What are some entry-level jobs?
Most entry-level jobs require you to work quickly and as part of a team. It’s a fast-paced environment. A variety of shifts are offered, as well as full- and part-time work, including nights, weekends and holidays. Some positions may even ask you to work at multiple locations.
Working at the Fresh Dough Facility, your job is to make sure equipment used to make dough is safe and clean for daily use. You’ll take apart equipment, clean and sanitize it, and put it back together.
This job is physical. You need to be able to lift 50 lbs and sometimes help push cabinets up to 400 lbs. This position requires you to work on a variety of tasks with limited supervision. Experience is preferred, but not required, in food manufacturing, as is knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
Your job is delivering orders to customers. A driver’s license, clean driving record and a vehicle you can use is required.
Drivers need to handle food safely, deliver orders quickly, treat customers with politeness and respect, and work flexible hours. You’ll also help out at the bakery. Drivers are paid competitive wages, daily mileage and tips.
- Customer Service Associate
You are the face of Panera Bread. Being familiar with the menu and making sure customers’ needs are met in a friendly and efficient way are key. You will be part of a tip pool!
An understanding of basic food safety is important. Previous retail or food service experience is helpful, but not necessary. Depending on the location, you might also work as a cashier.
If you know basic cooking and meal preparation, this is a good position for you. Food orders must be prepared accurately and quickly.
Tips to get hired here with a felony
You can apply online or directly at the bakery-cafe with a Panera Bread application. Get your resume ready to go by looking at our guide to writing a resume as a former offender!
List any volunteer work you’re doing in the community while you’re looking for a job as well as relevant work experience. You can also add anything you did in prison, such as tutoring other inmates. The more job-specific, the better!
Our best advice is to apply directly at a bakery-cafe. It can also be helpful to sign up online for job alerts, particularly if where you want to work isn’t hiring right away.
Here are some other tips:
- Avoid lunch and dinner rush hours when you go.
- Be friendly and positive when you meet the hiring manager. Make a good impression before they can judge you as a former felon.
- If they’re not hiring, ask if you can call back later. This shows you’re determined to put your best foot forward.
- Practice answering questions about your criminal record to show you’ve learned from your mistakes.
Most importantly, get a referral. These are worth their weight in gold.
If you know someone who already works here, that’s great. If not, ask for a letter of recommendation from a former employer or a person of authority. These go a long way with employers!
Advantages of working for Panera Bread
They’re a large employer expanding rapidly across the United States and always need staff. There are interesting entry-level jobs and different working hours. On-the-job training is offered and you could be trained for more than one position. This makes it more likely you can advance in the company.
Benefits include competitive pay, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation, health benefits and food and service discounts nationwide.
If you’d like to work for a family-oriented company with a great reputation and lots of opportunity for advancement, we’re confident saying you should consider Panera Bread.
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