Since its first restaurant opened in Atlanta in 1967, Chick-fil-A has been delighting customers with its chicken sandwiches and exceptional customer service.
Today it is not only one of the largest quick-service restaurants in America, Canada, and Puerto Rico but also one of the most sought-after places to work by employees.
Its work ethos and culture, laid down by its founder S. Truett Cathy (1921-2014), hold even today and drive the restaurant’s customer service attitude and growth.
To ensure that all the new employees who join it are aware of its work culture and policies, Chick-fil-A organizes detailed orientation sessions for them. This brings us to the question most new employees have on their minds when they are invited to an orientation session.
Credited with creating the recipe for the original chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A is one of the most popular restaurants in America.
Due to its amazing work culture and work ethos, it attracts thousands of people from across the country to join it every year.
People interested in working for Chick-fil-A usually apply via the careers section on their website.
Following its stringent selection and interview process, applicants selected to work with Chick-fil-A are invited for a detailed orientation session.
The orientation session usually covers the following topics:
- Work culture and policies.
- Work safety guidelines.
- Work expectations.
- Training shifts.
While an orientation session usually lasts around 2 hours, it may differ in some cases based on the role you have applied for and your responsibilities.
Working with Chick-fil-A is an exciting opportunity and challenging at the same time. That’s why Chick-fil-A organizes an orientation session to brief its employees on their job expectations and responsibilities.
In this article, we will share details on how long is the Chick-fil-A orientation and how you should prepare for it.
Chick-fil-A Orientation
Designed to help new employees familiarize themselves with the company, the Chick-fil-A orientation is a fun session that is a must-attend for all new employees joining Chick-fil-A.
It helps you gain insight into the company’s history and learn about the founders. The meals served at Chick-fil-A, how to keep customers smiling, schedule your work timings, and work with your colleagues and senior team members.
The orientation sessions for all Chick-fil-A franchises are similar and may differ based on the local franchise’s specific needs.
Note that there are also certain formalities and prerequisites for attending the orientation, so make sure you complete them first. You will not be invited to an orientation session unless all the formalities and paperwork are completed per their deadlines.
Pre-Orientation Formalities
You need to complete all your paperwork before you can join the orientation session. Some franchises use ZippyApp to assist you with your paperwork, so make sure you complete it as soon as possible.
For example, Chick-fil-A franchises cannot onboard you unless the paperwork is completed.
Once all your paperwork is completed, you will receive an email from the Chick-fil-A Leadership team on your orientation day, which will also be your first paid working day at Chick-fil-A.
Before attending the orientation session, you also need to download some of the apps Chick-fil-A employees use to manage their schedules and communicate with each other.
The apps you need to download are:
- HotSchedules
- GroupMe
Chick-fil-A pays a lot of importance to its orientation sessions and expects all employees to attend the same diligently.
Orientation Session
The orientation session is usually held in the business offices of the franchise.
You are expected to carry your valid identification for the orientation session.
Some examples of valid identification are:
- Driving License
- Passport
- Social Security Card
- Voters Registration Card
During the orientation session, you are briefed on your duties and how to work with customers. It’s usually conducted by a senior member of the team who also answers any questions you may have about Chick-fil-A.
During these sessions, you are also briefed on the history and work culture of Chick-fil-A. All employees are expected to pay close attention during these sessions, as it will help them discharge their duties better.
Employees are also shown a food safety presentation during the orientation to guide them on handling the ingredients, preparing the food, and serving it to customers.
Post the orientation session, and there will be a photo session, wherein your headshots will be taken for the team wall.
Orientation Duration
Each orientation session is around 2 hours.
The session may be longer in some scenarios, based on the restaurant you will be working in, your job responsibilities, and the role assigned to you.
What To Wear
For the orientation session, you are expected to wear your uniform or casuals (in case you have not yet received your uniform).
You must wear black socks and non-slip black shoes during your orientation and while working in the restaurant.
Conclusion
Congratulations on joining the Chick-fil-A team.
Your first day usually entails an orientation session that may take around 2 hours.
After the orientation session, you will be assigned to your team for further training in line with your job responsibilities and duties.
Make sure you attend the orientation session on time and pay adequate attention to all the information you receive. That will help you understand the work culture of Chick-fil-A and discharge your duties efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Are You Paid for the Orientation?
You will be paid for the orientation session in line with the per-hour wages discussed for working at the restaurant.
What Do We Need To Carry at the Orientation?
You must carry valid identification and any other documents specified by the Chick-fil-A team (if not submitted already).
Are There Any Interviews During the Orientation?
No, there are no interviews or tests conducted during the orientation.
If you have been invited for an orientation session, you have already been hired for the job, and the orientation day is your first job.
