What Is the Hiring Age at Auntie Anne’s?: You’ve always loved the smell of warm, freshly baked pretzels.
As you walk through the mall, that unmistakable scent wafts from Auntie Anne’s, drawing you in.
You notice a “Help Wanted” sign in the window and wonder if working at Auntie Anne’s could be your first job.
But before you apply, you have questions like: What is the hiring age at Auntie Anne’s? Do you have to be 16? Or can you be 14 or 15?
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Auntie Anne’s hiring age, share tips for applying and interviewing, and explain what it’s like to work there.
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What Is the Minimum Hiring Age at Auntie Anne’s?
Auntie Anne’s minimum hiring age is 16 years old. This is the legal minimum age to work in most states across the U.S.
Some key things to know about the hiring age:
- You must be at least 16 to work at any Auntie Anne’s location, whether it’s a stand-alone store or inside a mall, airport, etc.
- There are no exceptions. Auntie Anne’s will not hire 14 or 15-year-olds.
- The hiring age applies to any position – crew members, shift leaders, assistant managers, etc.
- Auntie Anne’s franchise locations must follow the exact minimum age requirement.
So if you’re younger than 16, you must wait before applying. But once you turn 16, you can bring in your application!
Tips for Applying to Auntie Anne’s at 16
If you meet the minimum hiring age, here are some tips for putting your best foot forward with your Auntie Anne’s application:
1. Highlight Any Work or Volunteer Experience
Even if you don’t have an official job history yet, Auntie Anne’s will want to see you have some experience interacting with customers, working as part of a team, handling food safely, and managing your time.
Think back to volunteer work, babysitting jobs, lawn mowing gigs, or school projects that show off relevant skills.
2. Emphasize Your Availability
Food service jobs need people who can work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Make it clear in your application that you have wide open availability since you don’t have strict school requirements.
3. Show Enthusiasm for the Brand
Let Auntie Anne’s know you’re a loyal customer. Talk about your favorite pretzel products and why you enjoy the brand. This will set you apart from other applicants.
4. Highlight Strengths Like Organization, Communication, and Positivity
Working the front counter at Auntie Anne’s requires energy, patience, and responsibility. Play up how your personal qualities will allow you to thrive in the role.
5. Apply Online or in Person
You can apply on Auntie Anne’s website or head to your local store with a printed application. Following up in person after applying online can also help.
What to Expect During the Auntie Anne’s Interview Process
After you submit your stellar application, here’s what to expect if Auntie Anne’s calls you in for an interview:
A Short Initial Interview
Your first interview may be as brief as 10-15 minutes over the phone or in person.
This allows the manager to verify your availability, interests, and basic qualifications before bringing you in for a longer interview.
An In-Depth Second Interview
During your second sit-down interview, the store manager will likely ask more in-depth questions about your work style, strengths and weaknesses, comfort working fast-paced shifts, and how you’d handle various customer service scenarios.
Scenario-Based Questions
Interview questions will focus on handling everyday situations at Auntie Anne’s, like dealing with a long line of customers, balancing taking orders and managing payment, and keeping calm under pressure.
Use examples of how you’ve solved problems successfully in the past.
A Focus on Customer Service
Since interacting with guests is a big part of the job, expect questions about how you’d represent Auntie Anne’s brand through excellent service. Share your friendliest, most patient attitude.
Safety and Sanitation Questions
Foodservice roles require following safety protocols closely, so be prepared to talk about how you’d handle food, prep equipment, and the store environment appropriately.
Availability Discussions
The manager will want to map out your ideal schedule and start date. Reiterate the hours and shifts you can work so they know you’ll meet the needs.
If you impress the manager during one or two interviews, you may get a job offer on the spot or soon after!
What’s it Like Working at Auntie Anne’s?
If you get hired at Auntie Anne’s, here’s an inside look at what you can expect:
- Fast-paced environment. The store is bustling during peak times. You’ll be on your feet, multitasking between orders, prep, and cleaning.
- Taking customer orders. You’ll greet guests, take their pretzel orders, and make suggestions if they’re unsure what to pick. Accuracy and friendliness are crucial.
- Operating the cash register. From punching in orders to handling payments and making change, you’ll get practice managing transactions.
- Preparing food and beverages. You’ll retrieve pretzels from the warmer, dress them with cinnamon sugar or dipping sauces per order specifications, and make lemonades or other drinks to accompany them.
- Maintaining food safety. Following health codes and sanitary practices will be essential to the job. You’ll keep the prep area spotless.
- Supporting opening/closing duties. Depending on your schedule, you may help open or close the store by prepping ingredients, setting up displays, cleaning, removing trash, and locking up.
- Learning new skills. With training, you can expand your merchandising, inventory control, and shipment management responsibilities.
The work keeps you busy, but you’ll likely enjoy interacting with customers, snacking on pretzels, and being part of a supportive team.
Perks often include discounted or free food, bonuses, and room to be promoted to lead roles.
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Key Takeaways About Working at Auntie Anne’s at 16
Ready to start your application? Here are some final tips:
- Double-check that you meet the minimum age requirement of 16 years old.
- Highlight customer service skills, work ethic, organization, and enthusiasm for the brand.
- Be prepared to share your availability and prove you can work evenings, holidays, and weekends.
- Use your interview to show off your friendliness, responsibility, and desire to learn.
- Expect a fast-paced, energetic environment if you get the job.
Conclusion
Working at Auntie Anne’s teaches responsibility, customer service skills, and the value of hard work.
Now that you know that the hiring age at Auntie Anne’s starts at 16, you can start preparing a strong application.
If you land the job, prepare for a fast-paced, energetic environment. From taking orders and preparing pretzels to maintaining food safety protocols and supporting opening/closing tasks, you’ll gain solid experience.
Perks like discounted food and promotion opportunities make Auntie Anne’s a great first job.
So polish up that application and head to your local Auntie Anne’s to take the first step toward an exciting new job.
With maturity, motivation, and a dash of cinnamon sugar, you’ll be ready to excel as the newest member of Auntie Anne’s team.
