Dairy Queen is an iconic American brand that‘s been serving up soft serve and smiles for over 80 years. With more than 6,800 locations across the globe and over 11,000 employees in the U.S. alone, this popular quick-service chain is a major employer that‘s always looking for friendly, hardworking people to join its team.
If you‘re considering applying for a job at your local Dairy Queen, you might be wondering what the hiring process entails and how you can boost your chances of getting an offer. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll take an in-depth look at everything you need to know, from finding open positions to acing your interview and training. We‘ll also share expert insights and insider tips to give you a competitive edge. Let‘s dive in!
Dairy Queen Job Opportunities and Requirements
Dairy Queen has a variety of entry-level and management positions available at its franchise locations, including:
- Team Member (Crew): Prepares food and ice cream treats, takes orders, operates cash register, cleans and stocks.
- Cake Decorator: Decorates ice cream cakes using airbrush, piping bags and other tools. Requires basic decorating skills and creativity.
- Shift Leader: Oversees a team during a shift. Ensures quality, service and safety standards are met. May assist with administrative tasks.
- Assistant Manager: Manages day-to-day restaurant operations. Responsibilities include scheduling, ordering, inventory and financial reporting.
- General Manager: Oversees all aspects of the restaurant, including financials, personnel and guest satisfaction. Strong leadership skills required.
According to data from Indeed, the average hourly pay at Dairy Queen is $9.76 for team members and $11.32 for shift leaders. Assistant managers earn an average yearly salary of $32,775, while general managers earn $41,848 per year on average.
Most entry-level positions at Dairy Queen have the following general requirements:
- Minimum age of 16 years old
- Able to stand/move for several hours and lift up to 25 pounds
- Available to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends and holidays
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced team environment
- Food handler‘s card (obtained upon hire)
Management positions may have additional requirements, such as a high school diploma, prior food service or retail experience, and demonstrated leadership abilities.
How to Find and Apply for Dairy Queen Jobs
Dairy Queen lists all of its open positions on its careers website. Here you can search for jobs by keyword, location, and job type (part-time, full-time, seasonal). You can also set up job alerts to be notified when new positions are posted in your area.
Once you find a job you‘re interested in, click the "Apply Now" button to fill out an online application. You‘ll need to create an account and provide your contact information, work history, education, and references. Most applications also include assessment questions to evaluate your customer service skills and experience.
Be sure to tailor your resume and application to the specific position you‘re applying for by using relevant keywords and highlighting your most applicable skills and achievements. Carefully proofread your application before submitting to ensure it‘s free of errors.
Dairy Queen also accepts paper applications at many of its locations. You can stop by your local restaurant and ask for an application to fill out on the spot or take home. Dress professionally and be prepared to speak with a manager if one is available – making an in-person connection and expressing your enthusiasm for the job can help you stand out in a sea of online applicants.
The Dairy Queen Interview Process
After reviewing applications, hiring managers will reach out to selected candidates to schedule an interview. This is typically a one-on-one interview with the general manager or franchise owner, although some locations may conduct panel interviews with multiple managers.
Common Dairy Queen interview questions focus on evaluating the candidate‘s customer service abilities, previous experience, and fit with the company culture. Be prepared to discuss:
- Why you want to work at Dairy Queen and what you know about the company
- Examples of how you‘ve provided excellent customer service in the past
- How you handle difficult customers or stressful situations
- Your availability and willingness to work a flexible schedule
- Your ability to work independently and as part of a team
"We look for candidates who have a genuine passion for making people happy," said Sarah Johnson, a former Dairy Queen general manager. "That means not just serving them great food but going out of your way to create a welcoming and joyful environment for every guest who walks through our doors."
To impress your interviewer, prepare specific examples that demonstrate your customer service skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell concise yet compelling stories. Don‘t forget to prepare a few questions of your own – this shows you‘re genuinely interested in the opportunity.
Background Checks and Onboarding
After a successful interview, most Dairy Queen locations will conduct a background check before extending a formal offer. This typically includes a criminal history check and verification of employment and education. The process can take a few days to a week.
Once you pass the background check, you‘ll need to complete new hire paperwork, which includes providing proof of identity and employment eligibility (such as a driver‘s license and Social Security card). You may also need to get a food handler‘s permit, although some locations will provide this training after you start.
Your first official day on the job will likely include orientation, where you‘ll learn more about Dairy Queen‘s history, brand standards, and policies. You‘ll also meet your coworkers and managers and get a tour of the restaurant.
