at $8/hour.

The interview process involved introducing yourself to a partner and then repeating what you learned about them. Then, you had to come up with a commercial, poem, or song about pink berry. Finally, in groups of three, you had to brainstorm ways to sell cups. I don't think they take this hiring process seriously. The first time I tried, only two people who seemed fit got the job. The second time, two ditzy girls were chosen. It really depends on the location you go for the job 'audition.' I've had the bad luck of being interviewed by men; it seems the women actually pick future employers with their heads on their shoulders.

My friend, a favored employee, recommended me. The general manager called me the night before the audition for 7pm, asking me to arrive early as the doors would close then. The audition was at a construction company they use as HQ. There were 13 interviewees total, and I was the first one there. The manager introduced herself and then did an impression of my friend's squeaky voice, which was unprofessional. In the meeting room, an employee dressed in plain clothes joined us, posing as another interviewee to observe us. The manager didn't close the doors at 7pm as stated, but waited until 7:30 and even let a random person apply on the spot, even though it was supposed to be an invite-only event. They spent too much time talking about Pinkberry and explaining that it's not an easy job, emphasizing they look for hard, 'SHARP' employees who embody 1- service first, 2- high energy, 3- appreciation, 4- respect, and 5- passion. The questions and tasks assigned felt insulting and were the wrong way to find serious, long-term workers.