How to Answer: Why Do You Want to Work for Chipotle?

Congratulations on scoring an interview at Chipotle! If you’re wondering how to best answer the question “Why do you want to work for Chipotle?” you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll provide you with expert insights on what Chipotle is looking for in an answer and actionable steps and examples to help you craft a winning response.

How to Answer

When answering this question, it’s important to do your research on Chipotle and show that you’re genuinely interested in the company. Start by highlighting what you admire about the brand. Perhaps it’s their commitment to using fresh ingredients and sustainable sourcing practices or their dedication to providing great customer service. Whatever it is, make sure to be specific and show that you’ve done your homework.

Next, tie in how your own values and experience align with Chipotle’s mission. For example, if you have experience in the food industry or have a passion for sustainability, mention how these skills and values would make you a great fit for the company. You could also highlight any personal experiences you’ve had at Chipotle and how they’ve made you a loyal customer.

Finally, don’t forget to show enthusiasm for the job you’re interviewing for. Talk about what you’re looking forward to in the role and how you see it as an opportunity to grow and develop professionally. For example, you might mention that you’re excited to learn about different cooking techniques or to work as part of a close-knit team.

Example Responses

Need more inspiration? Check out these 4 example answers.

An entry level candidate might say:

“I’ve been a fan of Chipotle for years and I love the company’s commitment to sustainability, fresh ingredients, and ethical sourcing. I also appreciate that Chipotle is always looking for ways to innovate and stay ahead of trends in the fast-casual industry. As someone who loves food and wants to learn more about the restaurant business, I think working at Chipotle would be an amazing opportunity to gain experience and grow my skillset. Plus, I know I could bring enthusiasm and energy to the team!”

Someone with previous restaurant experience could answer:

“I have over five years of experience in the restaurant industry, including two years as a shift manager. During this time, I’ve developed strong customer service and problem solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of how restaurants operate. I’m passionate about creating memorable experiences for customers and I believe that Chipotle offers the perfect platform to do so. The company’s focus on quality ingredients and its commitment to providing excellent customer service align perfectly with my own values. I’d love to join the team and help create even better experiences for Chipotle’s customers.”

A person transitioning from another field could say:

“I recently left my job in finance after realizing it wasn’t the right fit for me. After some soul searching, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in the restaurant industry. I’ve done some research and Chipotle stands out to me because of its commitment to using fresh ingredients and its dedication to sustainability. I’m excited by the prospect of learning new skills and gaining hands-on experience in the restaurant industry. I think Chipotle would be the perfect place for me to start my journey and I’m eager to contribute to the team.”

Someone looking for a managerial role could answer:

“As a manager, I’m always looking for exciting challenges, and I think working at Chipotle would provide plenty of those. With its dedication to customer service, staff development, and food quality, it’s clear that Chipotle takes pride in its work. I’m also drawn to the culture and atmosphere of the restaurants, where employees are treated with respect and encouraged to reach their potential. As someone with experience managing teams across multiple locations, I feel confident that I can help take this location to the next level.”