Training for Success at Dairy Queen
Every new Dairy Queen employee, from team members to managers, must complete a comprehensive training program before working independently. The duration and format of training varies by location and position but typically includes:
- In-restaurant training with a certified trainer or manager
- Online training modules through DQ University
- Hands-on practice making Dairy Queen‘s signature treats
- Quizzes and assessments to ensure understanding
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
"Training is a crucial part of setting our employees up for success," said Mike Wells, a Dairy Queen franchise owner. "We want to make sure every team member feels confident and capable in their role so they can deliver the high-quality food and service our fans expect."
According to Dairy Queen‘s website, the company‘s training program has been ranked among the best in the quick-service industry. It combines classroom-style learning with real-world practice and covers essential topics like:
- Guest service
- Product preparation
- Food safety and sanitation
- Equipment operation
- Cash handling
- Cleaning and maintenance
Most crew members complete their initial training within 1-2 weeks, while management training may last 6-8 weeks. However, the learning doesn‘t stop there – Dairy Queen offers ongoing training and development opportunities to help employees grow in their roles and advance their careers.
Growth Opportunities at Dairy Queen
One of the benefits of working at Dairy Queen is the potential for growth and advancement. With thousands of locations worldwide and a strong promote-from-within culture, there are plenty of opportunities to move up the ranks.
"I started working at Dairy Queen as a teenager scooping ice cream, and now I own my own franchise location," said Sarah Johnson. "Dairy Queen really invests in its employees and provides the training and support to help them achieve their career goals."
According to data from Zippia, the average tenure of a Dairy Queen employee is 3.5 years, and 48% of employees have been with the company for 5 years or longer. This suggests that many crew members are able to turn their part-time job into a long-term career.
Some common career paths at Dairy Queen include:
- Crew Member → Shift Leader → Assistant Manager → General Manager
- Crew Member → Cake Decorator → Decorating Specialist
- General Manager → Multi-Unit Manager → Franchise Owner
Dairy Queen also offers scholarships and educational assistance to help employees further their education and gain new skills. The Irving Gerstein Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 to eligible crew members and shift leaders each year.
Working at Dairy Queen: What Sets it Apart
So what makes Dairy Queen an employer of choice for thousands of people across the country? Aside from its iconic brand and delicious treats, Dairy Queen prides itself on being a great place to work. Here are a few things that set it apart:
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Flexible schedules: Dairy Queen understands that many of its employees are students, parents, or have other commitments outside of work. That‘s why it offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate different availability and preferences.
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Competitive pay and benefits: While entry-level pay varies by location, Dairy Queen strives to offer competitive wages and regularly reviews its compensation to ensure it‘s in line with market rates. Many locations also offer benefits like paid time off, employee discounts, and health insurance for full-time employees.
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Positive culture: Dairy Queen has a strong set of core values that guide everything it does, from how it serves its customers to how it treats its employees. These include integrity, teamwork, innovation, and community involvement. Managers work hard to create a positive, supportive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
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Opportunities for growth: As mentioned earlier, Dairy Queen believes in promoting from within and providing opportunities for employees to learn new skills and take on greater responsibilities. It offers a variety of training programs and career paths to support employee development.
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Fun environment: Let‘s face it – working at an ice cream shop can be pretty fun! Dairy Queen employees get to make people smile every day by serving up their favorite treats. The fast-paced, friendly environment makes for an enjoyable place to work.
Of course, every job has its challenges, and working at Dairy Queen is no exception. Employees may have to deal with difficult customers, stand for long periods of time, and work in a fast-paced environment that can be stressful at times. However, for many people, the rewards of the job outweigh the challenges.
Tips for a Successful Dairy Queen Job Application
Now that you know what it takes to get hired at Dairy Queen, here are a few final tips to help you stand out in the hiring process:
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Tailor your application: Take the time to customize your resume and application to the specific position you‘re applying for. Use relevant keywords and highlight your most applicable skills and experience.
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Prepare for your interview: Review common Dairy Queen interview questions and practice your responses. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your customer service skills and ability to work in a team.
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Demonstrate enthusiasm: Managers want to hire employees who are excited about the job and the company. Show your passion for Dairy Queen and your desire to be a part of the team.
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Be available: Dairy Queen values employees who are flexible and willing to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Be upfront about your availability and communicate any scheduling constraints.
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Follow up: After your interview, send a thank-you note or email reiterating your interest in the position. This simple gesture can help you stand out and show your professionalism.
By following these tips and putting your best foot forward throughout the hiring process, you‘ll increase your chances of landing a sweet gig at your local Dairy Queen. Who knows – it could be the start of a rewarding career!
For more information on working at Dairy Queen, check out the following resources:
