Carl’s Jr.

Carl's Jr Jobs & Careers – Application, How to Apply, Requirements & Interview Tips

Last Updated: September 20th, 2019 by Noah Shaw

If you understand the art of creating the perfect burgers and the science behind a perfectly crispy French fry, then get ready to fill out and submit your Carl’s Jr. job application today.

Known for their delicious hamburgers, Carl’s Jr. started out in 1941 as a simple hot dog cart.

Through expansion, the brand grew to more hot dog carts and then the first restaurant, which was named Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue.

The company has expanded over the last 70 years and now has over 1,200 stores that offer employment to applicants ranging from crew members to district managers.

You can let your love of food shine through with a position at Carl’s Jr.

How to Apply for Employment at Carl’s Jr.

When applying for a position at Carl’s Jr., the most commonly used method is through their online application wizard.

Application Information

  • Minimum Age Requirement: The minimum age for employment at Carl’s Jr. is 16.
  • Hours of Operation: Carl’s Jr. is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Methods to Apply: Interested applicants can apply to Carl’s Jr. by submitting an online application through the company’s website. If applying at a Franchise location, applicants need to visit the store.

Searching for an Open Position

To find an open position with Carl’s Jr., you will need to first search for an opening. This can be done by using the search function on the website.

On the search page, you will need to enter in your zip code and a search radius. Click “Go” when ready.

All of the restaurants within the search radius you entered will be displayed. For restaurants labeled as a franchise, applicants will need to visit the individual store to apply for a position.

You can now check the box next to the stores that you are interested in applying for. You can select up to three stores maximum. Once the stores are checked, scroll to the bottom and click next.

Applying for a Job

After following the steps above, open positions of the selected stores will be displayed. You can view the details of the position or you can apply to the position by selecting the checkbox next to the position and clicking the “proceed to registration” button.

You will need to register on the site, which requires your personal information and the creation of security questions, username, and password.

After you fill out the registration page, you will be directed to answer questions about your right to work in the US along with your age.

You will now be directed to the application section, which asks for your personal details, education information, and previous work experience.

You will also be asked for your availability and you will need to agree to statements about the application.

The company does use the E-Verify system to check your social security number. This process is done to verify your right to work in the United States.

Application Tips

carls jr job application
As you fill out the information in your application, you may come across some questions that you do not know how to answer. It is important that you are always honest in the application as your employer may double check the information.

If you are unsure about some of the questions in the application, consider the following tips.

Your Availability is Key

When you are filling out your application, it is important that you are flexible with the time you can work. The more available you are, the more opportunities there will be.

For instance, if you are able to work all day Monday, you will be favored over someone who can only work between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Monday.

Include Your Work History

As you fill out your employment application, you need to include all of your work history. Make sure to fill in all of the blanks and try not to leave any information out.

If you have gaps in your employment, fill in the space with what you were doing. For instance, if you volunteered from January 2006 to May 2006, include that information.

Be Ready for a Drug Test

Carl’s Jr. has a strict drug and alcohol policy that is strictly enforced. You may be required to take a drug test prior to being offered employment with the company.

Submit Required Materials When Asked

You may be asked to provide additional information to prove your legal right to work. It is important that you provide these documents in a timely manner.

You may be asked for your social security card, driver’s license, birth certificate, or visa information. Be prepared and know where these items are.

Should You Follow Up?

You can follow up on the status of your application by logging back into the Carl’s Jr. website where you filled out the application.

You will be able to see the date you submitted the application and the status of it. If additional information is requested, it will be displayed here as well.

If you applied in person at one of the franchises, you can follow up with a phone call to the hiring manager. You should give the manager a couple of days to look through your application.

When you call the store, ask directly for the hiring manager. If he or she is unavailable, ask when a better time to call would be. Persistence is key.

Positions and Salary Information

Carl’s Jr. has a total of over 1,200 restaurants that employ thousands of employees. For over 70 years, Carl’s Jr. has provided delicious and affordable food.

  • Crew Person Production – A Crew Person in Production is responsible for properly preparing food for customers. This person will run all of the fryers, grills, and other equipment needed to make the food. As a Crew Person in Production, you can expect to make between $8 and $9 per hour.
  • Crew Person Hospitality – A Crew Person in the Hospitality sector will be responsible for providing quality customer service and helping customers order food. The Crew Person keeps the restaurant clean and delivers quality service. As a Crew Person in Hospitality, you can expect to make between $8 and $9 per hour.
  • Shift Leader – The Shift Leader is responsible for overseeing all of the Crew Members. The Shift Leader will be expected to meet goals that are set forth. As a Shift Leader, you can expect to make between $9 and $11 per hour.
  • General Manager – The General Manager is responsible for all of the activities that go on in the restaurant. He or she will provide an exceptional customer service experience. As a general manager, you can expect to make between $30,000 and $55,000 per year.
  • District Manager – The District Manager is responsible for all of the operations that occur in the restaurant. He or she will oversee the performance of all restaurants in an assigned district. As a District Manager, you can expect to make between $69,000 and $76,000 per year.

Best Entry-Level Positions

Carl’s Jr. hires employees for entry-level positions in their restaurants. These positions are responsible for providing superior customer service.

Whether this is your first position or you want to move up the chain into a manger role, you will find that Carl’s Jr. has the opportunities you desire.

Crew Person Production

The Crew Person in Production is responsible for making sure that all food in the restaurant is cooked according to food safety guidelines and Carl’s Jr.

This person will run the fry station, cook station, biscuit making area, grill station, and any other stations that require the prepping or production of food.

The Crew Person in Production is also required to provide quality customer service and maintain the cleanliness of their areas.

Crew Person Hospitality

The Crew Person in Hospitality is responsible for the service the customer receives. He or she will provide the best customer service available.

In this role, the Crew Person will keep the restaurant clean by ensuring tables are ready to eat on and the floors swept.

The Crew Person in Hospitality also operates the cash register, manages the drive-thru window, and helps customers order food.

Carl’s Jr. Careers in Management

carls jr careers
Carl’s Jr. offers a number of management positions in their restaurants. Employees in-house are able to transition into these roles as well. The company offers many benefits for employees from paid sick and vacation time to health and dental insurance options.

The management positions at Carl’s Jr. are a great opportunity for anyone looking to secure a career.

Shift Leader

The Shift Leader is responsible for overseeing the production of the Crew Members. He or she will need to ensure that all employees are meeting daily and weekly goals.

The Shift Leader is responsible for all of the activities that go on in the restaurant and he or she answers to the General Manager.

General Manager

The General Manager is responsible for the restaurant’s day-to-day activities. He or she will manage employees, recruit new hires, and train all employees.

The General Manager will also ensure all employees are meeting performance goals and that the restaurant is making sales.

District Manager

The District Manager is responsible for all of the operational activities that go on in the restaurant. He or she will oversee all restaurants within their assigned district and should work closely with General Managers to help improve the store’s profitability.

The District Manager will also create and help execute financial and operational plans. In this role, the District Manager leads by example and will work to help market each restaurant.

Interview Questions and Tips

Carl’s Jr. is dedicated to providing friendly service to all customers who enter into the restaurant. In addition, the team at Carl’s Jr. believes in teamwork and expects all employees to work together to prepare and serve food.

Throughout your interview, you may be asked some difficult questions that you do not know how to answer. These tips below will help steer you in the right direction.

Can You Work with a Team?

Since teamwork is the heart and soul of Carl’s Jr., you will likely be asked how you work with others and what you can do to work as a team.

How Would You Handle an Upset Customer?

At some point in time, you may be faced with an angry or upset customer. You may be asked throughout the interview process how you would handle this situation.

You should answer in a way that encompasses the company’s attitudes and policy. For instance, you may be able to offer them a free food item.

How Would You Maintain a Friendly Attitude in a Fast-Paced Environment?

Maintaining a friendly attitude even in a high pressure situation is paramount in the fast food industry and you may be asked how you would continue to be friendly during these times.

You should think about ways that you can keep a positive attitude even when stress is starting to set in.

Helpful Research for Your Carl’s Jr. Interview

Carl’s Jr. was first started by Carl N. Karcher. In 1941, Carl and his wife Margaret, leaped into the food business with a single hot dog cart. As business picked up, they expanded to more hot dog carts, and then eventually opened Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue.

The brand grew quickly and in 2001, Carl’s Jr. began offering the six dollar burger, which was a huge hit.

The company has been providing quality service for over 70 years and has over 1,200 restaurants throughout the US.

What Employees Say About Working Here

The employees at Carl’s Jr. enjoy working in their positions. Many of the employees say that the environment is nice and they have fun while working.

Other employees enjoy many of the benefits and perks that are offered to staff. In addition, it seems that the employees find that the schedules are flexible and they receive the hours they need without feeling constrained.

About Noah Shaw

An editor & writer on staff at LandYourLife, Noah is a career research enthusiast passionate about helping others find & work towards their ideal vocation.