Pret A Manger Interview Questions
& Process

I thought the experience was very positive overall and would love to work for PRET and passionate about customer experience and their values. It was a nice relaxed conversational interview process, and one of the most comfortable interview experiences I have had. I have no doubt I could perform the role to a high level and have done so every role I have ever had. However, I had not done enough to show this during the process and may have needed further prompts to evidence more experience.

The hiring process started with a headhunter who was tasked with finding candidates that fit the job requirements. After an initial screening, I had a first interview with the Country Manager France, to see if I was a good fit for the local market and the teams on the ground. Then, I had an interview with the local HR Manager, who checked the administrative, contractual, and cultural aspects of the role. Next, I talked with the Global Supply Chain team, to assess my technical skills, strategic alignment, and international operational experience. Finally, I had a last interview with the VP of Human Resources (VP HR) to confirm my overall fit with the company values and my potential for growth.

So, applying for a job at Pret A Manger is usually a few steps to see if you're a good fit and match our vibe. You usually start by applying online on our careers site, or sometimes you can just drop off your application at a store. Then, if they like your application, they might give you a call or meet you briefly to chat about your background and if you're free. If that goes well, you'll likely have an in-person chat with a manager to talk about your experience, how you handle customers, and if you'd fit in with the team. For many jobs, especially ones where you're out front like a barista, we also do a trial shift. This is where you'll work with others to show what you can do, how you adapt, and if you can handle the busy pace.

I submitted my online application, answering questions about my availability, why I wanted to work for Pret, and my skills and experience in management. After that, I got a phone call inviting me for an in-person interview, and we set a date and time. I met with the general manager, who looked at my application on the computer. She mostly talked about the role, Pret's business standards, how that specific shop runs, and answered my questions. It felt more like a casual chat than a formal interview. Then, she took me to the shop floor and had me work the till for a bit to see how I interact with customers and handle mild pressure. The whole thing took about 20-30 minutes. She mentioned she'd get feedback from the rest of the team about me and contact me later in the week.